Kathy Sledge will never tire of “We Are Family.”
As the youngest and founding member of Sister Sledge, the 65-year-old singer has lost count of how many times she has performed the group's 1979 single over the years, but says it still feels “special” to play the song at live shows because new audiences always enjoy it.
When asked if she ever gets tired of the song, she told BANG Showbiz in an exclusive interview, “No, it's the gift that keeps on giving. It may sound crazy but it's true.”
“I don't know how many times I've sung this song, but every time I sing it, believe it or not, I never get bored of it. I always think to myself, when I sing it at the festival, when I see everyone in September, [each time] It will be different because it will be the first time I sing there.
“Then the next time you see it in that moment in time, it's the first time. Even if you've seen it a thousand times, when you do it in the moment you're doing it, it's always new.”
And Cathy believes the live performance of the song retains the “spontaneity” of the way it was recorded.
She added: “I think the reason this song also feels so natural is because it was recorded so naturally. When it was recorded, I had no idea what was going to happen next. So it has a lasting impact of making it feel special when I sing it. It really does.”
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including the Spice Girls, Samantha Jade and Babes in Toyland, which Cassie considers an honour.
She said, “I think it's a huge compliment, honestly. If someone wants to do your music and pay tribute to your music and your group and your band, then yeah, I see no reason not to love that.”
Sister Sledge and Cathy Sledge will headline Uptown Festival in Cardiff's Bute Park on Sunday September 15. For more information and tickets visit www.uptownfestival.co.uk
The lineup also includes Maxi Priest, Aswad, Desmond Decker's Ace and Captain Accident and the Disasters.