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The Dogfather Of Funk Returns To Chicago As George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic Kick Off First Show Of The 2025 Tour At House Of Blues
By James Currie
The legendary funk sensation, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, kicked off their 2025 tour with a blistering, sold-out performance at Chicago’s House of Blues last night. The crowd was electric, buzzing with anticipation as the pioneers of funk promised to bring their signature high-energy show to life.
From the moment the band hit the stage, it was clear that the funk was alive and well. Though the lineup boasted some fresh faces—new members contributing their own spin on the timeless Parliament Funkadelic sound—there were still a few of the original members anchoring the band, ensuring that the familiar groove and soulful essence of the collective remained intact. George Clinton, the charismatic force at the helm, looked as vibrant as ever, commanding the stage with his signature eccentricity and magnetic presence.
Fans were treated to a mix of old classics, from “Give Up the Funk” to “Flash Light,” with every note reverberating through the venue. We even got a few deep cuts like “Super Stupid”, “Hard As Steel” and “I Got A Thing, You Got A Think, Everybody’s Got A Thing”. The House of Blues shook with collective joy as concertgoers, many of whom had been fans for decades, passionately sang along, creating an atmosphere of unity and celebration. It was a moment where the music transcended time, with Clinton’s funky rhythms and eccentric style uniting generations of fans. The band’s musicianship was on full display, with horn sections blaring, basslines thumping, and solos that could make the audience forget where they were. The new members fit seamlessly into the mix, bringing an invigorating energy that felt both fresh and authentic.
The House of Blues was filled to capacity, the crowd an eclectic mix of die-hard funk enthusiasts and newer fans, all eager to witness history in the making. A real surprise came toward the end of the night when the show took an unexpected but heartwarming turn. With the final notes of “Atomic Dog” ringing through the air, the stage filled with opening act band member and special guests, one of them being Jesse Jackson Jr. joining Clinton and the band. His presence added a layer of symbolism to an evening already brimming with cultural significance. The crowd who could make him out was left stunned and delighted, giving him a round of applause as he exchanged words and hugs with George Clinton, underscoring the deep roots of funk and its role in shaping political and social movements especially now in these times, and highlighted the start of Black History Month.
The set draws to a close, Clinton exits the stage along with his special guest, but the band played on. After all, ain’t no party like a P-funk party ’cause a P-Funk party don’t stop!
With its stellar blend of old-school funk, new blood, and surprise appearances, the night ended on a high that will be hard to match for the rest of the tour where ever that take them. George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic proved they’re still very much a force to be reckoned with, capable of delivering an unforgettable show that merges music, history, and sheer, unrelenting groove. If the first show of 2025 is any indication, this tour is going to be a funk-fueled, boundary-pushing ride all the way to the end.
For more on George Clinton, click here
For photos from the show, click here
Setlist: George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic at House of Blues Chicago 02-04-2025
- (Not Just) Knee Deep (Full Version w/ Scat By Greg Thomas)
- Flash Light
- One Nation Under A Groove
- Soul Power
- Pussy
- Get Low
- Solos / P. Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up) (Kevin Oliver – Guitar, Greg Boyer – Trombone, Danny Bedrossian – Keys, Greg Thomas – Sax)
- Put Love In Your Life
- Maggot Brain
- Jump Around
- (unknown jam song)
- Super Stupid
- Standing On The Verge of Getting It On
- Pumpin’ It Up
- Get Up For The Downstroke
- Hard As Steel
- Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)
- Atomic Dog
- I’ve Got A Thing, You Got A Thing, Everybody’s Got A Thing
- Atomic Dog, Chicago, First show of 2025, george clinton, house of blues, Jessie Jackson Jr, parliament funkadelic, pfunk, Tour 2025
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