Posted by chicagomedia.org on July 03, 2008 at 19:45:43:
35 Pivotal Moments In R&R History: The Day Disco Died
Around most of the world, disco was a frolicking music trend that pervaded, peaked and quietly receded. But in the United States, an egregious stunt by Chicago rock DJs Steve Dahl and Garry Meier turned disco into a dirty word.
Local WDAI had flipped to an all-disco format, firing Dahl, who then moved to WLUP, where he made it his mission to malign belief in the beat. Dahl and on-air partner Meier -- with Chicago White Sox owner son Mike Veeck -- staged Disco Demolition Night July 12, 1979, during a local White Sox double-header attended by 50,000, blowing up a stack of disco records. A riot ensued, garnering national press, but more so, detonating the nationwide mantra "disco sucks."
The caper made Dahl a national hero; he has been on Chicago radio for more than 30 years, today at WJMK (Jack FM). The avenging irony: Included on the station's playlist are Amii Stewart's "Knock on Wood" and Blondie's "Heart of Glass," both top five disco hits from 1979.
As R&R continues to celebrate its 35th anniversary this year, keep checking for more Pivotal Moments in radio that have happened during the magazine's watch.
(R&R)