NILE RODGERS AND CHIC REVIEW
Act 1.5 Climate Action Accelerator is Liverpool’s bold step into the future of sustainable entertainment. Tonight, the M&S Bank Arena becomes the epicentre of a music revolution as Nile Rodgers & CHIC close a groundbreaking series designed to decarbonise live events. With the city’s designation as the world’s first UN’ Accelerator City,’ Liverpool isn’t just setting the stage—it’s redefining it.
“Come on, let’s move. We’re gonna miss the bus!” I say, grabbing your arm as we hustle to the number 4 bus stop. It weaves us around the Dingle and down the docks, right up to four minutes away from the venue. We hop off, the arena looming just ahead. It’s striking against the evening skyline, a blend of inviting architecture and practicality. A smooth ticket check greets us at the door, and there’s no queuing for the loos. “That was easy,” I say, grabbing a pint and some skin-on fries. “All the food is vegan, by the way”, says the young lad at the counter. With a smug grin, I turn to you and say, “Everyone at home listening to Craig Charles on Radio 6 is well jel right now.”
Inside, the atmosphere hums with anticipation. There’s a buzz in the air, a feeling that this isn’t just another gig—it’s part of something bigger. Act 1.5 doesn’t just bring the music; it brings a mission. Every element of tonight is powered by renewable energy, and the city is proving that sustainable events can still be unforgettable. It feels almost palatable that we’re at the forefront of something revolutionary here in Liverpool.
MistaJam takes the stage, kicking off with a DJ set that feels more like a masterclass in musical nostalgia. The visuals ripple across massive screens, vibrant backdrops that sync perfectly with remixes of classics like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” “You hear that?” I nudge you as Northern Soul sounds blend into the groove. Bare-legged dancers twirl at the front, next to flares swaying in rhythm, while we bop along, caught in the infectious energy.
Time rushes past. Before we know it, MistaJam is scratching old-school style, building to a grand finale with arms thrown triumphantly in the air. “I’ll be right back,” I say, darting to the loos and grabbing us another drink. I return with two pints and five minutes to spare before the main act.
As we’re chatting away, the lights dim. A cheer rises like a wave as Nile Rodgers strides onto the stage. “HELLO LIVERPOOL!” he booms, his voice a spark that ignites the crowd. Dressed in a fabulous pink-and-white patterned suit, he’s flanked by two vocal powerhouses in matching pink-tasselled outfits. The opening chords of “I Want Your Love” ripple through the arena, a disco tidal wave crashing into an electrified audience. “When do you need the love?” Nile shouts. “Right now!” Kimberly Davis screams back, her powerhouse vocals ringing through the space. I can’t help but throw my arms in the air and scream a ‘WOOO!’ back at them.
The visuals are hypnotic, with bursts of pink and waves of colour overlaying HD projections that pulse with the music’s energy. Nile steps to the mic, sharing tales from his storied career. “Madonna? She didn’t want ‘Material Girl’ first—she went with ‘Like a Virgin’ instead,” he laughs, glancing at the setlist by his feet. “Half the time, I don’t know what we’re playing.” The crowd laughs back and cheers him on.
The night turns into a rolling celebration of music history. Diana Ross’s “Thinking of You” sweeps through the arena, its soulful nostalgia amplified by vintage visuals of sliding vinyl covers. Then, the Chic classics begin—”Le Freak” and “Good Times.” Each song seems to hit harder than the last. We’re dancing so much that I feel like I’m burning off the beer calories. Every beat pulls us deeper into the groove, and the crowd moves as one, waving a sea of hands in the air from left to right.
Nile is a master of ceremony, blending hits from Madonna, Sister Sledge, David Bowie, Beyoncé, and Daft Punk. It’s not just a concert; it’s a journey through decades of musical genius. The energy is infectious and, best of all, renewable! The arena feels like it could burst, the crowd swaying and grooving like it’s New Year’s Eve in NYC, as I forget it’s November in Liverpool.
It’s nice to know there’s something more profound about tonight. It’s a model for what live entertainment can achieve without costing the Earth. Act 1.5, powered entirely by renewable energy, shows that celebration and sustainability can go hand in hand. As Nile closes the night, his guitar shimmering in the lights, I turn to you. “The only thing missing,” I say with a grin, “is a giant disco ball overhead.”
Who knows? Maybe next time.
Words by Iona Fazer
