Turn the beat around: Richard Dyer's 'In Defence of Disco' revisited

Abstract

Published in 1979, Richard Dyer's 'In Defence of Disco' is one of the best-read but relatively little-used essays in pop music studies, queer studies and cultural studies. With his essay, not only does Dyer demystify the 'authenticity' of music genres such as folk and rock, but also validates and celebrates the in authenticity of disco by recognizing its political potential. This review article revisits Dyer's 'In Defence of Disco' and subsequently discusses those few academic works that do build upon and expand his original arguments, proving the significance of this radical essay.