George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic hang at House Of Blues “Just For The Funk Of It!”

George Clinton Photos by Andy Argyrakis

It goes without saying George Clinton laid the funky foundation for not only what became rap and hip-hop, but the modern day make-up of jam bands, which is why whenever he comes around with the latest Parliament Funkadelic line-up, it attracts an audience of any age.

Now 83, the longtime leader is understandably in the midst of a seemingly never-ending farewell, but even though he already waved goodbye on numerous occasions, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer returned to a crowded House Of Blues “Just For The Funk Of It!”

George ClintonIf there was ever a troupe to “put a dip in your hip and a glide in your stride,” this was it, thanks to dance floor-filling tracks from all three catalogues that were the original sources of samples by Snoop Dogg, 2Pac, OutKast, Dr. Dre, Missy Elliot, Public Enemy and Childish Gambino, to name a few.

“(Not Just) Knee Deep” and “One Nation Under A Groove” came across as inventive and infectious as ever, enhanced by a Mardi Gras-like presentation where Clinton acted as master of ceremonies.

In spite of frequently taking a seat, there was never a dip in the soulful action, especially when everyone flicked on their “Flash Light,” plugged into some “Pole Power” or pawed their way around “Meow Meow.”

The “Funkentelechy” continued and reached one of many peaks throughout “P. Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up),” plus the players tapped further into their psychedelic side come “Maggot Brain.”

House Of Pain’s “Jump Around” had the House Of Blues doing exactly that as it ushered in another unstoppable stretch of ageless oldies, including “Standing On The Verge Of Getting It On” and “Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker).”

George ClintonHowever, there was no mightier bark or bite than Clinton’s own “Atomic Dog,” which will endure eons after he retires from the road, although based on the potency of this particular performance, chances are “Dr Funkenstein” will keep practicing for the foreseeable future.


For additional information on George Clinton, Parliament and Funkadelic, visit GeorgeClinton.com.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation concerts, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the House Of Blues include NoCap (Feb. 5); Benjamin Ingrosso (Feb. 7); Enjambre (Feb. 8); Bryce Vine (Feb. 13); Cozy Worldwide (Feb. 14); Sixteen Candles (Feb. 15); ARIZONA (Feb. 18); Elvis Crespo (Feb. 21); Pink Sweat$ (Feb. 22); Thuy (Feb. 25); Feels So Close (Feb. 28); Mo Gilligan (Mar. 2); Cavalera (Mar. 5); La Santa Cecilia (Mar. 7); Wilder Woods (Mar. 8); George Thorogood And The Destroyers (Mar. 9); Kim Dracula and HANABIE. (Mar. 11); Spencer Sutherland (Mar. 12); Armor For Sleep (Mar. 13); Gaelic Storm (Mar. 14-15); Chris Olsen & Ryan Trainor (Mar. 16); The Decibel Magazine Tour (Mar. 20); Poppy (Mar. 21); mxmtoon (Mar. 26); Anberlin (Mar. 27); Whitechapel (Mar. 28); Alexandra Kay (Mar. 29) and The Used (Mar. 30-31). For additional details, visit HouseOfBluesChicago.com.