The day disco died happened July 12, 1979. Chicago DJ Steve Dahl was leading a backlash against the over-saturation of disco music. What started out as a way to smash disco records quickly escalated into a riot and the forfeit of a game from the Chicago White Sox. In a cross promotion with a local radio station, fans bringing a disco record to the game got in for $.98, the records would then be blown up morning show host Steve Dahl. A crate filled with disco records was blown up on the field between games of the night doubleheader between the White Sox and the Dertroit Tigers. Many of those in attendance had come to see the explosion(and drink and party) rather than see the games and rushed onto the field after the detonation. The doubleheader sold out, leaving at least 20,000 people outside the ballpark. Some were not content to remain there, jumping over turnstiles, climbing fences, and entering through open windows. The attendance was officially reported as 47,795. Bill Veeck(White Sox owner) estimated that there were anywhere from 50,000 to 55,000 in the park—easily the largest crowd of his second stint as White Sox owner. Much of the security on hand was sent to the gates to keep people from entering the stadium. That left the playing field almost wide open. The playing field was damaged both by the explosion and by the rowdy fans to the point where the White Sox were required to the second game of the doubleheader to the Tigers.
While the outcome was not what anyone expected or wanted, that was ONE memorable promotion! Long live the rebellious spirit and long live Rock and Roll! Also…disco sucks!
