Original subtitles

# Skyhooks are marching, first into colour

# We're in the A-B-C... #

On Countdown!

We're the Skyhooks, and we're going to be on

the first colour program on the television at 12:00 at midnight.

And if your mother knew what you were doing...

She'd probably wouldn't let you watch it!

She'd probably wouldn't Shut up, Shirley!

Shut up, Shirley!

She'd probably say, "You silly, silly child.

"Why don't you watch it at 6:00 on Saturday?"

"Why don't you watch it Onward!

Onward!

# Skyhooks are marching, first into colour

# Skyhooks are marching, # We're in the A-B-C. #

# We're in the A-B-C. #

# Countdown

# Countdown, Countdown

ANNOUNCER: Welcome to # Countdown, Countdown

ANNOUNCER: Welcome to Classic Countdown, 1975.

ANNOUNCER: Welcome to # Countdown! #

# Countdown! #

JOHN PAUL YOUNG: Australians had their first brief introduction

to ABC's new music series Countdown,

in the final weeks of 1974.

What is Countdown?

Well, Countdown is the most exciting visual presentation

of the Top 40 hits you'll ever see on colour television.

of the Top 40 hits you'll ever see on colour television. From Alice Cooper to Sherbet, we've got them,

From Alice Cooper to Sherbet, we've got them,

From Alice Cooper to Sherbet, and you'll see them on Countdown.

and you'll see them on Countdown.

Hello, I'm Johnny Farnham, and this is Countdown,

the first edition for 1975 in glorious colour.

In a special TV event at midnight on the 1st of March,

Countdown became the first series on the ABC

Countdown became to broadcast in colour.

to broadcast in colour.

# It's been so long

# Ah, how I've missed you

# Ah, how I've missed you # I need your soft touch

# I need your soft touch

# Just kiss me. #

Countdown helped the rise

of some of the biggest acts in Australia,

from Sherbet... # Peace and harmony. #

..to Dragon. # The times are changing

# Rearranging round me

# Rearranging round me # We went through the mist for a boy styled kiss by the day

# We went through the mist for a boy styled kiss by the day

# We went through the mist for a boy # I'm OK. #

# I'm OK. #

To the bands that defied categorisation.

# Don't you believe what you've seen or you've heard To the bands that defied categorisation.

# Don't you believe what you've seen or you've heard

# Ego! # (APPLAUSE)

# Ego! # (APPLAUSE) # Want to rock and roll? #

# Want to rock and roll? #

It was an exciting moment for Australian music,

and, in many ways, a welcome distraction.

Some events in 1975 had brought flashes of hope.

But at times, it felt like the whole thing was falling apart.

It'll probably be about two years before this bridge

is restored or another one is built.

The Vietnam War would drag on and on and finish in defeat.

And the new Labor government would stumble,

and eventually be dismissed by the Queen's man in Canberra.

Well, may we say God save the Queen.

Well, may we say (CHEERS)

(CHEERS)

Because nothing will save the Governor General.

(CHEERING)

As families sat down together on a Sunday night,

Countdown gave young musicians their own platform,

a stage from which they could comment on the news.

