The Night Disco Died at Comiskey Park
About this episode
The episode discusses the significant events of July 9th, 1979, including the infamous Disco Demolition Night at Comiskey Park.
On July 9th, 1955, one of the most electrifying moments in early rock and roll history unfolded when a young truck driver from Memphis walked into the RCA Victor studios in New York City to record what would become his first national television appearance soundtrack. But let me back up and tell you about an even more significant event on this date. July 9th, 1979, was the day that the Knack released their debut album "Get the Sharped," and while that album would go on to massive success, something far more monumental was happening in the world of disco and pop music. This was the date when the anti-disco movement reached its fever pitch with the infamous Disco Demolition Night at Comiskey Park in Chicago. Rock DJ Steve Dahl of local station WLUP had organized this promotional event between games of a White Sox doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers. The concept was simple but inflammatory: fans could gain admission to the ballpark for just 98 cents if they brought a disco record to be blown up in center field. What the organizers expected to be a modest crowd of perhaps twenty thousand instead turned into an absolute madhouse, with estimates suggesting that somewhere between…
More episodes of Music History Daily
- When Roger Waters Tore Down The Wall in Berlin
- July 20th: When Space Exploration and Music History Collided
- July 19th: Sting Goes Solo, Beatles Go Animated
- July 18: Elton John's Secret Duet and a Bluegrass Prodigy
- Telstar Satellite Inspires Iconic British Instrumental Hit
- Beatles Transform Album Art with Sgt Pepper Release
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Music History Daily podcast page.