Nile Rodgers and CHIC closed the Salt and Tar festival in Bootle on Monday night (August 17), delivering a set packed with decades of hits and behind-the-scenes stories.
Addressing the crowd, Rodgers said: "I tell every audience this. I write and produce songs for a lot of really big superstars." He then proved the point repeatedly, as generations danced to songs written for artists ranging from Diana Ross to Daft Punk.
Madonna and the 'Like a Virgin' title
Recalling his work producing Madonna's second studio album, Rodgers said he pushed for 'Material Girl' as the title. Madonna declined, and the album became 'Like a Virgin'. Rodgers joked that she wanted to "show me who's the boss".
The set opened with 'Freak Out', followed by 'I Want Your Love' and 'Soup for One'. Before playing 'Everybody Dance', Rodgers noted it was the first song he ever wrote for CHIC.
Hits from Bowie to Daft Punk
The show wove in David Bowie's 'China Girl' and 'Let's Dance', while Daft Punk's 'Get Lucky' and 'Lose Yourself to Dance' captured the evening's spirit. A poignant tribute was paid to CHIC's late co-founder Bernard Edwards.
Rodgers also spoke about receiving the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023, joking that such awards are usually given posthumously, and that the Grammys might have called his doctor.
The award recognised a career that has influenced generations of musicians, and the Bootle crowd heard exactly why.