# You watch a horror movie right there on my TV a stage from which they could comment on the news.

# You watch a horror movie right there on my TV

# Horror movie right there on my TV

# Horror movie right there on my TV right there on my TV

# Horror movie right there on my TV

# Horror movie right there on my TV # Shocking me right out of my brain

# Shocking me right out of my brain

# It's shocking me right out of my brain

# You watch a horror movie right there on my TV # It's shocking me right out of my brain

# You watch a horror movie right there on my TV

# Horror movie right there on my TV right there on my TV

# Horror movie right there on my TV

# Horror movie right there on my TV right there on my TV

# Horror movie right there on my TV

# Shocking me right out of my brain

# It's shocking me right out of my brain

# It's bound to get you in, get you under your skin

# Hit you right on the chin

# Oh, yeah

# It's bound to be a thriller

# It's bound to be a chiller

# It's bound to be a killer

# Oh, yeah

# Oh, yeah # You watch a horror movie right there on my TV

# You watch a horror movie right there on my TV

# Horror movie right there on my TV

# Horror movie right there on my TV

# Shocking me right out of my brain

# It's shocking me right out of my brain

# It's shocking me # The planes are a-crashing

# The planes are a-crashing

# The cars are a-smashing

# The cops are a-bashing

# Oh, yeah

# The kids are a-fighting The fires are a-lighting

# The dogs are a-biting Oh, yeah

# You watch a horror movie right there on my TV

# Horror movie right there on my TV

# Horror movie # Horror movie right there on my TV

# Horror movie right there on my TV

# Shocking me right out of my brain

# It's shocking me # Shocking me right out of my brain

# It's shocking me right out of my brain

# You think it's just a movie on the silver screen

# And they're all actors and fake old scenes # You think it's just a movie on the silver screen

# And they're all actors and fake old scenes

# Maybe you don't care who's going to lose or win

# Listen to this and I'll tell you something

# Listen to this and I'll tell you something # It's a horror movie right there on my TV

# It's a horror movie right there on my TV

# It's a horror movie # Horror movie right there on my TV

# Horror movie right there on my TV

# Horror movie # Horror movie right there on my TV

# Horror movie and it's blown a fuse

# Horror movie # Horror movie, it's the 6:30 news

# Horror movie, it's the 6:30 news

# Horror movie, it's the 6:30 news

# The public's waiting for the killing and the hating

# Switch on your station, Oh, yeah

# They do a lotta selling

# Between the firing and the yelling

# You believe in what they're selling, oh, yeah

# You watch a horror movie right there on my TV

# Horror movie right there on my TV

# Horror movie and it's blown a fuse

# Horror movie, it's the 6:30 news

# Horror movie, it's the 6:30 news

# And it's shockin' me right out of my brain. #

# Summer breeze

# Makes me feel fine

# Blowing through the jasmine in my mind... # # Makes me feel fine

# Blowing through the jasmine in my mind... #

# Blowing through the jasmine in my mind... # Not all the music on Countdown was political.

Not all the music on Countdown was political.

Not all the music on Countdown # Ah, summer breeze

# Ah, summer breeze

# Summer breeze

# Makes me feel fine

# Blowing through # Makes me feel fine

# Blowing through the jasmine in my mind... #

Many acts were simply providing wholesome family entertainment.

We have different music represented right here.

Country music. Country.

And Donny hits the easy listening, the young pop music.

Jimmy's into the... Bubble gum. And Donny hits the easy listening, the young pop music.

Jimmy's into the... Bubble gum.

Anyway, and the Osmonds, Bubble gum.

Anyway, and the Osmonds,

we're into the harder more contemporary type direction.

In 1975, what the audience wanted was escapist fun,

which Countdown provided in bucketloads.

# Denim or lace

# You look good in anything

# You look good in anything # Making me feel like a king

# Making me feel like a king

# Dressed in denim or lace

# Denim or lace

# Prettiest girl I've ever seen

# I want you for my beauty queen

# Wearing denim or lace

# Hey, there you go

# Pretending you are fancy free

# Pretending you are fancy free # But you don't know

# But you don't know

# One day you are going to be with me

# One day you are # Yes, with me

# Yes, with me

# Ah-ha

# Denim or lace

# For rich or poor or come what may

# For rich or poor # I'm going to have you anyway

# I'm going to have you anyway

# Wearing denim or lace

# Hey, there you go

# Hey, there you go # Pretending you are fancy free

# Pretending you are fancy free

# But you don't know

# One day you are going to be with me

# Yes, with me

# Ah-ha

# Denim or lace

# For rich or poor or come what may

# For rich or poor or come what may # I'm going to have you anyway

# I'm going to have you anyway

# Wearing denim and lace

# You and denim and lace

# Dressed in denim or lace. #

In the early years,

very few international artists played live on the show.

And so, Countdown belonged to Australian acts.

# When I was just 12 years old

# My daddy set me on his knee

# My daddy set me on his knee # Said "Now listen here, my boy

# Said "Now listen here, my boy

# "This is how it's going to be

# "I'm going to put you right through school

# "I'm going to put you # "Boy, have I got plans for you"

# "Boy, have I got plans for you"

# I said, "Please don't make me, Pa

# "The only thing I want to do # I said, "Please don't make me, Pa

# "The only thing I want to do is join a guitar band"

# A guitar band

# I'm going to be a star

# With my guitar in a guitar band

# A guitar band, keep it up

# A guitar band

# I'm going to turn it on

# And get in strong # I'm going to turn it on

# And get in strong with a guitar band

# Band, band, band # And get in strong with a guitar band

# Band, band, band

# Now, Pa, looked at me and said, "Who do you think you are?

# Now, Pa, looked at me and said, "Who do you think you are? # "You got to have some education, boy

# "You got to have some education, boy

# "You got to have # "Or else you won't get far"

# "Or else you won't get far"

# I looked at him, and I said, "Hey, Pa

# I looked at him, # "That jazz is OK for you

# "That jazz is OK for you

# "But please let me live my life

# "And do the things I want to do"

# "And do the things # And join a guitar band

# And join a guitar band

# A guitar band

# I'm going to be a star # A guitar band

# I'm going to be a star with my guitar in a guitar band

# A guitar band

# I'm going to turn it on

# And get in strong # I'm going to turn it on

# And get in strong with a guitar, guitar band

# And get in strong # Band, band...

# Band, band...

Come on!

Come on!

# Guitar band Come on!

# Guitar band

# I'm going to be a star with my guitar in a guitar band

# I'm going to be a star Yeah!

Yeah!

