At 6:30pm on Friday 8 November 1974, Countdown burst into loungerooms all over the nation and set the music scene on fire. 50 years on, the ABC is inviting you back to the party to celebrate the little Aussie show that became a global phenomenon.
Premiering at 7.30pm on Saturday 16 November on ABC TV and ABC iview, Countdown 50 Years On will bring the glory days of the 70s and 80s rocketing into the here and now.
Hosted by Myf Warhust and co-host Tony Armstrong, the epic night of music will feature Countdown heavy hitters Daryl Braithwaite, Joe Camilleri, Kate Ceberano, GANGgajang, Marcia Hines, Grace Knight, Russell Morris, Leo Sayer and Ross Wilson, as well as contemporary legends Electric Fields, Kate Miller-Heidke, Nooky, Regurgitator and Katy Steele reimagining the classic Countdown hits.
Also joining the festivities are special guests Dylan Lewis, Les Gock and the voice of Countdown, Gavin Wood.
The special event is set to combine juicy behind the scenes stories and interviews from Countdown’s original 13-year run, with never-before-seen archival footage and electrifying live performances from some of our biggest stars.
Countdown was broadcast by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) from 1974 to 1987. The iconic music program became one of the most influential shows in Australia’s music industry, playing a crucial role in shaping the music culture of the era.
Created by Michael Shrimpton, Robbie Weekes and Ian “Molly” Meldrum, Countdown helped launch the careers of many Australian and international artists. Meldrum became synonymous with the show, delivering unscripted, informal commentary that endeared him to audiences. His enthusiastic and often humorous interviews with musicians became a staple of the show.
As Molly Meldrum famously said, do yourself a favour, tune in and turn up to an anniversary celebration not to be missed. For more information, visit: www.iview.abc.net.au for details. Catch up on classic episodes of Countdown here!
Image: The Village People on Countdown – courtesy of the ABC