ESPN story about Disco Demolition - July 12, 1979

[GOFLuvr]

That Carta Blanca ad at 6:08 was the first one I've ever seen in America at any point! I see Corona billboards all the time in Florida, and Dos Equis billboards are pretty common in Texas.

[LNF55]

If you thought people who liked disco were idiots ~ what on earth does it say about these idiots?

[TheOriginalShockJock]

@LNF55

I don't know anyone that thinks that "everyone" that listened to disco were idiots, this was COMEDY based on the worst and most superficial parts of the fad aspect that disco had become (Disco Duck, Saturday Night Fever, etc.) and not on all of the music specifically. By 1979 there were songs from Pat Boone to Sesame Street doing disco-style music!

And again, this was a COMEDY piece, a big party, people having fun, no riot, no violence, just an out of control rock crowd, period.

[10Dec1971]

I still LOVE disco..

[TheOriginalShockJock]

@10Dec1971 It's not all bad, it was more of the really commercial music that pissed people off, as well as the fad just running it's course. Personally, I'll listen to any kind of music that is well done, but again Disco Demolition was more of musical culture clash than anything, and mostly it was just a comedy bit that appealed to many people.

Thanks for commenting!

[8Neill]

All pop music (in whatever genre) in its heyday tends to be watered down crap. What this event probably did was help take Disco out of the mainstream and made it underground. What people don't realise is the profound effect Disco has had on music: Hip Hop is littered with Disco samples. Where do you think house music came from? And therefore every dance music genre since? Hard out rock lovers will probably wish death to the aforementioned genres but true music lovers understand how great it is.

[TheOriginalShockJock]

@8Neill

Disco Demolition was more of a reaction to the fad aspect of disco, and some of the really lame pop music. This wasn't against funk and dance music, this was against Disco Duck and the 'uniform' of a white three-piece suit and the arrogance that often times accompanied the scene. And again this was also based on COMEDY and not meant to be to taken any more seriously than a bunch of people with a cultural opinion having a crazy little party; but end the era it did, and then some!

[8Neill]

@TheOriginalShockJock I'm sure popular mainstream disco back then, as with every popular genre since, has suffered some kind of revolt, as we all get sick of hearing the same cannon fodder bands/artists that arise up after the initial groundbreaking act that changed the trend.Trust me, it's happened in most genres.

[8Neill]

@TheOriginalShockJock What annoys me most on utube comments are the sweeping statements morons make,confusing their opinion with fact regarding whole genres of music being pointless & irrelevant.I'm not just a disco or hip hop fan I'm a music lover,musician&DJ &always trying2 understand the importance of every genre in our musical genetic makeup.btw D.D.might have ended the era but disco,with the advent of the synth in the 80s,gets sooo good&you can see the early signs of house emerging.

[zhokar]

really in the spirit of disco sukks...this is fucking rock&roll!

[ShawnlloydNet]

I was born on this day!

[TheOriginalShockJock]

@ShawnlloydNet

Nice! You are Disco Demolition spawn! Do you ever have the urge to smash or burn bad music (which is a little harder to do with MP3's)?

(Thanks for making me feel old, too!!)

[randyHEADLOCKorton]

I hope there is a revolt for that shitty pop music that appears everywhere you go

[ThisisAliFareedshow]

Oh so thats the douche behind Disco sucks

[TheOriginalShockJock]

@ThisisAliFareedshow

The disco sucks chant was actually around before this. Keep in mind the context of the times, in the 70's on many radio stations saying 'sucks' was considered swearing. And Steve Dahl isn't a 'douche' he's basically a comedian and this was satirical, parody, poking fun at a fad which was on it's way out (Steve and the crew put the final nail in the coffin!) This wasn't a hateful deal, just a big crazy rock & roll party based on a comedy bit. That's all.

[steelflame1]

This was the official funeral of disco and the beginning of the metal/headbangers revolution that took the world by storm by the early 80's with Quiet Riot(wonder if the band intended a pun ?) helping to lead the way with the song and album Bang your head(Metal Health). Those were the good old days :) Now it's time to revolt against rap.