# Guitar band Want to be a rock'n'roller.

# Guitar band See the world.

# I'm going to turn it on, get in strong in a guitar band

# I'm going to turn it on, # Oh, I'm wanna be in a

# Oh, I'm wanna be in a

# Guitar band A little like you.

# Guitar band # Guitar band

# Guitar band

Just an old-fashioned # Guitar band

Just an old-fashioned rock'n'roller!

Just an old-fashioned # With my guitar in a guitar band

# With my guitar in a guitar band

# I just want to be In a guitar band

Yeah! # A guitar band # I just want to be In a guitar band

Yeah! # A guitar band

A little like Chuck Berry!

# I'm going to be a star with my guitar in a guitar band

# Get the guitar band guitar in a guitar band

# Get the guitar band

# Get the guitar band # A guitar band # A guitar band

# A guitar band # A guitar band

# A guitar band Come on, people!

# I'm going to be a star with my guitar in a guitar band

# Guitar band # A guitar band

# I'm going to be a star with my guitar in a guitar band

# Guitar band, a guitar band

# I'm going to be a star

# I'm going to get in strong with a guitar, guitar band. #

CROWD: (CHANTS) Elton! Elton!

Although, in 1975, few international stars

had yet found their way to the Countdown stage,

Molly Meldrum had already started to land the big interviews.

MOLLY: Three years ago... Yes.

..when you were out here on your first tour, MOLLY: Three years ago... Yes.

..when you were out here on your first tour,

three and a half years ago, on your first tour,

three and a half years ago,

three and a half years ago, Daddy Cool and their talent,

you were rather stuck with Daddy Cool and their talent,

and especially Ross Wilson as a songwriter.

So much so that you went back to England

and encouraged John Baldry to record Come Back Again.

I tried to get it to Ringo too,

but I don't think he ever got it.

Because I thought it would have been great for him to do.

I thought that band were probably one

of the most impressive bands I've ever, ever heard.

When I first heard them, I just went...

Eagle Rock is still one of my favourite tracks of all time.

Now getting back to an album that's yours, and yours alone,

Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy...

Brown Dirt Cowboy.

You can hold it there. Hold it there.

You can hold it there. That's the new cover, folks.

That's the new cover, folks.

It took me six years to crochet that.

(LAUGHTER)

What can we expect on that album?

Filth. (LAUGHTER)

What is your favourite song? Ah...

Or your favourite record that you've recorded?

Or your favourite record that you've recorded? Oh, let's see.

Oh, let's see.

I would have to say Proud Mary.

I'd have to say because I like it. I would have to say Proud Mary.

I'd have to say because I like it. I like it on stage.

It's a very good feeling for me on stage.

It's a very good feeling I like Nutbush an awful lot also.

I like Nutbush an awful lot also.

It's my second preference, I think.

This is David Essex on Countdown.

# Yes, I'm a rolling stone This is David Essex on Countdown.

# Yes, I'm a rolling stone

In 1975 England, the big rock movement was glam.

DAVID: I've worked in England, of course, and in America,

DAVID: I've worked in England, and in France quite a bit.

and in France quite a bit.

But I've not been to and in France quite a bit.

But I've not been to too many places,

simply because if you make films, and if you write songs,

you actually do spend a lot of time working, you know, in one place.

you actually do spend a lot of time MOLLY: Yeah.

MOLLY: Yeah.

But I'd love to go to Australia, of course.

It's such a long way. That's the problem.

Australia had no shortage of its own glam bands.

# Look at me, I can dance, I can sing Australia had no shortage of its own glam bands.

# Look at me, I can dance, I can sing

Sydney band Sherbet were the kings.

Sydney band Sherbet were the kings. (CROWD SCREAMS)

(CROWD SCREAMS)

# I can run up and jump and shout

And life was definitely for living.

# I'm turning on my own roundabout

# I live my life and be free. #

Front and centre of the local glam scene

was an absolutely rocking band, also from Sydney,

was an absolutely rocking band, ironically called Hush.

ironically called Hush.

# Come on, everybody

# We need everybody # Come on, everybody

# We need everybody

# C'mon, we're taking over right now

# C'mon, help us make it

# We know you can take it

# C'mon, we're taking over right now

# Do you want to take over?

AUDIENCE: Yeah!

# Do you want to take over?

AUDIENCE: Yeah!

# Do you want to take over?

AUDIENCE: Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!

# I can hear them marching stepping feet

# Smashing, crashing down the street

# The younger generation beats

# Come on, come on, come on, come on, come on

# Come on, we're taking over # Come on, come on, come on, come on, come on

# Come on, we're taking over

# Come on, we're taking over we're taking over

# Come on, we're taking over

# Come on, we're taking over # Right now

# Right now

Alright, come on now!

# I say, come on, we're taking over

# Come on, we're taking over

# Right now

# Do you want to take over?

AUDIENCE: Yeah!

# Do you want to take over?

AUDIENCE: Yeah!

