EXCLUSIVE:
ABC will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Countdown with a huge commemorative special, Countdown 50 Years On.
At 6:30pm on Friday 8 November 1974, Countdown burst into loungerooms all over the nation, igniting a generation and changing the Australian music industry forever.
50 years on, the ABC is inviting viewers to a special at 7.30pm on Saturday 16 November that will bring the glory days of the 70s and 80s rocketing into the here and now.
Myf Warhust and Tony Armstrong will host a night of music with Countdown OGs including Daryl Braithwaite, Joe Camilleri, Kate Ceberano, GANGgajang, Marcia Hines, Grace Knight, Russell Morris, Leo Sayer and Ross Wilson.
Contemporary acts Electric Fields, Kate Miller-Heidke, Nooky, Regurgitator and Katy Steele will also reimagine classic Countdown hits.
Dylan Lewis and Hush guitarist Les Gock are special guests.
The special event will reveal behind the scenes stories and interviews from Countdown’s original 13-year run, with never-before-seen archival footage and electrifying live performances.
The celebrations will also feature across ABC Radio:
ABC Radio is bringing Countdown In Your Town to Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Newcastle throughout November. Alongside fan favourite ABC Radio presenters, the live events will feature bands playing iconic hits from the Countdown era.
Across the country ABC Radio will be broadcasting Countdown’s Top 20 Greatest Moments on Saturday 9 November at 6pm AEDT. Hosted by ABC Radio Sydney’s James Valentine, the broadcast will celebrate some of the most iconic show moments from Whispering Jack and the Material Girl to ABBA, Iggy Pop and more.
As Molly Meldrum famously said, do yourself a favour, tune in and turn up to an anniversary celebration not to be missed.
Production Credits
Countdown 50 Years On is an ABC Production. Executive Producer Cathie Scott, Supervising Producer Jess Skinner. Musical Director Dorian West. Music Producer Louise Perryman. Producers Richard Martin and Tony Norton. Head of Arts, Music and Events, Kath Earle.
links to content on ABC
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