[1blackmass]

@JayWeezyNWO--Exact Profound Statement 4 Real!!

[thundermuffin66]

This has to be one of the dumbest things I've ever seen. What was the point in all of this?

[TheOriginalShockJock]

@thundermuffin66

The point? Well, it was mostly comedic, and partly a cultural backlash against a fad, and partly just a crazy roll & roll party that got a little out of control. So, what you may view as 'dumb' most people just viewed as funny, maybe a little crazy, certainly culturally trendsetting. But don't take it too seriously, that seems to be the problem these days, people over-analyzing it far, far out of the context of the times it happened in.

[steelflame1]

@TheOriginalShockJock To quote the stones....."It's only rock n roll but I like it" Yeah too many at the time were uptight dicks and should have seen it for what it was which was a big fun rock party of a demographic group who finally being noticed and heard a little more and they had fun with it and milked it.

[SkunkyAngry]

@thundermuffin66

Are you kidding? I've seen a lot of dumb shit riots over things that didn't matter but goddamnit, this was a long time coming for those of us in the 70's. I'd riot over this and do it again tomorrow as well. Disco has no place in musical history but for being a reason to burn something and blow up some records.

[TheOriginalShockJock]

@SkunkyAngry

So true! And people seem to forget that this really wasn't a 'riot' in the true sense, there was no fighting or extreme violence, no major injuries, very few arrests (mostly for 'disorderly conduct') definitely some vandalism, some weed smoking, and an uncontrolled crowd on the field. It was a comedy piece, it was a good time that got a little too good, but mostly it was just a crazy party, not a hate event or a riot. That's the reality of the historical context of it!

[8Neill]

@SkunkyAngry oh by the way... you're an idiot

[SkunkyAngry]

@8Neill

I take it you're a disco fan which means your evaluation of whether I'm an idiot or not is immediately null and void.

[8Neill]

@SkunkyAngry Sorry I forgot to mention you are an ignorant, small minded idiot. Trust me - your comments stand out as being very stupid

[SkunkyAngry]

@8Neill

Luckily for me, I couldn't give a squirt of piss what you think. YOU replied to ME with nothing but a half assed insult. So who's the small minded idiot?

[8Neill]

@SkunkyAngry It's just when people make sweeping statements about a certain time period/era/genre and write it off as pointless, because they don' like it, I feel compeled to point out their small minded, ignorant stupidity.

[steelflame1]

@thundermuffin66 Back then rockers were mostly poor, blue collar, and middle working class kids who's culture was overshadowed, misunderstood, and slanted and put down by the mainstream. In mean time they had trendy garbage with less talent but with designer images rammed down their throats and this was an opportunity to really be heard, get out some fustration, and to have a little fun. It was a cultural revolution though some may not see it that way, but it was.

[CArchivist]

I wish someone would post the Tigers Broadcast from Channel 4, WWJ-TV and hear Al Kaline and George Kell tell their side of the tale, they sounded like the world was coming to an end. Classic.

[TheOriginalShockJock]

@CArchivist

That would be awesome to hear, if you ever find it please let me know. All these years we've always heard the Chicago version of events, not that it's probably much different (in terms of freaking out about it!) I can only imagine how the Detroit broadcasters felt about this 'abomination' in another city.

As I recall both the Sox and Tigers sucked that year so I doubt it had much effect on the season, that is beyond the psychological effect it may have had.

[CArchivist]

@TheOriginalShockJock Will do, will let folks know if I do. I know Channel 4 in Detroit definitely has the broadcast on tape still. On the 20th or 25th Anniversary of DD, Channel 4's Sunday night sports show Sports Final Edition showed a snippet of that broadcast from Kell and Kaline's view. I have never heard the events from the radio broadcast on WJR with Ernie Harwell and Paul Carey, as I kid I was watching the double hitter on TV.

[CArchivist]

@CArchivist And the 1979 Tigers were in transition. It was Sparky's first year from the Reds, long time Tigers like Freeham, Thompson, LeFlore, Fidrych, and Staub were on the way out, and young players like Parrish, Whitaker, Trammell, and Morris were in. I know the Sox went through major rehab too to win the division in 1983 starting that year too.