# Do you want to take over?

AUDIENCE: Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!

# Revolution's in the air

# Try and stop it if you dare

# The kids are screaming everywhere

# Come on, come on, come on-on-on-on

# Come on, come on, # Come on, we're taking over

# Come on, we're taking over

# Come on, we're taking over

# Come on, we're taking over

# Right now...

Alright, I want you all now!

# I said, come on, we're taking over

# Come on, we're taking over

# Come on, we're taking over

# Come on, # Right now

# Right now

# We need you

# We got to join together

# Because we're all going to take over

# Because we're all going # Together

# Together

# School is out, the kids are in

# The time is coming to begin

# The time is right for them to win

# Come on, come on, come on, # The time is right for them to win

# Come on, come on, come on, come on, come on

# Come on, come on, come on, # Come on, we're taking over

# Come on, we're taking over

# Come on, we're taking over # Come on, we're taking over

# Come on, we're taking over

# Come on, we're taking over we're taking over

# Come on, we're taking over

# Come on, we're taking over # Right now

# Right now

All together now, come on!

# Come on, we're taking over

# Come on, we're taking over

# Come on, we're taking over

# Right now

# Come on, we're taking over

# Come on, we're taking over

# Come on, # Come on, we're taking over

# Come on, we're taking over

# Right now

# Come on, we're taking over... #

# It's not that easy being green

# Having to spend each day...

Countdown relied on local talent to survive,

and TV personalities from other networks were readymade stars.

# And I think it would be nicer... #

Long before The Voice and Australian Idol,

the biggest star-making show at the time

was Johnny Young's Young Talent Time.

# Good, good, good morning

# Good, good, good morning

# How I loved you last night. # good morning

# How I loved you last night. #

Already TV veterans, YTT alumni such as Debra Byrne

were ready to cross over to the Countdown stage.

# My mama told me when I was quite young were ready to cross over to the Countdown stage.

# My mama told me when I was quite young

# Don't be a bad girl and run around

# Or he might get you

# He's going to get you

# So, little boy, that's why I'm telling you

# Don't you dare break my heart in two

# Don't you dare # He's going to get you

# He's going to get you

# He's going to get you

# Say the Boogie Man's going to get you

# If you're messing around in the dark

# Playing with my love and affection

# That ain't smart, no, that ain't smart

# So, little boy, that's why I'm telling you

# So, little boy, that's why I'm telling you # Take my love, take my money

# Take my love, take my money

# But don't you dare break # Take my love, take my money

# But don't you dare break my heart in two

# But don't you dare break # Or you're going to get it

# Or you're going to get it

# He's going to get you

# The Boogie Man's going to get you

# If you're messing around in the dark

# If you're messing around # Playing with my love and affection

# Playing with my love and affection

# That ain't smart, no, that ain't smart

# The Boogie Man'll get you

# The Boogie Man'll get you

# The Boogie's going get you

# Don't make me sad, boy

# The Boogie's going get you

# Don't be a bad boy

# Here he comes, here he comes, # Don't be a bad boy

# Here he comes, here he comes, here he comes, here he comes

# Here he comes, here he comes, Whoo!

Whoo!

# The Boogie Man's going get you

# If you're messing around in the dark # The Boogie Man's going get you

# If you're messing around in the dark

# Playing with my love and affection

# That ain't smart, no, that ain't smart

# That ain't smart, no, that ain't smart # The Boogie Man's going to get you

# The Boogie Man's going to get you

# If you're messing around in the dark

# Playing with my love and affection

# That ain't smart, no, that ain't smart. #

We all know what this is, don't we?

We all know what this is, It's a Countdown T-shirt, right?

It's a Countdown T-shirt, right?

And it's got signatures of It's a Countdown T-shirt, right?

And it's got signatures of Elton John and Denise Drysdale,

and John English and Richard Clapton and Sherbet, right?

and John English and Richard Clapton (CHEERS)

(CHEERS)

Alright, we're not going to start an argument.

If you'd like one of these T-shirts,

just send $4 to this address which is coming up right now.

Right, it's.... just send $4 to this address which is coming up right now.

Right, it's....

Applause, go!

Right now, it's Molly Meldrum. Oh!

I'm John. Oh, thank you.

Countdown today is celebrating their 50th birthday, right?

It was clear right from the early episodes of Countdown

It was clear right from the that musicians liked Molly.

that musicians liked Molly.

..Skyhooks, which is pretty boring...

And more often than not, he got them to talk.

Well, the biggest problem is probably the lack of privacy And more often than not, he got them to talk.

Well, the biggest problem is probably the lack of privacy

in lots of ways, like...

For instance, around here at my place, you know,

it's walking down the street, things like that.

People come up. Not that I mind. things like that.

People come up. Not that I mind.

It's sort of like... I don't know.

You sort of get into a thing where you think,

"Well, won't it be great when it ends?" You know?

