Countdown celebrates 50 years with a star-studded special featuring Daryl Braithwaite, Joe Camilleri, Kate Ceberano, Marcia Hines and more.
At 6:30pm on Friday 8 November 1974, Countdown burst into loungerooms across Australia, igniting the local music scene and quickly becoming a global phenomenon. Now, 50 years later, the ABC is inviting fans to relive the magic with a celebration that promises to be bigger than ever.
Premiering at 7:30pm on Saturday 16 November on ABC TV and ABC iview, Countdown 50 Years On will bring the glory days of 70s and 80s music into the present day. The special event, hosted by Myf Warhurst and Tony Armstrong, is packed with star power and electrifying performances from artists who shaped Countdown and the Australian music landscape.
Countdown 50 Years On
- Daryl Braithwaite
- Joe Camilleri
- Kate Ceberano
- GANGgajang
- Marcia Hines
- Grace Knight
- Russell Morris
- Leo Sayer
- Ross Wilson
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Joining them will be contemporary artists Electric Fields, Kate Miller-Heidke, Nooky, Regurgitator, and Katy Steele, each performing reimagined versions of classic Countdown hits. Special guests Dylan Lewis and Les Gock will also make appearances throughout the night.
The event promises not only live performances but also juicy behind-the-scenes stories and interviews from Countdown’s original 13-year run, plus never-before-seen archival footage.
In addition to the TV special, the ABC is taking the celebration on the road with Countdown In Your Town, a series of live events in Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, and Newcastle. Hosted by favourite ABC Radio presenters, these events will feature live bands playing iconic hits from the Countdown era.
On Saturday 9 November at 6pm AEDT, ABC Radio will broadcast Countdown’s Top 20 Greatest Moments, hosted by James Valentine. This countdown of memorable moments from the show’s history includes unforgettable appearances from artists like Whispering Jack, Madonna, ABBA, and Iggy Pop.
As Molly Meldrum would say, do yourself a favour and tune in for an anniversary celebration you won’t want to miss. Catch classic Countdown episodes and relive the magic for free on ABC iview.
