Electric Eye - Rock & Roll Memories: Nile Rodgers & Chic @ la Seine Musicale, Boulogne-Billancourt

Disco has often been unfairly maligned over the years, dismissed as a watered-down version of funk and R&B. This disdain wasn't merely a musical or cultural divide; the notorious Chicago Disco Demolition Night in 1979 revealed a deeper, more troubling undercurrent of racism. However, 45 years later, the enduring legacy of bands like Earth, Wind & Fire, Boney M., and Chic stands tall, allowing the pioneers of that era to finally enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Chic's original lineup ended with the tragic passing of Bernard Edwards in Japan nearly three decades ago, and Tony Thompson's death seven years later seemed to seal their fate. Yet, guitarist, songwriter, producer, and singer Nile Rodgers understood that Chic's legacy was bigger than any one individual. After overcoming cancer more than ten years ago, Rodgers made it his mission to reclaim and solidify that legacy.

The band Rodgers has assembled today is as tight and funky as the original, doing justice to the music that transcends the strobe lights, disco balls, glitter, sequins, and afros. And when you start a concert with songs like Le Freak, Everybody Dance and Dance, Dance, Dance, you'd better have one hell of a catalogue to back it up... Obviously, this really isn't a concern here as the concert is not merely a celebration of Chic or the Chic Organization's productions (Sister Sledge, Diana Ross, Sheila B. Devotion); it also features hits produced by Rodgers for other iconic acts (Madonna, Duran Duran, David Bowie) and his famous collaborations (Daft Punk, Beyoncé). Additionally, songs sampled by other artists (Modjo, Sugarhill Gang, Will Smith) breathe new life into the performance. This carefully curated setlist is a spectacular array of hits and classics, meticulously designed to keep the audience dancing for a full 90 minutes.

In the audience, three generations of music fans unite to celebrate those Good Times and party with Rodgers. Despite being a septuagenarian, he still knows how to get down and boogie, effortlessly delivering those relentlessly funky guitar licks. Leading the band and the crowd in a massive dance and singalong, Rodgers ensures that the groove reigns supreme. This concert is more than just a show—it's a euphoric, intergenerational party where the spirit of disco is alive and kicking.

Experience or re-live the concert by playing the setlist in the embedded Apple Music player below