[TheOriginalShockJock]

@CArchivist Sweet, let me know, it would be fun to see the Detroit angle.

[RCmack]

Disco music is much better than rap and hip hop. Why were many rock fans so determined to get rid of disco and now seem to tolerate rap and hip hop? It doesn't make much sense to me.

I think urban music scene fans decided to get back at the anti disco folks by bringing in rap and hip hop. To me, they said "You got rid of disco, now we'll introduce some music(rap and hip hop) that will make you disco hating rockers wish disco was still around."

[TheOriginalShockJock]

@RCmack

First of all this was really at the heart of it all a comedy piece, albeit one that did reflect people's disenchantment with something that had become a fad. Secondly, it was a different era, I don't think a 'rap demolition' or whatever would work today, people just don't think in those terms anymore.

Also, I don't think rap/hip hop was a reaction to the death of disco as much as it is all just a part of the evolution of dance and rhythm type music, and really music in general.

[OnTheStreetScene]

You can't stop Rock N Roll

[Scathe8000]

CAN YOU HEAR ME OUT THERE

YESSSS!!!

HOLY COW!!! XD

[MrBennetzen]

@Scathe8000 WHAT SAY WE REGAIN OUR SEATS, SO WE CAN PLAY BASEBALL AGAIN!

[justkatelyn]

I think its funny that the only people getting worked up are the announcers. Clearly, no one went to that game to watch baseball haha

[TheOriginalShockJock]

@justkatelyn

And the fact that it was labeled as a 'riot' when no one was fighting, no violence (some vandalism and property destruction perhaps, but mostly just people being crazy and having a little too much fun!)

[LMCMInterloper]

Thank you for UL'ing this! I've been wanting to see this again!

[Nonamearisto]

It's essentially a modern bonfire of the vanities; a destruction of things which lead you to sin; and disco was such a thing. The disco culture was a cheap caricature of American culture, mocking and cheapening the country. The disco music itself was vapid and shallow, with less substance than all but the worst of hip hop and rock and roll songs. Disco values were hedonism and degeneracy,

something which respectable people instinctively shun.

[dsfddsgh]

@Nonamearisto Yet wouldn't you say these people degenerated into animals?

[jaxrwld2]

I grew up in Chicago, and was a diehard Sox fan since age 4. I was 14 when this happened. I'm sorry the field was damaged, but what a great time everyone had!

The explosion was huge!! I am proud to say I'm from Chicago just watching everyone have fun and NOT fighting each other. They killed Disco, not each other. INSANE COHO LIPS ROCK!!

[ShawnlloydNet]

This was the day I was born, I was born July 12th, 1979 in Minneapolis, MN at around 11:40am, just before noon!

[timothyarts]

This would be a good movie for Jack Black(The summer disco sucked)

[TheOriginalShockJock]

@timothyarts

From what I remember there was a movie in the works, and I think Jack Black was even one of the people that they thought about casting, but like most movies it can take a long time to go from concept to screenplay and film, etc. I hope it still happens, it would be an awesome story, and even more so for those of us that were actually around for it and remember it first-hand! It's amazing how the event has taken on such a growing legendary status, Steve Dahl rules! DISCO SUCKS!!

[WytZox1]

@TheOriginalShockJock -- There was also talk a few years ago about Kelsey Grammer starring in a Bob Hope biopic and so far it seems that'll never happen.

[emi1chin]

I love this!

[packerbacker16]

IF every baseball game was like this I would actually watch it.

[GOFLuvr]

@packerbacker16 No surprise there. Disco Demolition night got like six times a larger crowd than the game before... And most of those people who went to Disco Demolition Night had no interest in Baseball.

[MrBennetzen]

Anyone want to hold "Justin Bieber Demolition Night" as a tribute to "Disco Demolition Night" where unwanted Bieber albums would be put in a crate at a Major League Baseball Game and blown up real good?

[cellosareawesome]

@MrBennetzen I'd participate!

