WORDS ANDY C / IMAGES DESH KAPUR
Tonight was a night for the true disco fan, Nile rodgers and Chic ( The King Of Disco) and the beautiful Sophie Ellis Bexter (The Queen of the Kitchen Disco)
On July 11, 2024, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod was graced with a spectacular performance by none other than Sophie Ellis-Bextor as the support act was a master stroke, Ellis-Bextor brought her signature style and infectious energy to the stage, setting the perfect tone for an evening of disco magic.
Dressed in a shimmering green dress and silver shoes, Sophie Ellis-Bextor embodied the disco queen persona to perfection. From the moment she stepped on stage, she captivated the audience with her undeniable charisma. a giant disco ball reflections danced across the white Big Top tent, creating a magical atmosphere that transported everyone back to the golden age of disco.
Ellis-Bextor’s performance was a triumphant live rendition of her “Kitchen Disco” series, which gained massive popularity during the spring lockdown of 2020. For ten weeks, her live Instagram shows brought joy to countless fans, culminating in her greatest hits album, “Songs From The Kitchen Disco.” The Llangollen audience, a mix of die-hard fans and newcomers, many dressed in sequins, were clearly excited to experience this in person.
Ellis-Bextor’s set was a mix of disco classics and covers, each song performed with the kind of enthusiasm and flair that only she can deliver. Her engaging stage presence had the audience grooving along from start to finish. Highlights included her iconic hit “Murder On The Dancefloor,” which has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to its feature in the movie “Saltburn.”
Tonight proved Sophie Ellis-Bextor is not just a performer but a true entertainer. Her ability to connect with the audience, combined with her flawless execution of each track, made for a truly memorable show. Her title as the Queen of the Kitchen Disco is well-deserved. Hats off to Sophie Ellis-Bextor for a fantastic show that set the stage perfectly for Nile Rodgers and Chic.
And as the sun began to set on the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Nile Rodgers and Chic took to the stage and delivered pure disco magic, blowing the roof of the Big Top with an electrifying performance. From the moment Rodgers took the stage, it was clear we were in for a night of unparalleled musical excellence and unrelenting energy.
Opening with “Le Freak,” it set the tone for what would be an unforgettable journey through some of the greatest hits in the history of popular music. The setlist was an array of classics, each song seamlessly seguing into the next, keeping the energy at a fever pitch. The crowd was treated to an array of hits Rodgers had penned for other legendary artists, including Sister Sledge‘s “Lost in Music” and “Thinking of You,” David Bowie‘s “Let’s Dance,” Duran Duran‘s “Notorious” (whom Rodgers affectionately referred to as “his other band”), and Madonna‘s “Like a Virgin / Material Girl”
Of course, Chic’s own anthems were the night’s main attractions. “I Want Your Love” and “Le Freak” had the audience dancing in the isles, while “Good Times” closed the show with a bang, leaving everyone on a high note. The band’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. The musicianship was razor-sharp, each member contributing to the infectious grooves that had everyone on their feet. The two vocalists who performed alongside Rodgers were phenomenal, their voices blending perfectly and bringing the classic tracks to life with fresh energy.
Nile Rodgers himself was the epitome of cool. Sporting his signature dark glasses and hat, baggy cargo pants, and a black jacket covered in graffiti, he exuded effortless style. His charisma and passion for music were evident in every note he played, and his interactions with the audience were warm and genuine, making the massive Big Top feel like an intimate club.
As the night progressed, it became clear that this was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of a musical legacy that has spanned decades. The entire tent was alive with dancing and singing from start to finish, a testament to the timeless appeal of Rodgers’ songwriting genius. Nile Rodgers & Chic’s performance at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod was a reminder of why Rodgers is considered one of the greatest songwriters and producers of all time.
The night was a joyous, high-energy journey through some of the best-loved songs of the last few decades, all delivered by a band at the height of their powers. Nile Rodgers and Chic didn’t just put on a show; they created an unforgettable experience that left everyone in the Big Top buzzing with disco fever.
SET LIST
1/ Le Freak
2/ Everybody Dance
3/ Dance, Dance, Dance
4/ I Want Your Love
5/ I’m Coming Out / Upside Down
(Diana Ross)
6/ Like a Virgin / Material Girl / Modern Love
7/ CUFF IT
(Beyoncé cover)
8/ Get Lucky
(Daft Punk cover)
9/ Lose Yourself to Dance
(Daft Punk cover)
10/ Lost in Music
(Sister Sledge cover)
11/ Notorious
(Duran Duran cover)
12/ Spacer
(Sheila & B. Devotion cover)
13/ Soup for One / Lady (Hear Me Tonight)
14/ Thinking of You
(Sister Sledge cover)
15/ My Feet Keep Dancing
16/ Chic Cheer / My Forbidden Lover
17/ Let’s Dance
(David Bowie cover)
18/ Good Times / Rapper’s Delight
FOLLOW NILE RODGERS AND CHIC
FOLLOW SOPHIE ELLIS BEXTER
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
