Beastie Boys

In May 1985, when the Beastie Boys performed at the St. Paul Civic Center, they were riding high on the success of their debut album, "Licensed to Ill." Released just a few months earlier, in November 1986, this record catapulted them to fame with hits like “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)” and “No Sleep till Brooklyn.” Fast forward to that live recording, and you can hear the raw energy and youthful exuberance that defined the band's early sound; their punk roots blended with hip-hop sensibilities made them a unique force in the music world. Interestingly, this was a time when they were still establishing their identity—moving away from their hardcore punk beginnings towards a more rap-oriented style. Watching that performance, you can almost feel the excitement they generated, a vibrant reminder of how they carved out their niche in the ever-evolving music scene of the mid-'80s.

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