Adelaide Disco Charts

Adelaide's first disco charts came courtesy of the "Disco Hotline", Adelaide's only weekly radio foray into the the world of disco on radio station 5EBI-FM produced by Chris Despotakis and hosted by Angelo Amato with Lisa Spencer and later Stacey Tangalakis on the switchboard (and coffee). A number of guest presenters and visiting acts featured prominently each week.

Old Lion - Melbourne Street, North Adelaide

Disco Perm anyone?

Disco "Vibes" at Christies Beach

Originally formed in mid 1977 Vibes Disco became the largest single mobile disco in the State and was owned and managed by Ken Finlay. It entertained 2000 - 3000 people per month at Christies Beach ad Campbelltown as well as various school socials. Here is a picture from a section of the crowd at a "Vibes Disco" at Christies Beach.

Glenelg Goes Disco

More Dance Lessons

Disco Equipment Suppliers

Pips Night Club - King William Road, Unley

Club 63 - Melbourne Street

Hotel California - Currie Street

Opened in November 1979 and caused quite a stir with its dedicated disco theme and it's elevated DJ "box".

Spooks Club Adult Bar & Disco - Gouger Street

Arthur Murray's Dance Studio - Gilbert Place

Touch Disco, The Hustle,"the Foxxxy". This was the place to learn the latest styles and impress.

Jules Bar - Hindley Street

At the forefront of the Disco scene throughout the 70's and 80's featured a smorgasbord of DJ's. This was the meeting place for all DJ's after their own clubs had closed down for the night. It wasn't unusual to see patrons leaving in the morning light. Featured live bands and Adelaide's only revolving dance floor (stage 1) and a more rock & progressive area (stage 2). Had it's own coffee bar (Upstairs) and a chill out area at the bottom area of stage 1. The first video game machines appeared here and had their own dedicated area.

Roller Disco - Hindmarsh Rollodrome

Rollermania had become the rage in Australia in 1978. Built at a cost of $350,000 the rink was constructed on the old Europa Theatre site at 4 Milner Street, Hidmarsh which had been destroyed through fire. Thanks to Mark Watson and Graham Madder, the centre was at the forefront of Disco entertainment and was licensed to cater for over 900 patrons.

Sinatras

Opened in July 1979 with inspiration from all over the world by owner, operator Robert Mittiga in the West's Theatre site. Laced with mirror tiles , mirror balls, plush red velvet lounges amongst plants and trees. Possibly, was Adelaide's most sophisticated Disco Adelaide has seen and home to resident DJ Angelo Amato.

Abbey Disco - Gawler

The Abbey, located on a sidestreet just of the main road at Gawler housed around 200 people. Originally a church, then a restaurant, it underwent a dramatic change in 1979. The dance floor was elevated from ground floor by below floor lights. Resident DJ Tim and radio personalities like Tony Giles were spinning the records.

Regines Restaurant / Lounge

Here is the officially published ad for one of Adelaide's early sophisticated Discos and the interior.Adelaide was never the same since the introduction of Regines Restaurant & Discotheque. Resident DJ Peter Murray believed in the non-talking DJ, which was a first for Adelaide and followed the American and European trend. Open for dinner six nights a week from Monday to Saturday it catered for diners from 7.00pm. Head waiter was Andre. Host of Regines was Manfred Schier.