Sort of that constant... when it ends?" You know?

Sort of that constant...

Sort of that constant... I don't know, following by people,

I don't know, following by people,

or sort of, "Oh, there he goes.

"Maybe I should run over and get his autograph."

"Maybe I should run over You know, that sort of thing.

You know, that sort of thing.

Sometimes, I do think You know, that sort of thing.

Sometimes, I do think like when it'll end,

and then I think, "No, I don't really want it to end."

and then I think, Because it's what I like doing.

Because it's what I like doing.

Well, I don't want to start the violins out Because it's what I like doing.

Well, I don't want to start the violins out

or anything like that.

or anything like that. that the Partridge Family

But, um, you know, I think that the Partridge Family

kind of misrepresented me that the Partridge Family

kind of misrepresented me

kind of misrepresented me as something that I don't think I really was, you know?

as something that I don't think I really was, you know?

I think it was kind of, "Well, we'll have him playing

"a 16, 17, 18-year-old whatever."

A nice swell looking guy from next door and all that.

I used to take people to the shake shop.

I used to take people I mean, it was totally unreal.

I mean, it was totally unreal.

They took that image I mean, it was totally unreal.

They took that image as the part I was playing,

They took that image and made him David Cassidy, you know,

and made him David Cassidy, you know,

with the dresses, and bubble gum cards,

and comic books and everything else.

That was real difficult for me, and comic books and everything else.

That was real difficult for me, you know,

That was real difficult for me, for a long time to kind of...

for a long time to kind of...

Like, I think I went through an enormous identity crisis

Like, I think I went through because of that.

because of that.

MOLLY: So you're all from Bonnie Scotland...

Aye!

As Countdown's fame grew, at home and around the world,

Molly would deliver both the interviews

Molly would deliver and the international performances.

and the international performances.

It was in Edinburgh in a place called the Blackford Hills. and the international performances.

It was in Edinburgh in a place called the Blackford Hills.

That's where I bought my house, by the way.

And it's hills, and I used to watch the sunrise coming up.

And it's hills, and I used to watch the sunrise coming up. 6:00 in the morning, I used to be out delivering milk.

6:00 in the morning, I used to be out delivering milk.

And that's how I got the inspiration for Magic.

# Oh, ho-ho, it's magic

# You know

# Never believe it's not so

# Never believe it's not so # It's magic

# It's magic

# You know

# Never believe it's not so

# Never been awake

# Never seen a day break

# Leaning on my pillow in the morning

# Lazy day in bed in the morning

# Lazy day in bed

# Music in my head

# Crazy music playing

# In the morning light

# Oh, ho-ho, it's magic

# You know

# Never believe it's not so

# It's magic

# It's magic # You know

# You know

# Never believe it's not so

# I love a sunny day

# Dream of far away

# Dreaming on my pillow # Dream of far away

# Dreaming on my pillow in the morning

# Dreaming on my pillow # Never been awake

# Never been awake

# Never seen a day break

# Leaning on my pillow

# In the morning light

# Oh, ho-ho, it's magic

# You know

# Never believe it's not so

# It's magic

# You know

# Never believe it's not so

# Oh, ho-ho, it's magic

# You know

# Never believe it's not so

# It's magic

# You know

# Never believe it's not so. #

Hi, there, Sydney viewers.

I've got something to tell you about this Countdown show.

I've got something to tell you about this Countdown show. Be prepared at five past five for Countdown.

Be prepared at five past five for Countdown.

Be prepared at five past five Alright, sausages?

Alright, sausages?

By 1975, the era of the big Woodstock style music festival was over.

Local festivals such as Meadows, Nimbin, Hillcrest and Sunbury

had packed up the tents for the last time.

Some campfire musos who finally drifted away

Some campfire musos from the mud and cyclone fencing

from the mud and cyclone fencing

took their harmonicas and violins straight to Countdown,

like festival favourites Captain Matchbox.

# I walked in

# A roadhouse restaurant

# A roadhouse restaurant # It had been a long drive

# It had been a long drive

# My mind was far away

# The lady at the counter

# Asked me...

What do you want?

# But as I looked towards What do you want?

# But as I looked towards the plastic palm trees

# But as I looked towards # It's all I could say

# It's all I could say

# My Wahine in white

# Wangaratta

# It is not goodbye

# We will hula again

# My Wahine in white # We will hula again

# My Wahine in white

# It doesn't matter

# That we're apart

# That we're apart # I still love you

# I still love you

# Although I must go far down the road

# Although I must go # The Hume Highway

# The Hume Highway

# And trucks will pass and gum leaves fall

# And trucks will pass # I'll return someday

# I'll return someday

# She looked at me

# And said I was a great galoot

You're a great galoot!

# Called her husband in

Definitely a crime!

# Who showed me the door

Here it is, sonny.

# Then I departed

# With a healthy boot

Boot!

