Disco Demolition Book Chronicles 'The Night Disco Died'

BRIDGEPORT — If you grew up in Chicago, you've likely been hearing tales of Disco Demolition for years. 

Now, there is a book that chronicles the infamous night — with stories from people who were on the field. 

Former Sun-Times music critic Dave Hoekstra's latest book, "Disco Demolition: The Night Disco Died," is an oral history of July 12, 1979, when more than 50,000 people showed up to see the destruction of disco records on the field of Old Comiskey Park. 

"It's an oral history of the time period," Hoekstra said at a July 8 book signing at Bridgeport's Co-Prosperity Sphere. "What I wanted to do was be an anthropologist and dig around for everybody who was there. I like doing that, assembling all the characters." 

The book, published by Curbside Splendor, features more than 30 interviews by Hoekstra with record store owners and sports and music icons like Nile Rodgers, Rick Nielsen and Styx singer Dennis DeYoung.

"I really wanted to make it a time capsule of that summer," Hoekstra said.

The book includes archival photographs by Paul Natkin and an introduction by legendary Chicago DJ Steve Dahl Steve Dahl.

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