I would say that over 90% of active DJs DO NOT Remember using equipment in the 1970s. I am 36, and even my first DJ gig at the age of 13, I was using 2 single disc CD Players and using CDs. I have no clue about the equipment DJs used in the 1970s except for the fact that I know it was all heavy, bulky, and a real PITA to transport around compared to standard equipment of the last 20 years.
Sure many of us know the music. That can be learned by doing a little research, and searching for the songs on Spotify IF the DJ does not have this music in their collection. A young DJ may not know THE BEST ways to program that music in a set, but they can at least obtain the songs, and play them.
Most 20 somethings don't know much about records, and if they did own cassettes, they were very young when they did so.
My nephew is 20. He told me he has never owned a Cassette. He barely owns any CDs. He grew up in the MP3 Player world. He has his ear buds in all the time.
My point is that you somehow claim that 90% of active DJ's do not remember the 70's or were not born yet.You're assuming that of every 1000 DJ's, 900 of them are 38 and younger. While I myself have also not used equipment manufactured in the 70's, I know exactly what a turntable is and how to use it (I still have a pair). I also know what a cassette deck is, as well as other media players used through the years and exactly how to use them. Many people in the public from 20-60 know what these are as well. How would the majority of people that are active in this field NOT know?
Today, you can find many DJ's using turntables (in a digital capacity) - which can be traced back to the 60's and 70's. Ross uses a digital vinyl setup. I have also. Turntables are currently still being sold - as are new records. Considering most of the older people already have this equipment (and possibly still have their records), who do you think is buying them?
I got to agree with Tigger on this one. Vinyl is on a big comeback and a lot of artists are releasing on vinyl just not the fringe ones either. Justin Timberlake and Kendrick Lamar have two of the top 10 biggest selling albums on vinyl this year. The majority of vinyl collectors that are actively buying are in the 18-35 demo
From a personal standpoint I still have all my vinyl. 10,000 45's over 1500 albums I also have CD's and cassettes. I don't see cassettes making a comeback they were always a PITA. My second oldest will be 19 this month and buys vinyl regularly. She wanted a turntable for Xmas last year