Archive for the ‘Nile Rodgers’ Category

Nile Rodgers & Chic, Newcastle City Hall, 26 November 2024

Some gigs are just made for pure joy, and a Nile Rodgers & Chic concert guarantees just that. From the moment Nile Rodgers stepped onto the stage, guitar in hand, it was clear that this was going to be a night of wall-to-wall classics, celebrating some of the most iconic songs in music history. Rodgers is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, a multiple Grammy winner, and quite simply one of the most important figures in modern music.

Whether through his work with Chic, his collaborations with David Bowie, Madonna, Diana Ross, and Daft Punk, or his signature production style, his influence has been massive. This show was a reminder of just how many timeless tracks he has been responsible for.

The setlist was relentless, with barely a moment to catch breath between one classic after another. They kicked off in style with “Le Freak”, instantly setting the mood with its infectious groove. From there, it was an unstoppable disco-funk party, running through “Everybody Dance”, “Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)”, and “I Want Your Love”.

It wasn’t just Chic songs either—Rodgers made sure to celebrate his wider body of work, seamlessly blending tracks he produced for other artists. Diana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out” and “Upside Down” flowed effortlessly into Sister Sledge’s “He’s the Greatest Dancer” and “We Are Family”, creating an atmosphere of pure celebration.

One of the most impressive aspects of the show was seeing just how many generations of music Rodgers has influenced. He took us from Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” and “Material Girl” to David Bowie’s “Modern Love”, before moving into the Daft Punk era with “Get Lucky” and “Lose Yourself to Dance”. Hearing these tracks live, played by such an incredible band, was something truly special. Even Beyoncé’s “Cuff It”, which heavily features Rodgers’ signature chic-style guitar work, sounded completely at home in the set.

This wasn’t just a nostalgia trip. Rodgers has been shaping the sound of popular music for decades, and this performance was proof that his influence is still as strong as ever. The crowd were on their feet from the first note and never sat down. By the time “Let’s Dance” kicked in, the entire venue felt like a huge dancefloor, and when the final medley of “Good Times” and “Rapper’s Delight” began, it was clear that no one wanted the night to end.

There are few musicians who can fill a setlist with so many stone-cold classics, and even fewer who can still perform them with such passion and energy. Nile Rodgers is a living legend, and seeing him live is more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of the music that has shaped generations.

This wasn’t just a night of nostalgia, it was a reminder that great music never ages. And as the final notes of “Good Times” rang out, it was impossible not to smile. Because that’s exactly what a Nile Rodgers gig is all about—pure, unfiltered joy.

Setlist: Le Freak, Everybody Dance, Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah), I Want Your Love, I’m Coming Out / Upside Down, He’s the Greatest Dancer / We Are Family, Like a Virgin / Material Girl, Modern Love, CUFF IT, Get Lucky, Lose Yourself to Dance, Lost in Music, Notorious, Spacer, Soup for One / Lady (Hear Me Tonight), Thinking of You, My Feet Keep Dancing, Chic Cheer, My Forbidden Lover, Let’s Dance, Good Times / Rapper’s Delight