[ddanko2]

Today's Disco = Justin Bieber

[WytZox1]

@ddanko2 -- Now now! Justin Beiber is just to the young music fans of this decade what David Cassidy was in the 70s and Peter Noone was in the 60s. I'm 62 and while I'm not a Bieber fan I'd rather listen to him than rap anyday. RAP is today's Disco! At least Disco was real music. Rap is just talk the lyrics.

[TheOriginalShockJock]

@WytZox1

Agreed. And I really have no problem with rap if that's what people want to listen to, but it is very repetitive sounding in the vocal and to me that's just boring, alas it's just not our generation to get I guess!

Thanks for the comments!

[WytZox1]

@TheOriginalShockJock -- If you hear 1 rap record you've heard them all. Besides white people actually invented rap. 1st rapper was a white guy calling a square dance. 1st rap record was Connie Stevens and Edd Byrnes doing "Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb." 2nd rap record was C.W. McCall's CONVOY. Rap is a fad that's too long outlasted its 15 minutes.

[Anakin44441]

In July 1979 I was a month shy of my 2nd birthday. My understanding is that “disco” was simply a commercial trend that everybody was trying to cash in on. I enjoy all kinds of music but what little I have heard of “disco” just sounds like the same thing repeated over and over again--with bass drum and hi-hat--nothing at all like R&B or funk or even modern pop or dance music. Also I never knew it was the Detroit Tigers. LOL! Steve, you most likely did my generation a huge favor!!! Thanks.

[TheOriginalShockJock]

@Anakin44441 That was pretty much what disco had become by 1979, though it did have its roots in R&B, dance, and funk it became, like most fads, commercial and redundant, and that was primarily what 'rock & rollers' disliked (though some rock became commercial and redundant as well disco was the big 'fad' of the decade). Also, not only was the event comedy-based, it also stemmed from Steve previously working for a station that went 'all disco' and therefore Steve had to knock the competition!

[discooriginal]

@Anakin44441 Well your understanding is wrong.Try Cerrone, Chic, Love and Kisses, early Ritchie Family, the Trammps, God the list is endless.They're WERE people that cashed in on it and made it over the top...but the true fans knew the difference.Disco is still around,half of the records released today steal from it.If any music should be blown up it is hip hop.That is the worst shit I have ever heard.Long live disco!

[Anakin44441]

@discooriginal No YOUR understanding is wrong. I've familiar with all those artists. They are not what I was talking about. My comment was meant to be lighthearted--this looked like a fun event aimed at the commercialization of the trend. Wish I could’ve been around for it! And why did you feel the need to put down hip hop? You must be very weak and insecure. And you are 27 so how the hell would you know anything about that era?

[discooriginal]

@Anakin44441 If you are familiar with those artists you would know it doesnt sound the same as you lazily pointed out before.Yes it did get hijacked.Is that any reason to burn a bunch of records and act like idiots?This wasnt a fun event,it had roots in homophobia and racism.Hip hop is the unfortunate sound coming from USA and its bullshit.Not weak or insecure thanks.I have been into disco for 13 years, I know a hell of a lot just ask me.You were 2 at the time what would YOU know?

[Anakin44441]

@discooriginal Homophobia? Racism? Those are very serious accusations. Quite obviously you don’t know me at all. If true, then those issues would completely change my perception of this event. The fact is I wouldn’t care if you blew up a bunch of rap or heavy metal or pop CD’s--but then I attribute nothing more significant to the act. Obviously you feel differently about what happened in 1979. Next time try not to assume the worst about someone and not be as hostile in your response.

[discooriginal]

@Anakin44441 I didn't say you were homophobic or racist,I said this demolition and anti disco sentiment had its roots in it.Read the book "Saturday Night Forever", or "Hot Stuff" for more information.Look, this whole thing was about disco being perceived as "gay music" and a lot of (but NOT all) white guys had a beef with marginalised groups having so much power.So I didn't assume this about you and I was hostile because you were.It is my favourite music and I just don't like to hear it trashed.

