Sister Sledge at the O2 Ritz in Manchester review

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Synchronised moves, on stage dance-offs and a 70s inspired disco knees-up: it was a night to remember as Sister Sledge raised the roof off the O2 Ritz in Manchester.

With a career spanning over 40 years, fans were treated to a set that packed in as many feel-good tunes as you could wish for.

Kicking off proceedings with ‘World, Rise and Shine’ (below), the Sledges bounced on stage to a thunderous reception. It was obvious from the outset the girl group were well up for putting on a show.

As they brought the opening track to a close, the opening notes to Chic’s ‘Everybody Dance' echoed around the Grade II listed building just off Oxford Road. Chic and Sister Sledge’s affinity goes way back as disco and funk godfather Nile Rodgers helped produced some of their most loved songs.

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‘Everybody Dance’ then worked its way into the 1981 single and all round fabulous ‘All American Girls’, as their disco extravaganza showed no sign of slowing up.

This wasn’t the only Chic song given an outing in Manchester. Fans were treated to a cover of the 1979 smash hit ‘Good Times’ – complete of course with the infamous Sugarhill Gang rap.

The set also included other hits such as ‘Reach Your Peak’, ‘Thinking of You’ and a stirring gospel version of ‘Amazing Grace’ in tribute to their grandmother.

However, it was ‘He’s the Greatest Dancer’ (below) ‘Lost in Music’ and ‘We Are Family’ that provided the extra glitz to an evening of incredible disco fun.

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An on stage dance-off to ‘He’s The Greatest Dancer’ provided by members of the audience had the 1500 strong crowd in full flow, as the highly accomplished band tried their best to transport you back to the 70’s.

Blitzing their way through ‘Lost in Music’, each musician by discipline was offered the opportunity to show off just how talented they were. Smatterings of Chic’s ‘Le Freak’ and a slap-bass masterclass of ‘Play That Funky Music’ all came together to provide one of the night’s most memorable moments.

Closing with ‘We Are Family’, it was hard to believe that almost an hour and a half had already passed. However, the band had one more unexpected trick up their sleeve. 

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Bringing onstage another crowd member and vicar, Sister Sledge proved just how well they engage with a UK crowd. With reference to 'that' Peter Kay misheard lyric sketch, the pre-chorus was altered from ‘just let me state for the record’ to ‘just let me staple the vicar’ and the crowd obligingly sang back.

As the gig came to a close, there was no need for an encore. People young and old left having experienced one of the most enjoyable live shows you could wish for, and long may Sister Sledge continue to provide that.

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