The War on Disco(2023)
The explosive sound that ignited a culture war
The War on Disco Synopsis
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.
The War on Disco (2023) is a documentary, history and music film directed by Lisa Quijano Wolfinger, released on October 30, 2023 with a runtime of 51m. It stars Felipe Rose, Steve Dahl, Linda Clifford and Rich King. Viewers rate it 5.8 out of 10 across 5 ratings.
- Director:
- Lisa Quijano Wolfinger
- Writers:
- Rushmore DeNooyer
- Producers:
- Nicole London, Lisa Quijano Wolfinger, Rushmore DeNooyer
- Cinematographer:
- Ezra Wolfinger
- Production:
- American Experience Films, GBH, Lone Wolf Media, Robert Stone Productions
- Status:
- Released
The War on Disco Cast & Crew
Main cast
Felipe Rose
as Self
Steve Dahl
as Self
- Linda Clifford
Linda Clifford
as Self
Rich King
as Self
- Daphne Brooks
Daphne Brooks
as Self
- Jefferson Cowie
Jefferson Cowie
as Self
- Adam Greenfield
Adam Greenfield
as Self
- Ray Smith
Ray Smith
as Self
- Joe Shanahan
Joe Shanahan
as Self
David Logan
as Self
- Ayana Contreras
Ayana Contreras
as Self
- Wayne Williams
Wayne Williams
as Self
Key crew
Directed by Lisa Quijano Wolfinger, written by Rushmore DeNooyer, produced by Nicole London, Lisa Quijano Wolfinger and Rushmore DeNooyer.
Explore more Documentary titles
The War on Disco Reviews & Ratings
Average viewer score of 5.8/10 from 5 ratings.
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The War on Disco – Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch The War on Disco online?
+
The War on Disco (2023) is available to stream on PBS Documentaries Amazon Channel, and to rent or buy from Amazon Video. Streaming availability is checked against JustWatch data and can change by region.
Who stars in The War on Disco?
+
The main cast of The War on Disco (2023) includes Felipe Rose, Steve Dahl, Linda Clifford, Rich King and Daphne Brooks. The film was directed by Lisa Quijano Wolfinger. You can see the full cast and crew list, with character names, further up this page.
When was The War on Disco released?
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The War on Disco was released on October 30, 2023 and runs for 51m.
Is The War on Disco worth watching?
+
The War on Disco (2023) holds an average rating of 5.8 out of 10 from 5 viewer votes, and is a good pick if you enjoy documentary, history and music films. Read the viewer reviews on this page to decide for yourself.