# And as I flew out

# The summer breeze

# Seemed to whisper to me

# My Wahine in white

# Wangaratta

# It is not goodbye

# We will hula again

(IMITATES TROMBONE)

# Though we're apart

# I still recall

# The potted palm trees

# The waves in her hair

# Splish-splash, splish-splash

# I remember the lagoon

# The sink where the water falls

Pssht!

# But most of all

# I remember

# Her husband, Craig

About six foot six, broad shoulders,

What a whacker!

# My Wahine in white

# Wangaratta

# It is not goodbye

# We will hula again

# My Wahine in white

# It doesn't matter, no, no, no

# That we're apart

# I still love you. #

Countdown was built on more than just studio performances.

It was also a trailblazer

in the development of the music film clip.

This meant singers had to get their heads around

the technicalities of both performing and acting.

# Like a star in the midnight sky

# Your love was there # Like a star in the midnight sky

# Your love was there

# To guide me

# When I was weak

# Too weak to try

# Too weak to try # You would be there

# You would be there

# Right there beside me

# Urging me on

# And making me strong

# You kept on saying

# Go on, girl, you can do it

# It's only life

# There's nothing to it

# It's just I'm seeing through it

# From the inside

# From the inside

# I spread my wings and left the nest

# Swearing nothing would get by me

# I tasted love, and I tasted life

# But not enough to satisfy me

# Leading me on

# And making me strong

# You kept on saying

# Go on, girl, you can do it

# It's only life

# There's nothing to it

# It's just I'm seeing through it

# From the inside

# From the inside # From the inside

# From the inside

# Like a star in the midnight sky

# That fades into the morning

# I came back to show you

# I could fly

# But you had gone without a warning

# But you keep moving on

# And making me strong

# I heard you saying

# Go on, girl

# You can do it

# It's only life # You can do it

# It's only life

# There's nothing to it

# There's nothing to it # It's just I'm seeing through it

# It's just I'm seeing through it

# From the inside

# Yeah, yeah, yeah. #

In 1975, Countdown's most famous foray

into the film clip was the iconic video for Yesterday's Hero.

# When I walk down the street into the film clip was the iconic video for Yesterday's Hero.

# When I walk down the street

# See the people... #

With it's sweeping street scenes and locations,

including the ABC Studios, and locations,

including the ABC Studios,

including the ABC Studios, this homemade Countdown clip helped make me a star,

this homemade Countdown clip helped make me a star,

this homemade Countdown clip or perhaps it was my awesome hairdo.

or perhaps it was my awesome hairdo.

# Seen a stranger who said, "Why, hi"

# With a "How you doing, buddy?" # Seen a stranger who said, "Why, hi"

# With a "How you doing, buddy?" when you walked on by

# With a "How you doing, buddy?" # I thought I'd say hello

# I thought I'd say hello

# They say, "Haven't I seen your face before?"

# "Weren't you the boy who used to live next door?

# "Weren't you on television every night?

# "Weren't you on television # "Haven't I seen you round?

# "Haven't I seen you round?

# Take a look at me, I'm yesterday's hero # "Haven't I seen you round?

# Take a look at me, I'm yesterday's hero

# Yesterday's hero

# That's all I'll be

# That's all I'll be # Take a look at me I'm yesterday's hero

# Take a look at me I'm yesterday's hero

# Take a look at me # And yesterday's hero

# And yesterday's hero

# Is all that I'm going to be # And yesterday's hero

# Is all that I'm going to be if I don't get together

# Make a new start and be somebody better

# All that I'll be if I don't get together now

# When you walk down the street

# If you know me, then pass me by

# If you wonder what I'm doing, don't ask me why

# If you wonder what I'm doing, # I don't read the news

# I don't read the news

# When you walk down the streets

# If you're sorry, then don't feel bad

# If you followed my story, than just be glad

# If you followed my story, # You ain't in my shoes

# You ain't in my shoes

# Haven't you seen my face before?

# Yes, I was the boy who used to live next door

# Yes, I was on television every night

# Haven't you seen me round?

# Take a look at me, I'm yesterday's hero # Haven't you seen me round?

# Take a look at me, I'm yesterday's hero

# Yesterday's hero

# That's all I'll be

# That's all I'll be # Take a look at me, I'm yesterday's hero

# Take a look at me, I'm yesterday's hero

# And yesterday's hero

# Is all that I'm going to be # And yesterday's hero

# Is all that I'm going to be if I don't get together

# Make a new start and be somebody better

# All that I'll be if I don't get together now

# Ooh...

ANNOUNCER: Here is the news. Police spokesman said today...

ANNOUNCER: A spokesman for the singer

ANNOUNCER: A spokesman said he suffered a nervous collapse.

said he suffered a nervous collapse.

The singer was taken to hospital...

ANNOUNCER: Here he is!

