[Review] Forest Live 2024: Nile Rodgers and Chic headline at Westonbirt

Swindon Link’s freelance reporter, Jessica Durston, attended a night of music at Westonbirt Arboretum, seeing live performances from Deco, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Nile Rodgers and Chic.

This year marked my second trip to Westonbirt Arboretum for a Forest Live concert, and I couldn’t wait to get back to the natural and secluded music venue space for another incredible night of live performances.

Although the evening’s weather remained fairly overcast, with the occasional shower, it did not dampen the spirits of those who gathered in the arboretum clearing to enjoy listening to live music; or the spirits of those who gathered backstage to go out and enjoy playing the live music.

The picturesque green space at Westonbirt welcomes you in, and the Forest Live team (in partnership with Live Nation’s Cuffe & Taylor) were determined to make the evening that bit more accessible for those in attendance. Large screens set up high next to the speakers provided everyone with unlimited access to a great view of the main stage, no matter where they chose to sit or stand. There was also a set of rotating staff members on hand to sign every single song in BSL, for those who would require it. 

To kick the evening’s events off, the up-and-coming, 80s-inspired, quintet Deco took to the stage first. They charmed the amassing crowd almost instantaneously with their high energy and feel-good pop songs. 

As the band are due to release their debut album ‘Destination: I Don’t Know’ in September, they were keen to plug this, and play some of the tracks that will appear on it during their half-hour, opening set. During the course of their time onstage, they played a mixture of the songs from the aforementioned new release, their latest single ‘Rain’, and a raucous cover of The Verve’s ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’, that got people on their feet and singing along. 

A highlight for me personally, was their catchy track ‘Photograph’, which lead singer Max Kendall explained is all about ‘capturing special moments.’ Max demonstrated some impressive falsetto vocals, and you couldn’t help but move your feet along to the beat. The band were also joined by dancer Tali Foxworthy-Bowers, dressed in a suit with a giant camera covering her head, which made for quite the spectacle. 

The Staffordshire band were determined to capture their special moment playing on the same bill as Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Nile Rodgers and Chic in front of a large crowd, by asking the audience to join them in taking a ‘massive group selfie’ simultaneously. Those who took photos on their phones were then invited to upload their selfies by scanning a QR code. The band informed everyone that they would be using some of the photos collected for a future music video. 

Furthermore, another track of Deco’s set that stood out was ‘Everybody Wants To Be Somebody Else’. This summery pop number was reminiscent of an early Wham track, with Max’s vocals echoing those of George Michael. Deco is a band to watch, I’m sure of that. Their infectious, feel-good energy, and great onstage chemistry with one another got everyone in the partying mood and opened the tripartite bill perfectly. 

Next up was Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who brought her famed ‘Kitchen Disco’ all the way to the Gloucestershire forest location. The crowds of people really started gathering when she made her entrance, and the dancing kings and queens in the audience were unbridled and ready to go.

Sophie began her set with ‘Crying at the Discotheque’, and encouraged the hundreds huddled close to her in front of the stage to let go of their inhibitions and let their emotions loose. Her positivity, and consistent interaction with the audience became a watermark for her stint performing on the stage at Westonbirt. 

Singing and dancing tirelessly for the 45 minute duration of her slot, Sophie was magnetic in her sparkly jumpsuit - you couldn’t take your eyes off her.

During ‘Hypnotized’, the pop princess attempted to teach the willing music fans some choreography to join in with. Like devoted disciples, a large number of attendees were only too happy to oblige. 

Ellis-Bextor’s setlist was varied, but she made sure to choose only the real uplifting gems - the fan favourites - from her own back catalogue, and from the songbooks of other artists. Her selections included Madonna’s ‘Like A Prayer’, ABBA’s ‘Gimme Gimme Gimme’, and the popular dance floor hit ‘Lady’ by Modjo (which she then decided to blend in with her own song ‘Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love)’) which really whipped the audience up into a frenzy, and got them singing along.

She saved her hit ‘Murder On The Dancefloor’ until last, which undoubtedly made the biggest impression, and saw the army of music–lovers start jumping around wildly and joining in with Sophie for every chorus. The Kitchen Disco band were throwing themselves into the moment, and donned rubber animal masks, to further reflect the exuberant chaos of this well-loved penultimate number. Another act and another memorable set down, and the audience could now barely contain their excitement for the third and final band - Nile Rodgers and Chic…and boy, did they not disappoint…

This headline set felt like everyone at Westonbirt had been whisked back in time to Studio 54 for an evening of disco funk magic. Nile emerged from backstage, dressed in some jazzy aztec-print, flared trousers, and a pinky-peach silk blazer - ever the pinncale of style and effortless cool. 

The band started their iconic set with the Chic classic ‘Le Freak’, and all those gathered in the wooded expanse went wild. This dance classic set the bar high, and Nile and the band maintained the energy throughout the entirety of their show. 

Their portion of the evening was a whistle-stop journey through time and through Nile’s unbelievably extensive, and varied body of work (both with, and outside of Chic). This journey was complete with introductions and fun facts about the tracks from the main man himself. The group did a medley of hits that Nile wrote with/for other smash-hit artists, including Madonna, Diana Ross, Duran Duran, Daft Punk, Sister Sledge, Beyonce, and my personal favourite…David Bowie! 

As well as all of this, the band also managed to find time in their hour-and-a-half headline slot to perform the well-loved Chic hits ‘Everybody Dance’, ‘I Want Your Love’, ‘Dance Dance Dance’, ‘My Forbidden Lover’ and more!

Although Nile is a superstar (and witnessing him performing all these well known tracks only made you feel even more aware of his stratospheric status), he came across very humble and personable. He was often pointing, waving, and talking to strangers in the crowd, gathered mere metres away from his feet. His connection with his fans was evident - as was his connection and comradery with his bandmates. They were a well-oiled disco machine. 

The two vocalists joining him onstage, Audrey Martells and Kimberly Davis, were awe-inspiring, complimenting each other beautifully throughout. Davis’ solo diva-style vocal runs were so raw and powerful, and shook you to your core. 

Even though Nile is perhaps more of the reason the tickets to this show were being sold, all the band members were introduced, and had their moment to shine. Drummer Ralph Rolle and bassist Jerry Barnes’ natural charisma and stage presence shone through, and the pair of them took the lead on some of the numbers; inviting some call and response fun from the crowd. Nile, and his band members’ passion for the music, and for performing was transparent - as were their talents and accomplishments in their field. You could see the joy it was bringing to every one of them onstage. 

The funky disco soul train was brought to an eventual stop with a closing performance of the Chic feel-good masterpiece ‘Good Times.’ There was even an opportunity halfway through the song for Nile and Jerry Barnes to freestyle with their guitars, playfully, and rhythmically bouncing off of one another. This was the perfect choice to bring the evening to its conclusion and go out with a glitterball bang!

If this recount of my experiences at the gig hasn’t made it clear enough already, I will draw this review to a close, confirming you’re guaranteed a good time at a Forest Live tour date. I’ll sign off urging you to keep your eyes peeled for the 2025’s lineup and the incredible shows that are bound to be awaiting you! I know I’m looking forward to next year already.

More information about Forest Live, and Forestry England can be found online at https://www.forestryengland.uk/music