Dons of Disco

Dons of Disco is a documentary that explores the world of 1980s Italian disco and its impact on popular music as we know it today, focusing particularly on the lives and careers of two pivotal figures: Den Harrow and Tom Hooker. Released in 2018 and directed by Jonathan Sutak, the film is a riveting exploration of a largely forgotten era of music and the turbulent personalities that dominated it.

Dons of Disco chronicles the rise of synth-driven Italo disco music, a genre which was widely popular in Europe during the 1980s and had a profound influence on the evolution of modern pop and dance music. The central figures in this narrative are Den Harrow, a former teen idol and Tom Hooker, a singer-songwriter who, despite not being as visually recognized as Harrow, played a significant role in the creation of numerous disco hits.

Den Harrow, whose real name is Stefano Zandri, is presented as an international teen sensation who rose to stardom with his captivating stage presence and hit songs. His career skyrocketed, making him one of the most recognizable faces in European pop culture during that time.

On the other hand, Tom Hooker, born Thomas Barbey, is portrayed as the creative genius behind many of Harrow's tracks. Hooker’s involvement was essential but concealed from the spotlight; it was his voice that powered many of Den Harrow's hit songs but remained unrecognized for his contributions.

The crux of Dons of Disco lies in the simmering controversy that bubbles to the surface, calling into question the authenticity of Harrow's performances and role in the music. The narrative takes us through the discovery of a lip-syncing scandal that has the potential to reshape the legacy of these two figures and rewrite the history of Italo disco.

One of the greatest strengths of the documentary is its treatment of this controversy, neither fully vilifying one party nor sanctifying the other. Instead, it focuses on examining the complex relationships between identity, fame, artistry, and authenticity in the music industry. It delivers a nuanced portrait of two individuals whose lives and careers are intertwined by a shared moment in musical history, illustrating the human cost of ambition, fame, secrecy, and duplicity.

The film blends a treasure trove of archival footage with talking head interviews and cinematic reenactments, providing an in-depth look into the behind-the-scenes machinations of the music business, revealing the inner workings of the industry that so often go unseen by the general public. We get to delve into the duo's personal worlds, seeing their triumphs and tragedies, hopes and regrets, and the tumultuous relationship that epitomized the Italo disco era.

Dons of Disco doesn’t limit itself to the personal narrative of Harrow and Hooker; it manages to inject broader aspects of music and pop culture history into its storytelling as well. It delves into the curious appeal of Italo disco, its impact on Euro-pop, and its eventual commodification and downfall.

Through the personal stories of Harrow and Hooker, Dons of Disco also explores the broader themes of the era like hyper-consumerism, mass communication, music production ethics, and the cult of celebrity, thus painting a broader sociocultural picture of the 80s.

In true documentary style, Dons of Disco does not claim to provide all the answers. However, it presents an engaging case study about an industry built on images and facades, bringing to light many questions about the nature of fame, the power of detection, and the price of deception.

Through the unique lens of a little-explored chapter in music history, Dons of Disco tells a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, deception, and the often-blurred line between reality and illusion in the world of showbiz, a fascinating watch for any fan of music history, culture, and the humans at the heart of such narratives.