one4review | On 10, Aug 2026

The Grammy winning, 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted ’70s funksters are in town and are doing what they do best. And my goodness, they are doing it wonderfully.

From the moment they hit the stage with ‘Open Sesame’, the tent is transformed into one giant dance floor. There is no messing about, no easing the audience in gently. ‘Misled’, ‘Too Hot’, ‘Joanna’ and ‘Let the Music Take Your Mind’ come flying out, and suddenly you’re surrounded by thousands of people of all ages turning North Berwick into Studio 54.

‘Funky Stuff’, ‘Jungle Boogie’ and ‘Hollywood Swingin’’ are exactly what you want from a Kool & the Gang set. Big hitters, big grooves and a band, now in its 55th year, that clearly still knows exactly how to work a crowd. The lineup has fluctuated over the years, with Robert “Kool” Bell on bass the only constant, but this 10-piece machine is as “fresh” as it comes.

Near the end of the set, with songs ‘Let’s Go Dancin’’, ‘Ladies Night’ and ‘Get Down On It’, the place is absolutely a glitter-ball of light.
And then for the encore, ‘Celebration’ (what else?), the tent erupts. This is generation-neutral, everyone knows it and everyone is having a brilliant time.

There is something wonderfully uncomplicated about watching a band like this. No autotune or backing track, no overthinking, just musicians who know how to make people move, and it’s just pure souled gold. Tonight they deliver the goods and then some.

The good news for all, they are coming back to Scotland next year.
And apparently, funk or funky means sexy sweat. Everyone leaving the tent was absolutely dripping with it.

4 stars ****
Reviewed by Steve H.
Big Top at Fringe By The Sea
7th August
20.00 – 23.00