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Under the grey skies of Margate, Nile Rodgers and Chic rolled back the years to deliver a performance that was nothing short of spectacular to a sell-out crowd at Dreamland.
For those in the know, there’s very little I could say about the 71-year-old whose presence and success in music go far beyond kingship and are far closer to God-like.
With a catalogue of music ranging from Daft Punk to Madonna and David Bowie to Beyonce - not to mention a wild collection of others – it was always going to be a truly brilliant night for music lovers.
Thousands flocked to the vibrant amusement park, which provided a perfect backdrop for a night steeped in nostalgia, groove and timeless tunes.
Having somehow never been to the venue before, I found myself tremendously impressed with the setup which really owes itself to live music.
But this isn’t about me and from the moment the legendary guitarist and producer stepped onto the stage, the energy was palpable.
Credit must also go to Sophie Ellis-Bextor, of Murder on the Dancefloor fame, whose 45-minute warmup set was the perfect way to get the audience on the hook ahead of the main event.
Assisted by Chic, Rodgers radiated charisma and joy as he intertwined music with tales of his life.
Wasting no time at all, the concert kicked off with Le Freak before transitioning seamlessly into Everybody Dance, instantly captivating the crowd and setting the tone for the night.
Nile’s setlist was a masterclass in hits, showcasing his prolific career both with Chic and his collaborations with other iconic artists.
The synergy between Rodgers and his band was electric, with each member showcasing immense talent and an undeniable love for the music.
And the vocal performances of Kimberley Davis and Audrey Martells were stellar. The duo brought immense power and soul to every song, adding another layer of depth to the already rich musical experience.
But the main attraction, who is known for his impeccable guitar riffs and production genius, did not disappoint. Nile’s guitar work was flawless, seamlessly weaving through the complex rhythms and melodies that define Chic’s sound.
As they transitioned into classics like Madonna’s Like A Virgin and Lost in Music by Sister Sledge, the audience was transported back to the heydays of disco and pop with such enthusiastic participation, turning Dreamland into a massive dance floor.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the performance of Good Times, an anthem of celebration and resilience.
As they had done all evening, the crowd offered a belting rendition of the chorus, but there was just something extra special about this version of the song.
The visual aspect of the concert was just as impressive as the audio. Dreamland’s historic charm was complemented by a sophisticated light show that bathed the stage in vibrant colours, enhancing the mood of each song.
As the night drew to a close, the feeling in the air was one of pure elation.
Nile Rodgers and Chic had not only delivered a performance filled with musical brilliance but had also created an atmosphere of unity and joy.
Dreamland had, for one night, become a haven of disco delight, leaving the audience with memories that would last a lifetime.
A triumphant celebration of music, nostalgia, and the unifying power of a good groove, let’s hope one of music’s legends finds the time to come back soon.