American Experience: The War on Disco

Mon. Oct. 30 at 8 p.m.

“The War on Disco” explores the culture war that erupted over the spectacular rise of disco music. Originating in underground Black and gay clubs, disco had unseated rock as America’s most popular music by the late 1970s. But many diehard rock fans viewed disco, with its repetitive beat and culture that emphasized pleasure, as shallow and superficial.

A story that’s about much more than music, “The War on Disco” explores how the powerful anti-disco backlash revealed a cultural divide that to some seemed to be driven by racism and homophobia. The hostility came to a head on July 12, 1979, when a riot broke out at “Disco Demolition Night” during a baseball game in Chicago.

Two students stand outside a school building at ASU
aired Dec. 12

Can you name the 13 Colonies?

A view of Phoenix with the PBS logo and text reading: Annual Luncheon
Dec. 18

Join us for the Arizona PBS Annual Luncheon

PBS Books Readers Club graphic with several book covers featured in 2025

Join us for PBS Books Readers Club!

TV towers on South Mountain in Phoenix

Show Low to receive new channel number, more powerful signal

Subscribe to Arizona PBS Newsletters

STAY in touch
with azpbs.org!

Subscribe to Arizona PBS Newsletters: