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1970s & 80s Disco Bands and Singers on Tour 2026

Disco Music Live

By Janis Masyk-JacksonPublished 6 months ago • 4 min read
Top Story - April 2026
Image by Crisco 1492 at Wikimedia through Creative Commons licensing.

The 1970s saw the birth of a new form of music, disco, a high-energy sound that brought out fuller musical instrumentation and got couples to start dancing together again.

Although short-lived, this genre of music is still well-loved by many, and fortunately, some of the best artists of the era are still performing live on tour. Take a look at who's still touring, and please enjoy some music while you're here.

KC & the Sunshine Band

Founded in 1973 by Harry Wayne Casey, (aka KC,) KC and the Sunshine Band dominated the disco scene with major hits including "That's the Way, (I Like It,)" "Shake Your Booty" and their #1 hit song "Get Down Tonight" which earned the band an American Music award for Favorite Soul/R&B Song in 1976.

With music featured in over 200 motion picture film soundtracks, the band has sold over 100 million records.

Image by Dreamers Events at Flickr through Creative Commons licensing.

Gloria Gaynor

The ultimate breakup song, "I Will Survive," soared to #1 on the Billboard charts. The song was originally the B side of a 45 record Gaynor released, which was a cover of the Righteous Brothers' "Substitute."

Off the album Love Tracks, Gaynor's only #1 hit song went on to win a Grammy for Best Disco Recording in 1980, which was the only year that a Grammy was given for disco music.

Image by All-Pro Reels at Wikimedia through Creative Commons licensing.

Six-time Grammy Award-winning artists Earth, Wind & Fire have made a career out of hit after musical hit. With their multi-genre musical sounds, the band brought people to their feet on the dance floor with hits like "Boogie Wonderland," "September," and "Let's Groove Tonight."

Selling 90 million records, the band has won numerous awards over time, including both the illustrious Grammy and BET Lifetime Achievement Awards, and has its own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Heatwave

Grammy-nominated Heatwave left its mark on the disco music scene with hits like "Boogie Nights" and "Groove Line." Founded by American servicemen Johnnie Wilder Jr. and Keith Wilder, the band went through various member changes over the years. None of the original band members remain, but the current group is just as energetic as the original.

Image by CHRIS at Wikimedia through Creative Commons licensing.

The Weather Girls

Scoring several hits on the Billboard Charts, The Weather Girls brought forth many women's fantasies with their best-selling hit, "It's Raining Men." Nominated for a Grammy Award, this powerful duo continues to bring their disco pop dancing music to the crowds.

The current members consist of Dynelle Rhodes, daughter of founding member Izora Rhodes-Armstead, and her sister Ingrid Arthur.

SOS Band

Still touring across the United States, The SOS Band is best known for its mega hit "Take Your Time (Do It Right)." The song has been featured in several movies, including John Family Vacation and Deliver Us From Evil. Besides the Platinum single "Take Your Time (Do It Right)" the band has also scored five gold albums.

Image by ShakeFrog at Flickr in the public domain.

Nile Rodgers & Chic

Releasing their first album Chic, the band Chic dominated the music charts with such memorable disco songs as "Dance, Dance, Dance," "Everybody Dance," "Good Times" and "La Freak," the latter two both hitting #1 on the Billboard charts.

The success of the band dwindled when disco went out of style, and the group split up in 1983. Today, lead guitarist Nile Rodgers, the only original member of the group, carries on the legacy of Chic, having renamed the band Nile Rodgers & Chic.

Image by Gage Skidmore at Wikimedia through Creative Commons licensing.

Thelma Houston

Beginning her career as a gospel singer, Thelma Houston signed on with Capitol Records in 1967 and released her first single, "Baby Mine," before signing on with Motown Records in 1971.

Her big break came with the release of "Don't Leave Me This Way" in 1976, which soared to #1 on the Billboard charts and won her a Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

Ohio Players

Inducted into the Official R&B Hall of Fame in 2013, The Ohio Players have landed a total of 14 Gold and Platinum Awards for their outstanding music, with "Fire" and "Rollercoaster" being their two biggest hits. With 10 members, two are from the original group and include James “Diamond” Williams and Billy Beck.

Image by Sven Mandel at Wikimedia through Creative Commons licensing.

Kool & the Gang

Primarily known as an R&B band, Kool & the Gang tossed their hat into the disco scene, giving audiences such legendary songs as "Ladies Night" and "Get Down on It."

The band's biggest hit and one that is still quite popular today is "Celebration," which climbed to #1 on the Billboard Top 100 chart. The group celebrated their 60th anniversary with the release of their newest single, "Let's Party," off their People Just Want to Have Fun album in 2023.

Image by Ben P L at Wikimedia through Creative Commons licensing.

The Village People

When the Village People released their first album, Village People, the group only had one member, Victor Willis, who would go on to become the Policeman. Additional members were acquired when demand for guest appearances and concert tours occurred.

With energetic hits like "Macho Man," "In the Navy," and the iconic "Y.M.C.A.," the band has continuously toured since the 1970s and has sold over 100 million records.

Disco provided a buoyant dance style of music during its heyday in the 1970s and 80s. Lucky for fans that they still have the opportunity to see some of their favorites live in concert. What about you? Do you enjoy disco music, and if so, who is your favorite performer? Please tell me in the comments below.

concert

About the Creator

Janis Masyk-Jackson

I published my first article when I was 10 years old and I've been writing ever since. I'm a mom to 4 grown kids and I love traveling, animals, the paranormal and I'm a huge Disney fan.

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    Written by Janis Masyk-Jackson