In 2010, legendary producer and CHIC musician Nile Rodgers began a cancer battle following the discovery of a “mysterious growth on [his] right kidney.” In the time since the diagnosis, Rodgers has been living life to the fullest, finding widespread pop success with his collaborations with Daft Punk on 2013’s Random Access Memories in addition to his ever-fruitful career touring and in production. Happily, the iconic musician recently declared “100 percent recovery” following a recent surgery, noting to fans, “You can start dancing, singing and cheering now!”
The Hitmaker: An Interview With Legendary Producer Nile Rodgers
In an intimate and extended video blog post, Rodgers detailed to fans his journey since his 2010 cancer diagnosis. While the post has an undeniable optimistic tone, the guitarist explains the emotional gravity of and the personal loss during the last two years. As a former producer of other icons like David Bowie, Madonna, and more, he elaborated, “One of my greatest artists, David Bowie, died at the top of 2016; a few months later, Prince passed away; and then George Michael died Christmas Day, 48 hours after I’d just worked on his film and worked on his last record.” He continues, “My friend, musician extraordinaire Chris Cornell, would die this past spring. My young first cousin dropped dead of a coronary with no prior warning … and my mother is currently suffering from Stage-VI Alzheimer’s.”
Listen To George Michael’s Reworked “Fantasy” With Nile Rodgers
With so much loss immediately present in his life, this cancer-free diagnosis is an optimistic cap on the last few years. While the recent surgery forced Rodgers to postpone his touring plans for 2017, the guitarist obviously has his eyes set on the future, offering that “what will happen next year is beyond any of my wildest dreams.” He ends his post on a jubilant note, stating, “After the last seven years of amazing life, I would have never believed that my body would be invaded by another cancer. … CANCER REALLY? I’m done. 2018 here I come!”
You can watch Nile Rodgers’ full video post below, and we’ll see you on the road, Nile!
[H/T Rolling Stone]