Live

Chic Ft. Nile Rodgers: O2 Arena, London 19/12/18

In the past four decades, few musicians have shown quite the talent for reinvention as Nile Rodgers. The 66-year-old songwriting colossus was at the forefront of the disco era, and his Daft Punk inspired revival has ensured he's still relevant to crowds who have never pulled on a pair of flares in their lives.

Fast forward to 2018 and the Rodgers-fronted Chic Organisation remains a force to be reckoned with. Latest long player "It's About Time" was released to huge acclaim, and sees the act collaborate with far younger artists, not least Britain's own Stefflon Don, Nao and Craig David.

Little surprise then that one of London's biggest arenas was packed for their appearance at the tail end of 2018.

There's no shortage of talent as the group emerge onstage, with singers Folami and Kimberley Davies both putting in a huge shift.

"Everybody Dance" and "I Want Your Love" are feelgood anthems which set the tone for what is to follow.

Holding his famous Hitmaker guitar, the smile barely leaves Rodgers' face throughout the set. It's a reminder of how many hits he has been behind, with tracks by Diana Ross, Sister Sledge and Madonna among those given an airing.

The night boasts deep grooves and Chic show the funk and disco spirit is still alive and kicking in 2018.

It's no surprise that mega-hit "Le Freak" is saved until the very end, with the packed-out crowd, on their feet since the start, more than happy joining in.

After an excellent year of going to live shows, the feelgood performance brought 2018 to a perfect close.
Words Dave Burke