Live Review: Lionel Richie & Chic Feat Nile Rodgers

It's downright impossible that you've never heard Nile Rodgers' work.

As the lead guitarist of one of disco's most enduring acts, CHIC, Rodgers led the group to '70s pop stardom with hits like Le Freak, Everybody Dance and I Want Your Love. The thick eroticism of Good Times led it to become one of the most sampled tunes in hip hop history, perhaps most notably featured as the backbone of Sugarhill Gang's Rapper's Delight. Tonight, with a band of veterans behind him, Rodgers, his dreadlocks and his beloved Stratocaster guide the audience through an epic odyssey of his songwriting career. Beginning with the hits of Diana Ross and Madonna and ending on a tender rendition of Daft Punk's Get Lucky, the crowd are far beyond warmed up.

Now for a man that needs no introduction, just a friendly Hello, Lionel Richie takes to the stage in a sequined red jacket with an elastic smile plastered on his face. Launching right into a blissful version of The Commodores' Easy, Richie makes no bones about the fact that he is here to "play the hits, all night long". The crowd roars with a hunger for love stories and nostalgia. With his effortless singing, he sounds just as if we're listening to one of his classic singles at home, complete with many moments of soulful vocal gymnastics. The virtuoso players of his backing band wail along in perfect pitch to the melody of Richie's piano. Particular credit should be given to the saxophonist and harmonica player of the group, as the star of tonight's performance continually eyes his skills with visible disbelief.

With no time for cover songs or deep cuts, Richie moves from hit to hit with the crowd echoing his lyrics without interruption. Mothers and fathers are brought to their feet to bounce along to Brick House, only to be sent back into each other's arms for Stuck On You. His music is the soundtrack to a generation of big-haired, fluorescent-dressed romantics falling in love. After noticing a little girl dancing her heart out amid the swaying adults, Richie immediately draws the crowd's attention to her passion: "See that little girl right there? That's how I know I've still got a future in this business when I turn 92."

After tonight's performance, we know he will.