Review: Nile Rodgers and Chic, SSE Hydro, Glasgow, 13 December 2018 – Trouper Rating: ****

Nile Rodgers – goodness gracious, what a musical legend this cat is. If you like your late 70s and early 80s music in particular, he has probably had a hand in – or at least an influence on – its sound. Together with Chic partner, Bernard Edwards, he wrote all the famous songs not just for Chic (for example “LeFreak”, “Dance, Dance, Dance – Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah”), but also for groups including Sister Sledge (“We Are Family”, “Lost In Music”, “He’s the Greatest Dancer”).

Prior to the gig, Nile and ShowbizTrouper reminisced over old times with both saying they couldn’t wait for this, the first stadium date that Chic had ever undertaken as standalone performers. Basically the concert is one big party which meant the Trouper and his entourage were on their feet for the entirety. Not only were the golden array of hits mentioned above let loose, but also stomper standards that Nile and ‘Nard had written for Diana Ross including “Upside Down” and “I’m Coming Out.” Add in some of the gems that Rodgers produced for other artists, including “Let’s Dance” – which provided Bowie with his biggest-selling hit – and “Material Girl” – which provided…well… the Material Girl with one of her biggest early hits – and you can see why it was all Dance, Dance, Dance.

Such talent on display from Rodgers, his band, and the dazzling singers Kimberly Davis and Folami. “Everybody Dance”? They sure did.

Photo courtesy: Tom Overlie