The year 1987 was several lifetimes ago, a time when hair-metal was in the ascendance, computers were clunkier than a Cybertruck, and “Countdown” finally called time.
For 13 years, “Countdown” was a Sunday religious experience for Australian music fans. Each week, host Ian “Molly” Meldrum would urge viewers to “do yourself a favour,” and trust his taste in music.
Molly didn’t always get it right, but by tapping into his bulging contacts book and team of producers, “Countdown” connected this island with the outside music world.
From 1974, “Countdown” delivered its seemingly endless conveyor belt of important acts from here and abroad, for performances, interviews, exclusives. Chart news.
And then, it ended.
On Saturday, November 16th, the ABC revives “Countdown” for a 50th anniversary special, a night of live music, stories and interviews.
Hosted by Myf Warhust and co-host Tony Armstrong, “Countdown: 50 Years On” taps ARIA Hall of Famer Daryl Braithwaite, and regular Countdowners Joe Camilleri, Kate Ceberano, GANGgajang, Marcia Hines, Grace Knight, Russell Morris, Leo Sayer and Ross Wilson, along with Electric Fields, Kate Miller-Heidke, Nooky, Regurgitator and Katy Steele, who will perform reimagined hits from back in the day.
Variety AU/NZ caught up with Cathie Scott, executive producer on “Countdown 50 Years On,” for a glimpse into the future past.
“Countdown” was such an awakening for so many young — and older — music fans in Australia. What were some of the surprises that came up when you worked on this project?
The importance of “Countdown” shaping the Australian Music industry can’t be overstated.
Many contemporary artists credit “Countdown” as a huge influence and contributing factor to the trajectory of the Australian music industry… it paved the way for the future success of artists who are still part of the industry today and put Australia on the map with many of the big internationals act of the era.
What should we expect with this special?
An amazing night of live music, entertainment and nostalgia that will transport audiences back to the heyday of “Countdown.”
There will be amazing artists performing their originals whose careers started on Countdown alongside contemporary artists re-imagining some of the classic hits.
Showcasing the impact the series had on both the music and television industry, there’ll be anecdotes and memorable moments from the Countdown series that have never been seen plus behind the scenes stories from those who were there.
Can you give me a sense of scale for this project?
A dedicated team has spent the past few months trawling through over 500 hours of original footage from the series uncovering some amazing behind the scenes archive and memorable on-stage moments.
We’ve also put together a huge lineup of artists who will be performing live to a studio audience of “Countdown” fans.
“Top of the Pops” made several attempted comebacks in the U.K. Could “Countdown” work again with Aussie audiences?
It’s hard to say if any music program could connect with audiences the way “Countdown” did. Back in the 70s and 80s there was no streaming, and music was consumed very differently but you’d never say never.
Countdown 50 Years On is an ABC Production, premiering at 7.30pm on Saturday, November 16th on ABC TV and ABC iview. 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.