The Night Disco Died

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jul 12, 2004 6:52PM

While some think disco slowly fizzled out, Chicagoans knows disco went out in a spectacular blaze of glory 25 years ago. Tonight marks the 25th anniversary of Disco Demolition Night at the old Comiskey Park. The brainchild of DJ Steve Dahl, the planned festivities were to blow up some disco record on the field between games of a double header against the Detroit Tigers.

Instead, a riot broke out! Hundreds of the nearly 50,000 in attendance stormed the field and the White Sox eventually were forced to forfeit the second game of the double-header.

While a black eye on the city at the time, as time passed the event has become a fondly remembered event in the city's history. As part of the day's celebrations, Channel 11 will be airing a documentary tonight. Viewing parties will be held throughout the city, including Harry Caray's, O'Donovan's, 115 Bourbon Street and others (full list available here). And I'm sure Steve Dahl will have a thing or two about it on his show this afternoon on WCKG 105.9 from 2pm - 7 pm.