Host - Grant Goldman. The first episode of Countdown.
Host - Richard Coombe
First episode of rock program, Countdown, to be transmitted in colour opening titles Countdown. MCU John Farnham opening program vs live in studio Skyhooks singing Horror Movie C/A Skyhooks in Luna Park.
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Countdown is hosted by Darryl Braithwaite and Sherbet, chatting with Denise Drysdale and John Paul Young before performing. Drysdale and Braithwaite spin a rigged wheel to pick an audience member for a record. John Paul Young is nearly dragged off stage by fans and carried away by crew. The Bay City Rollers arrive for a loud interview with Molly; their fan club president gives Eric a framed photo but is told her question is “dumb.” Three teens who wrote 3,000 lines to meet Sherbet come on stage—one ends up on Molly’s lap. Molly also presents two gold records to The Sweet. Braithwaite reads the Top Ten, ending with Skyhooks’ “All My Friends Are Getting Married.”
Show hosted by Marty Rhone. Molly (without hat, wearing rugby jumper) introduces Humdrum.
Host: Ian Meldrum (all performances and clips are from previous episodes). Produced mid-1975.
Host Bon Scott.
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Documentary-style special featuring Sherbet recording, performing, and lifestyle footage; filmed on a cruise ship.
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Host: Shirley Strachan & Daryl Braithwaite
Host: Ted Mulry
Hosted by Ian Meldrum (with Richard Parfitt & Alan Lancaster).
Host: Shirley Strachan.
Performance by Ted Mulry Gang 'All Over Now' and John Paul Young and the All Stars’ ‘Keep On Smiling’
: THIS SHOW HOSTED BY JOHN PAUL YOUNG FEATURED THE BAY CITY ROLLERS LIVE IN THE STUDIO.
Show compered by Daryl Braithwaite, assisted by Molly Meldrum (hatless), surrounded by studio guests like John Paul Young, Ol'55, and Sherbet. Interviews include Rockwell T. Jones, and Sherbet receives a "Golden Gull" award from the manager of new radio station 3MP, promoting Australian talent. Current Top Ten hits are discussed, though not listed—except for the number one hit, ABBA’s “Money Money Money,” which plays in full during the closing credits.
Host: Molly Meldrum & Shirley Strachan.
Host: Molly Meldrum & Shirley Strachan.
Host: Molly Meldrum & Rockwell T James.
Host: Molly Meldrum.
Hosts: Molly Meldrum & John Paul Young
Counting down top 100 hits for 1976, this show replaying hits 16 to 1. Hosted by Molly Meldrum (wearing sunglasses) and John Paul Young who are both in high spirits with young at one stage pushing Molly off chair and Molly introducing duet by Elton John and Kikki Dee as a little duet by two girls, Elsie and Kikki. Explosion behind chairs on set causes Molly to jump up in fright and fall onto floor, he also takes camera into control room to introduce producer, PA, and technical staff. Half way through show obvious that Meldrum and Young have been told to tone down their behaviour. Meldrum says goodnight to end show prematurely and Young presents him with paper flowers at end of show;
Host Jon English
Multiple local clips listed from ex shows 119–121: e.g., Dragon – Get That Jive; Scandal – Best Deal In Town; Mark Holden – Reach Out…; The Angels – You’re A Lady Now; John Paul Young – Where The Action Is; etc. Many music videos included on tape: David Essex; Earth, Wind & Fire; Billy Joel; Wings; KISS; Smokey; Suzi Quatro; Temptations (Soul Train).
Performances by Rose Tattoo and Leif Garrett
Live at the Adelaide Festival Centre Plaza.
Host - Johnny Cougar & Molly Meldrum
Countdown Top 100 of 1977 – Part 1
Performance by The Boys Next Door 'These Boots Are Made For Walking'.
Hosted by Six Rocktober DJs. Performances: Ol'55, The Ferrets, Rose Tattoo and John Paul Young.
Hosts: Molly Meldrum, Leif Garrett. Performances: Kate Bush, Little River Band, Sherbet.
Hosts: Molly Meldrum & Elton John.
Host: Molly Meldrum
Host: Shirley Strachan
Hosted by Shirley Strachan. Studio Performances by Status Quo, Elton John, Cold Chisel, Rod Stewart and Darryl Cotton.
Host: Bob Welch
Guest Host: Smokie.
