SOME of the biggest names in music are performing at Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre this summer and on Sunday evening it was the turn of the legendary Nile Rodgers & Chic, writes Dave Lawrence.

Rodgers, the guitarist, writer and producer of so many iconic songs had the sun baked crowd in the palm of his hand from the opening trio of Chic classics ‘Everybody Dance’, ‘Dance, Dance, Dance’ and ‘I Want Your Love’, with even those in the high banked seating on their feet from the very start.

Vocals were handled by the excellent Kimberly Davis and Fomali leaving Rodgers, looking effortlessly cool in his white jacket, beret and shades to deliver his trademark, instantly recognisable guitar licks.

Rodgers‘ influence is such that we were not restricted to Chic numbers but to other music he has worked on throughout his career. A medley of Diana Ross and Sister Sledge songs ‘I’m Coming Out’ and ‘Upside Down’ followed by ‘He’s the Greatest Dancer’ and ‘We Are Family’ delighted the crowd.

The hits came fast and furious all evening - Madonna’s ‘Like A Virgin’, Duran Duran’s ‘Notorious’ (interrupted by a five minute power outtage), Daft Punk’s ‘Get Lucky’, and Bowie’s ‘Let Dance’ revealing the sheer depth and breadth of Rodger’s influence on popular music.

A wonderful performance also included the two huge Chic hits, ‘Le Freak’ and ‘Good Times’, the latter including an excerpt from ‘Rapper’s Delight’ the hip-hop smash that utilises Chic’s bass and strings sections.

Rodgers returns to the area for a show at Alnwick Castle on July 11.