[dave790]

I see it more as they are just being true to Q-Tip’s rhymes. Those lyrics are how he expressed himself. Ultimately it’s the Beastie Boys name on the IC album, those lyrics are part of it, on the sleeve etc. While you can argue that it changes things if Q-Tip is not there in a live setting, they obviously thought otherwise at the time - or were certainly relaxed about it.

I don’t think there’s any doubt that it would provoke a minor shit-storm if performed that way today though, and I’d have to say with good reason.

Incidentally the energy of those 95 shows is incendiary.