Celebrating Countdown 50 years on

17 Oct 2024

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. 

But the party doesn’t stop there. 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. 

Always free, Always entertaining, catch up on classic episodes of Countdown on ABC iview.

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.

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.

First published at ABC News, October 17, 2024