(CHEERS)

# Yesterday's hero

# Yesterday's hero

# Oh

(CHEERS)

# Yesterday's hero

# Ohh

# Yesterday's hero. #

Five, four, three, two, one.

Fade up!

From the beginning, Countdown prided itself on its innovation.

The producers were always keen to push the boundaries.

Go!

ANNOUNCER: Presenting this week, a special guest host...

Some ideas like replicating the wheel from the Ernie Sigley show

Some ideas like replicating the wheel were tried just the once.

were tried just the once.

There's nothing dishonest about Channel 2 at all.

And some segments were here to stay.

Countdown!

Countdown! Now listen, girls.

Now listen, girls.

I don't come up to Sydney that much, right?

And I'm used to all the girls down there dancing like this.

We're better.

Yeah, well, I'm not saying that.

But I've noticed a lot of...

There's something called But I've noticed a lot of...

There's something called the Sydney Bump.

Can any of you do that? ALL: Yeah!

Oh, hello. There's a Viv bumping there already.

Three girls - Debra, Heather and Christine

sent in this petition, sent that in as well.

There you are. Fortunate.

They wrote a petition that said, "Please can we meet Sherbet

They wrote a petition that said, "next time they're in Melbourne."

"next time they're in Melbourne."

And they wrote it 3,600...

Oh, no! 3,000...

Hold on.

..686 times. Where are they?

Before we show you that, I want to tell you about a date.

Now write this down in your diary, March 3rd.

Because on that night, Countdown are going to present

Because on that night, the National Music Industry Awards.

the National Music Industry Awards.

And apart from the industry voting for that night,

you out there have the chance also to vote

you out there have for the Most Popular Male Solo,

for the Most Popular Male Solo,

the Most Popular Female Solo,

and the Most Popular Group.

Now on Countdown, and the Most Popular Group.

Now on Countdown, we've got The Sweet with us.

And I'd like to present them with two of the gold records Now on Countdown, we've got The Sweet with us.

And I'd like to present them with two of the gold records

of two of their Number 1 hits in Australia.

The first was Ballroom Blitz. Brian, which a...

I'll take this one because I'm going to introduce it.

Yeah, right, which was really fantastic,

Yeah, right, as far as the single was concerned.

as far as the single was concerned.

And was the first biggie here.

And then straight after that And was the first biggie here.

And then straight after that was Peppermint Twists.

So, Nick, you take that one. Right.

Congratulations. (APPLAUSE)

First of all, we've got the president of your fan club out here Congratulations. (APPLAUSE)

First of all, we've got the president of your fan club out here

She wants to give you something, alright?

(GIRLS SHOUTING) something, alright?

(GIRLS SHOUTING)

Oh, thanks.

Oh, thanks. Whoa! (SCREAMING)

Whoa! (SCREAMING)

Did you like Bony Moronie? (CHEERING)

Well, this one is going to be even bigger.

It's Hush's great new single, Glad All Over!

It's Hush's great new single, (CHEERING)

(CHEERING)

From the outset, Countdown celebrated

diversity and talent from all quarters.

Molly was simply a lover of music,

and eager to bring the best acts to the show.

# You say that you love me

# All the time... #

# I've seen fire and I've seen rain

# I seen sunny days that... #

# I seen sunny days that... # Some would go on to long and rewarding careers.

Some would go on to long and rewarding careers.

Others, at least, got their moment in the spotlight.

# You wonder why I never ask

# Where you been, where you're going

# Where you been, where you're going # What you do

# What you do

# Because I know # What you do

# Because I know that if it was up to you

# Because I know # I'd just be told a lie

# I'd just be told a lie

# Yeah, girl

# So you just do what you wanna do # Yeah, girl

# So you just do what you wanna do

# So you just do what you wanna do of playing the fool

# Because when I get tired of playing the fool

# Well, I'll just go out

# And find me someone new

# Ooh, yeah, yeah, yeah

# Ooh, yeah, yeah, yeah # Find someone new, girl, yes

# Find someone new, girl, yes

# You walked around so fancy free

# Giving your number to whoever you please

# And when you take the phone into the den

# You say, "Chucky, he was only a friend"

# So you just do what you wanna do

# Because when I get tired

# Of playing the fool

# Well, I'll just go out

# And find me someone new

# Ooh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

David. # Ooh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

David.

# So you just do what you wanna do

# Because when I get tired of playing the fool

# Well, I'll just go out

# And find me someone

# Just go out and find me some

# So you just do what # Just go out and find me some

# So you just do what you wanna do

# So you just do what # Because when I get tired

# Because when I get tired

# Of playing the fool

# Well, I'll just go out

# And find me someone new

# Going to find someone new, girl

# Someone that's going to treat me good

# Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

# Go on now and do your thing

# I know you got to do your thing

# Do what you want to do

# Oh, yeah, go on now

# Do you own thing

# Yeah, yeah, yeah. #

G'day!

