On Saturday, June 8th, at the Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, we had Disco Inferno—two hours of singing, dancing, and generally getting on down to a host of classics from the 1970s.
For one night only, it was all about the tunes, the costumes (sparkly tops, flares, wide-collar shirts and platform shoes), and dance moves we could all follow.
It was a night filled with joy and laughter, singing along to disco classics, even if the band did, at times, drown out the four singers. You just can’t beat live music, and we were still determined to enjoy ourselves.
For those of us who grew up in the ’70s, it was a real chance to reconnect with our youth—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Regardless, the music still got me up on my feet. Though I remember the songs with affection, it wasn’t necessarily a happy time for me, and music was one of those things that helped me through some tough times.
Of course, this post would not be complete without the songs themselves, so, in no particular order, here are a few of my favourites:
Disco Inferno, by The Trammps – the show’s opening number and what a way to start. It reminded me of how things have changed since the 70s, and I’d forgotten about that one line, which some might find offensive.
Celebration, by Kool & the Gang—I defy anyone not to want to fling themselves about, find something to celebrate, and party.
It’s raining, men, by the fabulous Weather Girls; this still makes me smile 😉and I may return to this in the future. There is a whole story here.
The moves were still there for Night Fever and If I Can’t Have You – by the Bee Gees.
YMCA, by the Village People – everyone in the auditorium still remembered how to create the letters and did so in complete unison.
Hot Stuff by Donna Summer – took me back to the iconic scene in The Full Monty as the men wait to collect their dole cheques.
Young Hearts Run Free by Candi Station is a cracking tune with lyrics that speak as much today as ever.
The show finished with that all-time classic – I Will Survive, by Gloria Gaynor – which brought the house down. For the duration of that song, we were all united in our heartbreak and determined to survive.
The one song I felt was missing was Oops Upside Your Head, by the Gap Band – though we would have struggled to do it justice in a packed theatre auditorium. I can’t be the only person who remembers lines of people rocking away on their bums.
So, I am including it here. You are welcome.
So, there’s my trip down memory lane, but what would it have taken to get you onto the dance floor as a teenager?
Until next time
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