I don't think I'll ever forget seeing Chic in the late, lamented Tripod in 2010. Pre-'Get Lucky' and the re-Nileassance, it was nonetheless a jam-packed gig where everybody danced themselves crazy and sang along joyously from start to finish. Afterwards, there was a genuinely euphoric feeling in the air.
A few years later, I saw Nile Rodgers and co. in Vicar Street and they were, if anything, even better. Thanks to Rodgers' Daft Punk connection and an increased awareness of his stellar CV (one of the greatest in pop), Chic's popularity has grown enormously over the past five years and there is an expectant sold-out crowd in attendance at Iveagh Gardens. There's a light drizzle falling when the band, dressed in their trademark all-white, take to the stage, but - right on cue - the rain ceases when they kick into the wonderful 'Everybody Dance'.
It's not that hard to sing along to Chic tunes – the chorus is usually a variation on "Dance!" – and there's enthusiastic crowd participation on the self-explanatory 'Dance Dance Dance', as well as disco classics like 'I Want Your Love', 'I'm Coming Out' and 'Upside Down'. Rodgers has a positive genius for irresistible funk rhythms and by the time tunes such as 'He's The Greatest Dancer', 'We Are Family' and 'Soup For One' roll around, the place is jumping like Studio 54.
Of course, aside from the material he wrote for Chic, Rodgers has produced a treasure trove of pop hits, and thus the band are able to call on iconic hits of the calibre of 'Like A Virgin', 'Lost In Music' and Duran Duran's 'Notorious'. A particular highlight is their version of Carly Simon's 'Why', a reggae-tinged gem that enjoyed a second life as a comedown tune in Ibiza DJ sets.
However, the track that really returned Rodgers to his rightful place in the pop pantheon is 'Get Lucky', which is duly afforded a rapturous reception. It's followed soon after by David Bowie's immortal 'Let's Dance' and if you're not singing along by this point, there really is no hope for you.
A hugely charismatic character, Nile Rodgers has enjoyed his most successful chapter yet having recovered from a cancel diagnosis a few years ago. He looks like someone who revels in every minute onstage and his infectious enthusiasm makes him a superb frontman. Having seen Chic on several occasions, I have no hesitation in saying that in the pop-rock arena, they are one of the best live acts in the world.