When Nile Rodgers and Chic stepped into the NPR music headquarters to record a Tiny Desk performance, everyone knew it was going to be seriously funky. What people didn’t realize, however, is that the performance was going to become one of the must-watch musical events of 2023, with over four million viewers on YouTube alone flocking to the site to watch this epic set of funky classics.
The group’s setlist is jam-packed with all-out classics from beginning to end, with Chic songs like ‘Le Freak’ and ‘Good Times’ making an appearance. The group also breaks out many of the hits Nile Rodgers has written for other artists, including ‘Get Lucky’, ‘Let’s Dance’ and ‘We Are Family’. All in all, it’s an electrifying half-an-hour of groove-filled hits that are sure to get you on your feet and dancing!
One particularly special moment came during the band’s rendition of ‘Good Times’, when Mr. Nile Rodgers himself came forward to take center stage. Ensuring the audience were singing along by adding cheers, whoops, and screams to the vocal refrain, Rodgers eventually breaks out into ‘Rapper’s Delight’ by pioneering hip-hop group The Sugarhill Gang, a track which heavily samples the bass line of ‘Good Times’.
One track the group didn’t play during their Tiny Desk concert was Chic’s own ‘Everybody Dance’. But have no fear Music Man readers, because we’ve found a fantastic live version of this track for you to enjoy! Recorded in October 2017, this video shows the band playing a seriously funky version of the track live at the BBC studios, leaving every member of the audience dancing and with a huge smile on their face.
If you had any doubts as to whether Chic and Nile Rodgers had retained their talent after all these years, then these videos should have eradicated those doubts completely. Not only have these videos reminded us of the huge number of hits that Rodgers has composed and performed on over the years, but they have also proven what a great live act Chic still are, grabbing their audience’s attention with funky grooves and unmistakable vocal hooks.
Nile Rodgers and Chic have proven once again why they are legends in the world of funk with their unforgettable Tiny Desk performance. It’s an electrifying showcase of classic hits and spirited innovation that has captivated millions. If you want to dive deeper into this musical phenomenon, check out the links below to explore more about their iconic set and timeless contributions to music.