Your favourite ’70s variety show is coming back to TV

Elton John being interviewed by Molly Meldrum on Countdown in 1979.

It was one of the most loved programs ever produced and broadcast by the ABC, and it was compulsory viewing. It was also the most popular music program in Australian TV history and it was the way most of us discovered our favourite artists of the time.

Countdown spanned 13 years from 1974-1987 and provided the soundtrack to an entire generation of Australians.

Fans of the show, do yourself a favour and clear out your diary on Sunday evenings, because it’s coming back.

John Paul Young and Peter Allen
Who can remember watching John Paul Young and Peter Allen on Countdown?

Starting on September 17 there will be 13 episodes shown in one hour episodes each week, screening at 6pm. Covering a year per episode, Classic Countdown pays tribute to those iconic artists you loved back then, not to mention the host, Molly.

Shirl Strachan
Shirl from Skyhooks on the set of Countdown.

The old episodes have been restored and will include everything from highlights of Humdrum through to a selection of songs performed on the show that also made it to number one each year. Each episode will be narrated by an artist who also performs in that episode, includes names like John Paul Young, Kate Ceberano, Steve Kilbey, Richard Clapton among many others.  The shows will also feature the iconic voice of Gavin Wood, Countdown’s announcer.

If that’s not enough there will also be a four CD collection featuring all the classic music from those times, out on September 15.

What were your favourite memories of Countdown?