Two of the most enduring names in soul, funk and disco are heading to Australia this summer, with Kool & The Gangand Sister Sledge ft. Sledgendary joining forces for a national tour that celebrates decades of dancefloor classics.
The five-date run begins at Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane on 26 November before heading to Sydney’s Tumbalong Park as part of the promoter’s FORMA Open-Air series. The tour then continues through Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, bringing together two groups whose influence continues to echo across contemporary music.
Few acts have left a mark on popular music quite like Kool & The Gang. Formed in Jersey City during the 1960s by brothers Robert “Kool” Bell and Ronald Bell, the band’s catalogue stretches from jazz-infused funk to chart-dominating pop, producing enduring anthems including ‘Jungle Boogie’, ‘Ladies’ Night’ and ‘Celebration’. Their music has become deeply woven into popular culture, sampled by generations of hip hop and R&B artists while continuing to fill dancefloors around the world. Their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024 further cemented a legacy that spans more than half a century.
Joining them are Sister Sledge ft. Sledgendary, led by founding member Debbie Sledge alongside the next generation of the Sledge family. Backed by Camille Sledge, David Sledge, Thaddeus Sledge and Tanya Ti-et, the group continues to celebrate one of disco’s most celebrated catalogues, including ‘He’s the Greatest Dancer’, ‘Thinking of You’, ‘Lost in Music’ and the enduring anthem ‘We Are Family’.
Originally formed in Philadelphia in 1965, Sister Sledge became one of the defining voices of the disco era, with songs that have continued to resonate long after the genre’s commercial peak. Like Kool & The Gang, their music has endured through film, television, sampling culture and generations of artists inspired by their sound.
The tour also marks a significant milestone for Finely Tuned, with the promoter celebrating 20 years of bringing international artists to Australian audiences. As the company’s largest tour to date, the pairing of Kool & The Gang and Sister Sledge reflects both the enduring appeal of classic soul and funk and the continued demand for artists whose music has transcended generations.
For audiences, it offers a rare opportunity to experience two acts whose songs have become fixtures of weddings, festivals, clubs and family celebrations alike, performed by artists whose influence continues to ripple across contemporary music.
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