A Brief History of the Silent Disco

by: Isabel Brunker

A new, and perhaps more intriguing, characteristic of the “Fun and Excitement” portion of KUNA is the Silent Disco. Defined as an event where people dance to music that is listened to via wireless headphones, Silent Disco has become a new and increasingly popular way to party.

Silent Disco was first referenced in a Japanese Sci-Fi story titled The summer of 1993. The main character of this story attends a party at which everyone is wearing headphones. In the 1990’s, Silent Disco became a more public form of entertainment. It was used mostly by eco-activists in an effort to reduce noise pollution and maintain peace in nature during outdoor events and parties. The Glastonbury Festival in England also utilized a similar method for streaming World Cup games and music videos to late-night festival attendees. “Silent Disco” has been recognized since at least 2005 when the Bonnaroo Music Festival Advertised a silent event.

In addition to silent discos and dances, some music groups have held Silent Concerts. The first of these was held in 1999 in Dallas, Texas by the Flaming Lips. In addition to the headphones used by the audience members, a normal sound system was used so that the experience could be felt as well as heard. The Flaming Lips toured briefly with this silent concert gig but it received mixed results among attendees.

Although a new edition to KUNA and KYA, the Silent Disco seems to have garnered much support already. With its individual approach to group events and socializing, this form of entertainment puts the fun and excitement in “Fun and Excitement” at KUNA!