Only in its second year,

Countdown was starting Only in its second year,

Countdown was starting to realise its power.

Countdown was starting Some bands were already successful,

Some bands were already successful,

but others arrived at Studio 31 relative unknowns,

but others arrived at Studio 31 and walked out stars.

and walked out stars.

# Baby, don't go

# Baby, don't go # Baby, don't go

# Baby, don't go

# Baby, please don't go down to New Orleans

# You know I love you so, baby, please don't go

# When the man done gone

# When the man done gone

# When the man done gone to the county farm

# He's got the shackles on, baby, please don't go

Oh, no!

# Well, I'll be your dog

# Well, I'll be your dog, kiss you way down there

# When you walk along, baby, please don't go

# Baby, please don't go

# Baby, please don't go

# Baby, please don't go down to New Orleans

# You know I love you so, baby, please don't go

# Oh, don't go and leave me

# Oh, baby, what will I do without you?

# I love you!

# Oh, I love you!

# Oh, baby, please, please

# Oh, baby, please, please # Please don't go!

# Please don't go!

# Baby

# Baby

# Baby!

# Don't go!

# No, don't go!

# Oh, don't go and leave me

# Please don't go!

# Babe, I'm lying on my back

# I know you don't want to follow today

# I know you don't want # Other side of the track

# Other side of the track

# You found yourself a new man

# I know! I know all about you!

# Baby, please don't go

# Baby, # Baby, please don't go

# Baby, please don't go

# Baby, (SCREAMS)

(SCREAMS)

# Don't go!

# Babe! (SCREAMS)

# Don't you dare!

# No! No!

# No!

# Don't leave me!

# I'll kill you! #

# Countdown. #

In a very short time, Countdown had become a hit maker.

# Summer love In a very short time, Countdown had become a hit maker.

# Summer love

# Is like no other love

Come on!

# Ooh, yeah!

# Ooh, yeah! # Summer love is like no other love

# Summer love is like no other love

# You know what I mean

# Summer love is like no other love

# Whoo. #

Thanks to Countdown, an obscure quartet from Sweden # Whoo. #

Thanks to Countdown, an obscure quartet from Sweden

had not one, but two big hits.

Yes, there's always more than one song on the album

which is a presumptive hit. than one song on the album

which is a presumptive hit.

Which is lucky for us.

Molly had almost single-handedly brought local music

Molly had almost single-handedly out of the wilderness.

out of the wilderness.

It's had an amazing effect

because sales for Australian artists It's had an amazing effect

because sales for Australian artists over the past year

because sales for Australian artists have just skyrocketed.

have just skyrocketed.

# Because she's my, my little angel

# My little angel

# My little angel # My little angel, yes, she's mine

# My little angel, yes, she's mine

# Oh, she's so fine, my little angel

# My little angel

# And I know that she's with me all the time. #

In 1975, no fewer than five local artists had number one hits.

In 1975, no fewer than five local William Shakespeare, Sherbet,

William Shakespeare, Sherbet,

Bob Hudson, The Hooks, and our Daryl.

# You're my world Bob Hudson, The Hooks, and our Daryl.

# You're my world

# You're every move I make

# You're my world

# You're every breath I take

# Other eyes see the stars

# Up in the sky

# But for me, they shine

# Within your eyes

# As the trees reach for the sun

# Above

# With my arms to you

# For love

# With your hand

# Resting in mine

# I feel a power

# I feel a power # So divine

# So divine

# You're my world, you are my night

# My day, yeah

# You're my world, you're every prayer # My day, yeah

# You're my world, you're every prayer

# I pray you're every prayer

# I pray

# If our love

# If our love # Ceases to be

# Ceases to be

# Then it's the end of my world

# For me

# With your hand

# Resting in mine

# I feel a power

# So divine

# You're my world, you are my night

# My day, yeah you are my night

# My day, yeah

# You're my world, you're every prayer

# I take you're every prayer

# I take

# If our love

# Ceases to be

# Then it's the end of my world

# End of my world

# It's the end of my world

# For me

# Ooh, yeah, yeah. #

Hello, John. Good afternoon.

What are you? I'm a Womble.

Oh, well, that explains it then. I'm a Womble.

Oh, well, that explains it then.

What are you doing here at the ABC?

Well, I'm here to make Countdown.

Well, I'm here to make Countdown. Oh, five past five on Sunday?

Oh, five past five on Sunday?

That's right. That's funny. So am I.

I'm just having a look through some of the wardrobe here.

I'm going to bring some of me own next week.

We'll see you on Countdown, five past five on Sunday.

We'll see you on Countdown, And the Womble will be with me too.

And the Womble will be with me too.

Captions by Ericsson Access Services And the Womble will be with me too.

Captions by Ericsson Access Services

Copyright Australian Broadcasting Corporation

ANNOUNCER: Visit the Classic Countdown website

for more pictures, interviews, and behind the scenes information.