The Queen is back – Donna Summer reigns supreme at Electronic Beats Classics

Expectations were running high on Thursday evening as old and new generations of Donna Summer fans piled into Berlin’s Tempodrom. By the time that Ms. Summer, dressed in a spectacular floor-length sequin gown, belted out the first notes to opening track ‘The Queen Is Back” in a clear and powerful voice, there was no question that the disco diva still merits every little bit of her legend status.

In surprisingly accomplished German, Donna Summer guided her legions of fans through a programme of irresistible and timeless classics like “Hot Stuff”, “On The Radio” and “I Feel Love”, and some astounding new material such as the rockin’ and self-assertive “Stamp Your Feet”.

The undeniable highlight, however, was seeing Donna Summer with her glittering eyelids closed, singing in mock-moan-sigh, “Ooh, it’s so good, it’s so good, it’s sooo goood”. At this moment, the mood among the highly excitable – and mostly young male – audience members clambering for space around the centre stage reached fever-pitch as the entire hall joined in on the chorus: “I Feel Love.”

The event pre-party took place on the terrace of the Hotel de Rome, where Electronic Beats by T-Mobile welcomed press and music industry professionals, who rubbed shoulders with Peaches, DJ Hell, Ellen Allien, Michi Beck and Neil Tennant. After enjoying the gorgeous view of Berlin during sundown, guests were shuttled via BMW limousine to the event at Tempodrom. For the dedicated few, Neil Tennant among them, the party continued at the coolly elegant Bar Tausend.

If you missed the event, make sure to check out our photo gallery below and our compelling "Best of" video, as well as the backstage interview with the evening's shining star, Donna Summer.