Nile Rodgers and Chic’s performance is gift to the audience as Rodgers showcases his rich legacy.

★★★★★ (5/5)

**NILE RODGERS & CHIC PERFORMING AT GLASGOW’S LEGENDARY BARROWLAND BALLROOM**
**PHOTOCREDIT: STUART WESTWOOD**

Nile Rodgers is a living legend. The musician, producer, and co-founder of the band Chic, delighted in genres he would later revolutionize while his little black book grew into a dictionary of anyone who is anyone.

Growing up with difficult and unconventional upbringing shaped Rodgers’ artistic sensibilities and resilience. In a 1950s New York household, affected by addiction and economic instability, a young Nile Rodgers was instilled with drive to succeed and a deep empathy which would evolve his ability to connect with a wide range of people.

As a child, Rodgers found solace and inspiration in music. He learned to play the flute and later picked up the guitar and, despite the difficulties he faced growing up, Nile Rodgers' story is one of resilience, creativity, and triumph, setting the stage for his later success in shaping the sound of an era. Decades into his career, Nile Rodgers remains a cultural force, producing chart-topping hits and collaborating with the hottest and most talented.

The iconic Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom was bustling to rafters as excitement rippled round the crowd like a wave pool. As the lights dropped and the band took to the stage, any remaining inhibitions were let go through plentiful applause; immediately followed by Nile Rodger complementing the Scottish crowd. He spoke of how Chic loved to play in Glasgow and that it was a city that knew how to party; the building delighted in this ego stroke.

The show’s start was filled with the pure joy of disco and funk that Chic and Rodgers fine-tuned throughout the 70s and 80s. Opening with ‘Le Freak’ and ‘Everybody Dance,’ the Barrowlands began to get loose. Rodgers’ distinctive “chucking” guitar technique—characterized by rhythmic, funky strumming—has become iconic. His grooves are instantly recognizable and foundational to funk, disco, and pop music.

The group’s bassist, Jerry Barnes, is irresistibly talented and hard to draw your eyes off – even while sharing the stage with Rodges. Barnes has an all-encompassing power over the audience and, as if sorcery, he controls the eyes of the fans through his own unique pair of peepers. As if transfixed by the rhythm, the crowd follow his sermon of funky beats.

Rodgers showcased his huge repertoire of work. From hits he did for Diana Ross, like ‘I’m Coming Out,’ to his work with the likes of Madonna, Daft Punk and Beyoncé; Rodgers shows how he has moved through musical era with effortless ease. Vocalists Kimberly Davis and Audrey Martells do a splendid job at keeping up with the different styles of tracks with Madonna’s ‘Like a Virgin’ and Queen Bee’s smash hit ‘Cuff It.’

The bassline from Chic’s ‘Good Times’ is one of the most sampled tracks in music history, influencing hip-hop classics like Sugarhill Gang's ‘Rapper's Delight’ and this is how the crowd are sent home dancing. Rodgers, who has given everyone a memory to cherish, continues to spread cheer with his glowing warmth and again takes his time to compliment the crowd in Glasgow.

Nile Rodgers and Chic performance in Glasgow was a true night to remember as they gave the crowd everything and more. His music transcends genres and eras and it is clearly evident why fans and collaborators alike speak of his kindness, humility, and ability to make others feel valued. It’s no surprise people love Nile Rodgers not just for the iconic music he’s created, but for the joy, innovation, and humanity he brings to everything he does. His work has touched millions, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans.