SINGAPORE — Halfway through the performance at the Kallang Theatre on a drizzly Tuesday night, the legendary Nile Rodgers told an excited audience of 1,500 people that the set list represented his life journey as a musician with the ground-breaking disco-rock band Chic and hit-making producer. And what an amazing track record it was.

In any other circumstance, Rodgers’ decision to perform hit songs from his production repertoire would appear to show a lack of originality, as if Chic was merely a covers band. But he took great pains to explain that each and every song was produced by him and he had every right to claim them as his very own.

It was a choice that served to highlight Rodgers’ impressive achievements and credentials as one of the most successful producers in pop music history. The band rolled out I’m Coming Out / Upside Down (Diana Ross), Greatest Dancer / We Are Family (Sister Sledge), Like A Virgin (Madonna), Notorious (Duran Duran), Original Sin (INXS) and Let’s Dance (David Bowie). And all these tracks gelled seamlessly with Chic’s own set list, with Rodgers’ trademark rhythm guitar sound the binding force.

By then, the majority of the audience in the packed venue were on their feet — moving, gyrating, gesticulating, swaying and dancing to the irresistible musical juggernaut on stage.

Backed by technically superb musicians (including bass master Jerry Barnes) and two talented and gorgeous vocalists Kimberly Davis and Salome (all decked out in white outfits), Rodgers held court in his inimitable fashion — a big wide grin on his face, his hands furiously creating the distinctive rhythmic guitar riffs and playing gracious host to this huge party.

Of course, the audience was in attendance mainly for Chic’s hits — and the ground-breaking, genre-defining sound that is the current rage and which opened and closed this dazzling performance. Songs like Everybody Dance, Dance Dance Dance, I Want Your Love, Chic Cheer, My Forbidden Lover and Le Freak had the crowd in raptures and there was little doubt that Chic’s 30-year-old material had aged remarkably well, entering that special class of music designated as “timeless”. Something that seemed unlikely during the days of the anti-disco backlash of the early ’80s.

Naturally, the best was saved for last. Inviting audience members on stage — as Rodgers reminded all, in typical iconic disco hot spot Studio 54 style — the band launched into an emphatic and epic rendition of Good Times, while everybody danced as if their lives depended on it. Incorporating lines from hip-hop pioneers The Sugarhill Gang’s Rapper’s Delight, Rodgers and his band gave the energised crowd an unforgettable send-off.

At the very end, Rodgers shared a personal tidbit about his cancer now being in remission — a bit of good news that capped a beautiful occasion, as the mega-popular sounds of his latest collaborators Daft Punk’s Get Lucky emerged from the house speakers, while Rodgers went into the audience to connect with some grateful (and very lucky) people. It was a night to remember for all concerned.