Feeling like you’re going back in time, while also being timeless, Duran Duran and Nile Rodgers & CHIC took audiences on a time-traveling adventure Tuesday night.
Kicking off the night was the incredible Nile Rodgers & CHIC. A true music legend, Nile Rodgers has a list of accolades, achievements, and awards that would make any musician jealous. With multiple GRAMMY awards as a composer, producer, arranger, and guitarist, Chairman and Inductee of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Inductee of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Rodgers has more than a few feathers in his cap. His productions for artists like David Bowie, Diana Ross, and Madonna have sold over 500 million albums collectively. Then Rodgers’ ability to continually grow and evolve within the music industry has allowed him to collaborate with contemporary artists like Lady Gaga, Sam Smith, Daft Punk, and more, keeping his musical influence relevant over six decades.
CHIC, originally known as the Big Apple Band, was a force to be reckoned with in the late 70s with several top ten hits like “Le Freak,” “I Want Your Love,” and “Everybody Dance.” “Le Freak” was Atlantic Records’ only triple platinum selling single back at that time which afforded Rodgers’ the opportunity to produce Sister Sledge, placing his mark on a wedding playlist staple with “We Are Family.” Rodgers’ musical influence continued as he helped write and produce Diana Ross’s album which featured hits like “Upside Down” and “I’m Coming Out,” David Bowie’s biggest selling album which featured hits like “Let’s Dance” and “China Girl,” plus Madonna’s iconic album Like a Virgin. Whether you realized it or not, Nile Rodgers has been influencing your records, eight-tracks, cassettes, CDs, and now streams with his musical genius.
From the moment Rodgers & CHIC hit the stage with their disco dance floor hit “Chic Cheer” the energy was palpable. The packed crowd was on their feet and ready for a full set of feel-good, move-your-feet music, that spanned generations. The crowd was treated to several Nile Rodgers & CHIC hits, flowing into covers of some of the songs Rodgers has influenced over the years like “I’m Coming Out,” “Upside Down,” and “We Are Family.” Rodgers showcased his storytelling abilities letting fans in with stories about working with Madonna, and his personal battles with cancer. The entire set was filled with incredible emotion and Rodgers said it best leading into their closing song “Good Times,” saying “Because this is what we stand for,” and a good time it sure was!
Now that the crowd was in the groove they were ready for the men of the hour, Duran Duran. Not without their own list of accolades, achievements, and awards, Duran Duran has sold over 100 million records, with 18 American hit singles, 21 UK Top 20 hits, nine Gold Records, six Platinum Records, two GRAMMY and BRIT Awards, and eight Lifetime Achievement Awards spanning their five decades in the music industry.
As one of the breakout bands of the 80s, Duran Duran captivated audiences with their blend of music, fashion, and art, instantly branding them as true rock stars and launching them to the forefront of the MTV world. Their first major hit, “Girls on Film” was the epitome of that music, fashion, and art blend. While considered controversial at the time, a heavily edited version of the video was played on MTV, followed up by their singles and equally successful videos for “Rio” and “Hungry Like the Wolf” which won the inaugural GRAMMY for Best Music Video in 1984.
While the band released music throughout the 80s and 90s it wasn’t until their comeback self-titled album in 1993 put them back on the charts with hits like “Ordinary World” and “Come Undone.” The band’s decades of success finally lead them to their own induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this November!
Ready for a full night of sing-a-longs to their lengthy list of chart-topping singles, plus debuting songs from their most recent album Future Past, the crowd could not wait for the 2022 British Invasion of Columbia, MD. Kicking off the set with “Velvet Newton,” a song from Future Past, the entire band matched the high energy of the eager crowd. Moving back and forth through their extensive catalog fans were treated to several additional hits from Future Past including “Invisible,” “Anniversary,” and “Tonight United,” while taking fans back in time with mega-hits like “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Ordinary World,” and “Girls on Film.” Leaving fans on an incredible high note, the finale was the full crowd sing-a-long hit “Rio.” From the smiles on the faces of fans young and old, from all walks of life, it was beautiful to see how music can truly bring happiness to all.
If you want your little slice of happiness, you can catch Duran Duran and Nile Rodgers & CHIC as they continue on their Future Past Tour through September.
DURAN DURAN
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