It's probably the biggest debut gig Wales has ever seen. And the least likely, too. Who would have thought the Goldie Lookin' Chain, Newport's irrepresible drug and monkey loving razzle dazzlers, could ever cut it live?

Word has it that plans to hold the debut GLC gig in Newport were foiled after the group were systematically banned from every venue. But from the expectations and excitement tonight, they could forget all about a PA at Zanzis - selling out Newport Centre wouldn't be too much of a problem.

With a word-of-mouth fanbase grown from MP3s and occasional self-financed releases, the chances of GLC ever making a live appearance seemed pretty slim. After all, they were a stoned novelty act, no? Well yeah, you fools - that's the whole, glorious point.

Cardiff's Clwb Ifor Bach has never seen anything like it. The place is heaving and sweaty, with an audience made up of Newport scallies, friends of the band and a fair representation of the South Wales music industry - members of Lostprophets and Super Furry Animals are spotted lurking in the shadows.

Cramming 15 band members onto Clwb Ifor Bach's tiny stage is no mean feat, but GLC manage it by sacking off the live instruments and rapping over a DAT instead. It's a well-tried safety net for tentative live rappers, and handily ensures nothing goes too wrong tonight. So what if a couple of them can't rap for toffee?

But can the Goldie Lookin' Chain carry it off? Course they can. Led by the irrepressible Adam Hussein and P Xain, they're clearly having the time of their lives. Kicking off with Rollerdisco, it's all Burberry headgear, Silver Shadows and leisurewear all the way. And whether they're ripping off So Solid Crew for 21 Ounces, or taking pot shots at J-Lo, P Diddy, Ja Rule and Alicia Keys, all in the space of one chorus, the grins sported by the audience members say it all.

With various camcorders and many more digital cameras in evidence, there's a clear sense of history in the making tonight. Who knows - one day, just maybe, this debut will be mentioned in the same breath as the Sex Pistols at the 100 Club, or Bowie at the Hammersmith Odeon, and you'll be able to crack open a packet of Werthers Originals and say to your admiring grandkids, "GLC's first live show? I was there, clart".