The 2024 release of Live at the Opera House is a long-overdue triumph, offering fans a chance to relive a moment in musical history when Sylvester transformed the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House into a dazzling celebration of love, liberation, and disco. This concert from 1979 has always been legendary, but now with over an hour of *previously unreleased material* and extended versions of fan favorites, we finally have the definitive document of one of Sylvester’s most iconic performances. Craft Recordings has released the album is available across multiple formats—3-LP, 2-CD, and digital (both HD and standard), making it accessible to audiophiles and casual listeners alike. For vinyl enthusiasts, the warmth and depth of the analog mastering process make the 3-LP set an absolute must-have.
The album opens with an exhilarating “Overture,” blending “Grateful,” “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real),” and “Dance (Disco Heat)” into a triumphant explosion of sound. From the very first note, the interplay between Sylvester and his backup singers, Two Tons O’ Fun, shines in this pristine audio, allowing their harmonies to soar to new heights. Tracks like “Body Strong” and “Blackbird / Sylvester Day Proclamation” are standouts, with the latter punctuated by a heartfelt spoken word moment where Sylvester reflects on his place as a queer Black man in the music industry. The extended versions of songs like “Happiness” and “You Are My Friend” offer even more space for Sylvester’s voice to shine, as he masterfully weaves between gospel, soul, and disco.
This release also features the inclusion of four unreleased tracks that give listeners a deeper look into Sylvester’s versatility as a performer. The two medleys, “Everything Must Change / You Are My Love” and “Could This Be Magic / A Song for You,” are soulful ballads that offer a stark contrast to the high-energy dance numbers, showing off Sylvester’s emotional range. His rendition of “I (Who Have Nothing)” is another highlight—achingly beautiful, it’s a reminder of his ability to imbue every song with deep emotion, whether it’s a disco anthem or a torch song.
The energy kicks into overdrive with the back-to-back hits “Dance (Disco Heat)” and “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real),” where the crowd’s ecstatic energy is palpable. These extended versions give more room for Sylvester to stretch out vocally, turning these disco staples into dynamic, live experiences that feel just as urgent and fresh today as they did in the late ’70s. The album’s closer, “Never Can Say Goodbye,” is an unexpected yet fitting finale. Previously unreleased, this classic cover sees Sylvester leaning into his soulful side, giving the audience a bittersweet goodbye while leaving them yearning for more.
Live at the Opera House isn’t just a live album—it’s a testament to Sylvester’s legacy as a pioneering artist who broke barriers in music, fashion, and queer identity. Additionally, Joshua Gamson’s liner notes offer a well-researched and personal narrative, giving context to Sylvester’s cultural impact and the importance of this particular concert in the landscape of 1970s San Francisco, especially in the queer and Black communities. With an electrifying mix of unreleased tracks, extended versions, and high-quality mastering, this album is an essential listen that not only honors Sylvester’s memory but keeps his spirit alive on the dance floor.
