ABC studios rock to Countdown anniversary

EXCLUSIVE:

The walls of ABC studios were shaking once again and (ageing) pop devotees were cheering for Daryl Braithwaite when Countdown 50 Years On was filmed in Southbank last night.

It may not have been the original Ripponlea studios but none of the audience, many of whom had dressed for the occasion, seemed to mind. Instead it was a party atmosphere.

While some were privately happy for the few available seats, others were grooving on the studio floor, hands in the air and swaying to the nostalgia of it all.

Countdown 50 Years On, marking fifty years since the iconic show ignited a generation of pop fans across the country, lured original acts -and crew- as well current acts reimagining classic hits.

Without giving too much away, the special hosted by Myf Warhurst & Tony Armstrong opened with a medley of memorable hits by Ross Wilson, Kate Ceberano, Grace Knight, Joe Camilleri and Daryl Braithwaite.

Rockers Regurgitator donned Devo energy dome hats (aka flowerpots) for a mean rendition of Whip It, while there was also a Kate Bush medley.

Myf Warhurst & Tony Armstrong interviewed OG rock acts including Hush guitarist Les Gock, Russell Morris and more.

Attending the big night were 1970s producer Grant Rule and director Paul Drane, while announcer Gavin Wood was in the booth. Other original crew including director Ted Emery, were interviewed in video packages. The consensus was Countdown days were wild, chaotic and joyous.

L to R: Paul Drane, Grant Rule.

The 90 minute special also included GANGgajang, Marcia Hines and Leo Sayer. While Molly Meldrum was too unwell to attend, his influence loomed large across video packages and in a tribute by Dylan Lewis.

When Kate Ceberano suggested ABC simply leave the set standing for everyone to return next week to record another music show, nobody was in disagreement.

Do yourself a favour…

Countdown 50 Years On 7.30pm Saturday 16 November on ABC.