Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL DISCO LEGENDS CHIC RETURN TO BELFAST FOR WATERFRONT HALL GIG
STIFF LITTLE FINGERS RETURN TO BELFAST FOR SUMMER Chsq CONCERT
There is little doubt that history will see Chic as the greatest ever disco band. And there’s nothing that can be said about founder and frontman Nile Rodgers that hasn’t already been heard by billions of people, via millions of radio airwaves, in thousands of cities, the world over.
He just can’t stop making hits, inspiring the world, smiling and living life.
And what a life he’s lived.
Born into a mixed-race, bi-coastal family of dope-fiend bohemians, he learned everything he needed to know about love, loss, fashion, art, music, and the subversive power of underground culture. By the time SUMMER wouldn’t be summer, it seems, without a homecoming visit from our favourite angry old men. Stiff Little Fingers, while never too long away from Belfast, have a nailed-on slot among the Custom House Square headliners – and long may it last. It’s definitely an alternative Ulster to the one Jake Burns and Co wrote about in the late 70s but there is still much for him to get exercised about, from Trump’s America to austerity Britain and even, after a beer or two, the failing fortunes of Newcastle United FC. And with a loyal fanbase built up over more than 40 years – you’ll see proud parents taking their he was sixteen, Nile was on his own, busking through the sixties, half-hippie and half–black Panther, jamming with Jimi Hendrix, rocking out at Max’s Kansas City, touring with Big Bird on Sesame Street’s road show, and playing in the legendary Apollo Theater house band behind history’s greatest soul singers. And then one night, he discovered disco.
He went on to write, produce, compose, arrange and play on some of the most iconic records in the history of music, form and lead the most seminal disco band ever, live voraciously through the hedonistic times of 70’s New York, overcome a gruelling battle against cancer and along the way pick up every award going for songwriting.
All of this with the most infectious smile, never-say-die positivity and inimitable charm that has become his calling card.
From the most famous artists ever recorded to the most contemporary and diverse range of acts the likes of Disclosure, Avicii and Daft Punk, each one to a person has sought out Nile’s unrivalled funk-driven approach to music and collaboration.
Decades of hits and hedonism were brought to a shuddering halt in 2010 with the diagnosis of an aggressive form of prostate cancer. But even in the immediate aftermath of the discovery, Nile laid the foundations for his battle by refusing to cancel gigs and throwing himself headlong Dm-booted youngster to SLF shows these days – they have plenty to preach the message to. Their concerts are a strange affair these days. Part nostalgia, part camaraderie, part righteous anger, it’s both comforting and unsettling that, approaching their 60s a band such as SLF remain relevant. But they do. Songs such as Alternative Ulster and Suspect Device may well be sung back with the gusto of a merry football crowd but Johnny Was’s “single shot rings out in a Belfast night” is among punk’s most powerful lines and serves as reminder that crime gangs have a strong grip on this place… into living life and loving living.
“From that moment I decided I was going to work as much as I could, play as many concerts, do as many records, because that’s what I live for.” he noted.
“I said to myself, if I had a reason to get up the next day, hopefully I’ll get up the next day because I just love to do my job.”
His vigorous resolve resulted in a new found life for Chic in which they reestablished themselves as the legendary performers they are and Rodgers as the bona fide legend that he will always be.
Chic and Nile Rodgers return to Belfast to play at the Waterfront Hall on 4 June and tickets are on sale now from usual Ticketmaster outlets.
They’re supported by New Model Army, fellow former angry young men, whose indie mega hit Vengeance became a sort-of call to arms for new age punks in the 80s and 90s. Northern Ireland’s Therapy?, one of the great bands of our youth and beyond, are also on the bill as are The Toy Dolls (we may have to take the kids along just for Nelly The Elephant) while Terri Hooley will keep everything rolling along nicely on the decks. Sounds like the perfect night out to us – Saturday, August 24, from 6pm. Tickets
£27 plus booking fee from ticketmaster. ie and the usual outlets…