Host: Eric Oldfield
Hosts: Russell Morris & Molly Meldrum
Hosts: Glenn Shorrock and Molly Meldrum. Studio performances include Little River Band (Lonesome Loser), Russel Morris (Hot Love), Mental As Anything (The Nips Are Getting Bigger) and Iggy Pop's (in)famous miming to 'I'm Bored'. Molly also interviews Iggy on Humdrum.
Hosts Dolly Parton and Molly Meldrum. With studio performances by Dolly Parton (Great Balls of Fire), Chris Rea (Diamonds), Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons (Hit & Run), Dr Feelgood (As Long As The Price Is Right), Rex Smith (You Take My Breath Away). Molly interviews Rex Smith on Humdrum.
Hosted by Peter Mochrie.
Host by Peter Mochrie. Special "live" edition featuring live in studio and concert footage.
Stylus – If You Believe In Me (repeat from 26/08/1979).
Host John Paul Young.
Host John St Peeters.
Opening performance Eddie Money 'Maureen'.
Host Shirley Strachan.
Host Peter Lochran.
Host James Reyne
Host Steve Gilpin & Mi-Sex.
Hosts: Russell Hitchcock & Christie Allen
Host: Graham Parker.
Host: Elton John.
Host: Molly Meldrum. Reflection of the events of 1970-1974 featuring archival footage. Molly interviews: David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Thin Lizzy, Earth, Wind & Fire, Bjorn from ABBA, Carol Bayer Sager, Maurice Gibb from Bee Gees, Olivia Newton-John, Elton John, Flo & Eddie, Marvin Lee Aday from Meatloaf, Carol Bayer Sager, Howard Kaylan from Flo & Eddie, Ricki-Lee Jones, Bette Midler, Roger Voudouris, Lindsay Buckingham, Peter Gabriel from Genesis, Johnny Rotten from Sex Pistols, Shaun Cassidy, Leo Sayer, UK Squeeze, Suzi Quatro, The Knack, Cliff Richard, Steve Harley from Cockney Rebel, Bay City Rollers, Rod Stewart, Shirley Strachan, Alice Cooper, Lindsay Buckingham, Daryl Braithwaite, Glenn Shorrock, Mick Taylor from Rolling Stones, The Knack, Leif Garrett, Stevie Wonder, Cliff Richard, Peter Gabriel, The Doobie Brothers, Meatloaf, Bob Geldof and The Police
Host: Molly Meldrum
Host: Ted Mulry
Host: Darryl Cotton
Host: Judie Tzuke
Host: Ellen Foley & Molly Meldrum
Host: Jon English
Host: Harry Casey.
Host: Gil Tucker.
Host: Bob Geldof
Hosts: Wendy Stapleton
Hosts: Village People
Hosts: Skyhooks
Host: Jame Reyne.
Hosts: The Ramones.
Host: John St Peeters. Cherry Ripe interviews Bev Bevan from ELO.
Host: The Dugites. Studio performances: The Dugites - Goodbye, Darryl Cotton & The Charts - Here Comes Another Heartache, Cold Chisel - My Baby, Streetangel - Caught In The Act, Australian Crawl - Downhearted. Molly interviews Jimmy Barnes and Don Walker from Cold Chisel. Cherry Ripe interviews Joe Camilleri and Wilbur Wilde from Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons + excerpt "Puppet On A String" at Montreux Festival Switzerland.
Host: Kim Hart. Studio performances: The Angels (Poor Baby), Flowers (Can't Help Myself), Richard Clapton (Get Back To The Shelter), Kim Hart (You're The One). Molly interviews Olivia Newton John.
Host: DJs from 6PM, 5AD, 7HT, 3XY, 4BC & 2WS.
Host: James Reyne. Studio performances: Hush (Boney Maroney), Skyhooks (Horror Movie), Marcia Hines (You), John Paul Young (Yesterday's Hero), Sherbet (Howzat), Cold Chisel (Breakfast At Sweethearts), The Sports (Don't Throw Stones), The Angels (After The Rain), Australian Crawl (Beautiful People). Plus music videos.
Host - Molly Meldrum & Olivia Newton John. This week Countdown hosts the Xanadu Dance Competition at Chasers Disco in Prahran, Melbourne. Studio performances: Olivia Newton John preforms 'Magic' and Dancin'' with the Tubes.
Host - Molly Meldrum & John Travolta. Molly interviews John Travolta and film excerpts are shown from "Saturday Night Fever" and "Urban Cowboy". Studio performances: Cold Chisel (My Baby) and Australian Crawl (Indisposed).
