When Chic sit down for the cover story with Hot Press we both find that we're in a similar position, in that 1977 became a defining year for the both of us. Our Contributing Editor Paul Nolan talks to Nile Rodgers, recaps on their seismic self-titled debut album, and discusses why disco has survived and thrived to this day. The legendary frontman also opens up about his special relationship with Irish fans, the similarities between James Brown and James Joyce - and he goes into exclusive detail about the process behind the recording of David Bowie's 'Let's Dance'.

Sticking to the 1977 theme, we look back on a year's worth of celebrations for our 40th Anniversary by asking a few familiar Irish faces to talk about the first time they encountered Hot Press. Aidan Gillen, Therapy?, Dara O'Briain, Adam Clayton and The Script's Danny O'Donoghue give us their fondest memories.

Over the course of six pages, our man Pat Carty reports from the frontlines of U2's eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE tour. Set deep in the heart of middle America, The Edge explains the thinking behind starting the tour in Tulsa, Oklamhoma - where conservative preaches are decrying the Dublin lads for having 'betrayed Jesus' - while Willie Williams and Ric Lipson talk about the ambitious set up for their live show.

On top of that, as he gets ready to roll into Dublin with 14 of his Disciples, Steve Van Zandt talks New Jersey legends, Sopranos prequels, abortion rights, how to the combat the US' school shooting epidemic, and sweet soul music, all with an equal devote Stuart Clark.

In the Hot Press Interview, Thomas Pringle TD talks about joining Sinn Fein, stealing a sit from Fianna Fail in 2011, surviving a stroke in 2017 (and continuing as a politician), and living in the shadow of his father, who was found guilty of murder after a botched republican armed robbery in Roscommon. Jason O'Toole gets the full story from the man.

In the Frontlines section, Peter McGoran reflects on the success of the Repeal Referendum by looking back at some of the landmark moments in recent Irish history, which paved the way for a new Irish society. An incensed Michael D. Higgins protested the 8th Amendment in Hot Press back in '83, a compassionate Mary Robinson advocated for decriminalisation of homosexuality in the '90s, and Hot Press' own sex columnist Anne Sexton helped break down the stigma about sex. They all star in this sweeping look at a changing county.

In our film section, Roe McDermott talks to none other that Mad Men star John Hamm about his new comedy Tag. We also catch up with Awkwafina, star of the new Ocean's 8 film.

In our book section, Peter McGoran chats to Stuart Bailie about his definitive new book Trouble Songs, which traces how bands like The Undertones, Ash, Stiff Little Fingers and U2 provided hope and an outlet for anger during the conflict in Northern Ireland.

On top of all that, we also have interviews with the likes of Chvrches, Freya Ridings, Queer Eye and The Hot Sprockets. We also cover everything that went down at Forbidden Fruit, including the Hot Press Speakeasy. As well that, we have all the usual previews, reviews and news that you'd expect from Hot Press, including coverage of the newest releases from Lily Allen, Kanye West, Johnny Marr and more.