[TheOriginalShockJock]

@discooriginal This 'demolition and anti disco sentiment' DID NOT have its roots in racism or homophobia, it had its roots in satire, comedy, parody, and social criticism of fads. If you read any more into it than that then you have missed the point. Take it from those that were around this (diverse) group at that time in history; from the perspective of Steve Dahl fans it wasn't about anything more than trashing a fad that had become stale, commercial, repetitive, and quite cheesy. That is all.

[MrBennetzen]

Anyone want Teen-pop Demolition night from 1998-Present?

[ChristianZ28]

Disco Is THE GREATEST!! But yet no one blows up thoses Violent , Negative Rap records let's face it those who have no talent to sing or write music Rap and get somone else to make them sound like somthing ! Why doesn't somone not blow that crap up !!!

[TheOriginalShockJock]

@ChristianZ28 True, but Disco Demolition was 30 years+ ago and rap wasn't a factor in the music scene yet. Personally, some of the music that was lumped in with disco, like funk and dance music, wasn't too bad, but Disco Demolition had more to do with the fad aspect of disco and the lame commercial 'sell-out' sound that many (too many!) artists embraced in the late 70's, many of which played harder rock before, it made it a somewhat natural reaction among rock fans. The context of the time.

[sewerrod]

Do something else for publicity,,,,,, for all you know that corny ass sound could have ended racism between people,, because everyone would be gay then

[TheOriginalShockJock]

@sewerrod It really wasn't a pulicity stunt (though Steve always knew how to get pub!), it was just a wacky bit that grew and grew and culminated in Disco Demolition Night. It wasn't a racist deal, it wasn't homo-phobic, it was just wacky and stupid (and meant to be), and it was a celebration for rock and roll and a protest against a growing commercial sound (it wasn't primarily gay or black artists targeted, it was the sell out of people like Rod Stewart, Bee Gees, Rolling Stones, etc.)

[sewerrod]

@TheOriginalShockJock OK, im sure it wasnt about ending competition in the realm of whos going to make more money, because if youre selling music and some one else is, you demolished the competition to make more money for yourselves

[TheOriginalShockJock]

@sewerrod Was there competition between rival disco and rock stations, or competition in the music industry? Of course, but that wasn't really the motivation for the event, it was a comedy piece regarding a popular fad. Anyone that reads more into it than that has missed the point.

[TheOriginalShockJock]

@sewerrod The ONLY thing that will really ever end prejudice is education, travel, exposing people to diversity and making them realize that we are all human regardless of our philosophical or political differences. When that happens things will change. Music alone wouldn't have made that difference, and disco especially wouldn't have because it was taken from a counter-cultural scene and commercialized, watered-down into a temporary fad. Besides, dance music still exists, but disco is dead!

[TheDOLMET]

We need a Britney Spears demolition night.

[Borntocoast]

In Detroit, 1979 was called "The Year of the Toothless Tigers". as they were in Last Place most of the year. A Detroit Radio Station would INTERRUPT whatever they were playing with the Barry Manilow song "It's a Miracle" whenever the Tigers won. One evening the NBC Affiliate Station, which was committed to play the Tigers Road Games, had to pre-empt the NBC Showing of 'The Sound of Music" and received HUNDREDS of angry phone calls from those who'd rather watch the movie.

[TheOriginalShockJock]

@Borntocoast Too funny, and as I recall the Sox were pretty bad that year as well.

Thanks for the comment!

[BigMDS67]

I happened to like Disco and still do!

[TheOriginalShockJock]

@BigMDS67

Whatever works for you, but to be historically accurate Disco Demolition was less about the music and more about the lame, superficial, and arrogant disco scene (as a generalization) and the 'fad' element of what disco had become. There is some good music, i.e. funk, R&B, etc, that got lumped in with disco, but the 'sell-out' sound and the narcissistic disco scene created a backlash effect. Also, Disco Demolition was based on a COMEDY piece, not meant to be taken too seriously!

[WytZox1]

@BigMDS67 -- Disco music is great party music and discos in the 70s were great places for singles to hook up on the weekends. However when radio stations decided to betray their loyal listeners by switching from good rock music to 24 and 7 disco formats, that angered many music fans and inspired disco demolition in the process.