Hosts: All lead singers of the bands performing live on this episode. Studio performances: Mi-Sex (It Only Hurts When I'm Laughing), Heroes (Baby's Had A Taste), Sharon O'Neil (How Do You Talk To Boys) and Boys (When You're Lonely). Molly interviews The Tourists.
Host: KISS. This week's show features KISS with concert excerpts, music videos and an interview with the group from New York City.
Host: James Freud. Studio performances: James Freud & Berlin (Modern Girl), Nick Britton (Hit Me With Your Best Shot,) John Farnham & Friends (She's Everywhere) and Hush (Boney Maroney). Cherry Ripe interviews Martha & The Muffins.
This week's episode is hosted by the lead singers of each studio band - performances include: XTC (Generals & Majors), Lisa Bade (Traveller In The Night), Swanee ('Ol Rosie), Edith Bliss(Two Single Beds), Flowers (We Can Get Together).
The show is hosted in turn by Jimmy Manzie (Breakers), Chris Venn (Delaney Venn), Chrissy & Lindsay Hammond (Cheetah), and Michael Hutchence (INXS). Molly interviews John Farrar. Live studio acts include Breakers “When I’m on TV,” Delaney Venn “No Expectations,” Cheetah “Spend the Night,” and INXS “Just Keep Walkin’.” Chartbusters: Ol’55 “Two Faces Have I,” Cliff Richard “Dreamin’,” Skatt Bros “Life at the Outpost,” George Benson “Give Me the Night.” Local video: Mark Gillespie “Small Mercies.” Overseas videos: Stevie Wonder “Master Blaster,” Willie Nelson “On the Road Again,” Dexy’s Midnight Runners “Geno,” Whitesnake “Fool for Your Lovin’,” ABBA “The Winner Takes It All.” Top Ten: Rocky Burnette, Martha & the Muffins, Romantics, David Bowie, ONJ/ELO, Kate Bush, Diana Ross, Irene Cara, Leo Sayer.
Hosts: Darryl Hall & John Oates. Studio performances: James Freud & Berlin (Enemy Lines), Russell Morris & The Rubes (Hush), The Sinclair Brothers (City Boy). Molly interviews Phil Lynott from Thin Lizzy
Host: The Romantics. Studio performances: The Sports - Stop Yeh Baby Talking, Leon Berger - Take Me Higher, Mondo Rock - The State Of The Heart, The Dugites - South Pacific, The Romantics - When I Look In Your Eyes.
Host: Wilbur Wilde & Red Symons .Studio performances: Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons - I Will Return, The Motivators - After The Fall, Paul Kelly & The Dots - Billy Baxter, Flowers - We Can Get Together, Jo Stanley - When Love's In Your Heart.
Host: Martha Davis & Molly Meldrum. Performances: KISS - Is That You (Live in Perth), MEO245 - Lady Love, Cheetah - Spend The Night, Christie Allen - Switchboard, Dennis D Wilson - Walking On Thin Ice, The Motels - Whose Problem Am I, KISS - Talk To Me (Live in Perth).
Host: Annie Lennox from The Tourists. Performances: Norman Gunston - Marchin In The KISS Army, The Tourists - Don't Say I Told You So, Mental As Anything - Romeo & Juliet, Pattie Keith (Little Pattie) - Ain't Nothin' Gonna Keep Me From You, Vixen - Cover Up Job, The Motels - Total Control. Molly interviews David Bowie and Peter Criss.
Host: Ross Wilson from Mondo Rock. Studio performances: Tina Turner - Are You Breaking My Heart, Jo Dolce - Shuddap You Face, The Sherbs - I Have The Skill, Kim Hart - It's Easy, Mondo Rock - State Of The Heart.
Hosts: Molly Meldrum & Bette Midler. Countdown reflection of 1980 showing various quick excerpts of guest hosts and interviews, Humdrum and goofs that happened during the year. Molly interviews George Benson in the studio.
Hosts: Elton John & Molly Meldrum. Studio performances: Elton John (Sartorial Eloquence), Russell Morris & Rubes (Hush), Trevor White (It's Only Love)
Host: Molly Meldrum. Studio performances: James Freud & Berlin (Modern Girl), Sharon O'Neil (Asian Paradise), The Reels (According To My Heart), Cold Chisel (My Baby), Mondo Rock (State Of The Heart), Australian Crawl (Hoochie Gucci Fiorucci Mama), The Angels (No Secrets), Split Enz (One Step Ahead).
Hosts: Ray and Dennis (Dr. Hook).
Host: Little Nell. Performances by XL Capris. Kim Durant, Interview with Adam & The Ants in London.
Hosted by Joe Dolce.
Hosted by Greedy Smith (Mental As Anything).
Hosted by Mental As Anything.
Host - Ross Wilson. Performances by INXS, The Swingers, The Dugites and Renee Geyer & Band. Molly interviews Michael Hutchence on Humdrum.
Host - Molly Meldrum & Elton John. John performs 'Dear John', 'Blue Eyes' and 'Spiteful Child' in studio.
THE SHOW IS HOSTED BY MEMBERS OF SPLIT ENZ
Host - Human League. Human League performs in the 'Love Action' & 'Don't You Want Me'. Dr Hook makes a surprised guest appearance in the studio.
Hosted by Daryl Hall and John Oates.
Hosted by Joan Jett. Performance by Joan Jett & The Blackheads.
Host - Molly Meldrum. Molly interviews Human League in Berlin and Adam Ant in London. Performance by Moving Pictures of 'What About Me?'.
Host - Molly Meldrum. Performances by INXS and The Church. Interview with Duran Duran.
Hosted by Mental As Anything.
Hosted by Madness.
Hosted by James Reyne & Molly Meldrum.
Host - Roger Hart from Little Heroes. Studio performance by Divinyls of 'Siren'. Molly interviews David Bowie.
Host: Malcolm McLaren.
Host Joan Armatrading.
Host: Dave Mason
Hosts: Pseudo Echo.
Opening performance from the Uncanny X-Men. Also performing The Radiators ‘Revolution’, Take Aways ‘Sweet & Sour’. Interview with Bronski Beat.
Hosted by Tim and Neil Finn. Performances by Split Enz.
Hosted by Kate Ceberano and Ian Cox.
Tonight's show is hosted by members from Queen.
Guest Host Nik Kershaw
Guest Host Meatloaf
Hosted by Neil (Young Ones).
Co-host Tina Turner
Countdown Music & Video Awards 1985
Hosted by the cast of Neighbours - Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Guy Pearce.
Hosted by comedians Rik Mayall& Ben Elton.
Hosted by Crowded House.
Host: Dave Stewart. With The Cockroaches and The Pony
Hosts: The Cockroaches. Studio performances by Cattletruck, The Cockroaches and Huxton Creepers. Molly hosts Humdrum from Hollywood and interviews Billy Idol.
Hosts: The Chantoozies
Hosted by: Mondo Rock. Performances by The Chantoozies and Mondo Rock. Molly interviews Boy George
Host: Paul Young. Performances by White Xmas and Paul Young. Molly interviews Paul Young in studio.
Host: Peter O'Brien (from the Australian TV series The Flying Doctors). Performances by Models and The Radiators. Molly interviews Peter O'Brien in studio.
This week's episode was shot on location Melbourne's Under-18's disco - "The Underground".
Host: Hoodoo Gurus, Suzi Quatro & Dave Dobbyn. Studio performances by Dave Dobbyn, Hoodoo Gurus and John Justin.
Performances by Jump Incorporated. Molly interviews The Pretenders and Jason Donovan about Neighbours.
Hosts: The D-Generation. Performances by Black Sorrows, Coutndown Dancers (Mc Miker G & Deejay 7), Wa Wa Nee. Molly interviews Paul Gray from Wa Wa Nee in studio.
Performances by The Cockroaches and the Countdown Dancers.
Host: Painters & Dockers. Performances by the Countdown dancers (Mel & Kim), The Pony and Painters & Dockers. Interview with Billy Joel.
Host: Various artists. Studio performances by Uncanny X-Men, Jason & The Scorchers and Shona Laing.
Tonight's show is hosted by Aussie Rules footballer Warwick Capper. Performances by Cattletruck, Nikki Nicholls, Lime Spiders, Boom Crash Opera and The Cockroaches.
Hosts: Greedy Smith, Red Symons & Molly Meldrum. Performances by Crowded House and The Party Boys.
Host: Dave Dobbyn. Performances by Dave Dobbyn, Boom Crash Opera, That's That, Painter and Dockers,
Host: Jenny Morris. Studio performances by The Countdown Dancers, The Party Boys, Weddings, Parties, Anything and The Rockmelons. Molly interviews Jenny Morris in studio.
Hosts: Kylie Minogue, Mike Hammond & The Village People. Performances by The Village People, Paul Kelly & The Coloured Girls, Geisha. Exclusive live footage of Elton John performing 'Your Song'.
Final episode of Countdown
In 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.
