Countdown resurrected for star-studded Ulumbarra tribute

FANS of music television show Countdown, which was televised on the ABC from 1974 to 1987, will be able relive all the things they loved about it when Stars of Countdown Live in Concert comes to the Ulumbarra Theatre on Saturday 14 June.

The two-set musical jamboree features regulars from the iconic program, including heartthrob Kids in the Kitchen lead singer Scott Carne, impish Uncanny X-Men frontman Brian Mannix, Ally Fowler of the Chantoozies, plus a fellow who needs no introduction, Wilbur Wilde himself.

Punters can look forward to interviews and stories, tributes to Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum, plus the performers singing their own Top 10 hits and other popular numbers from the era.

Carne, who described Kids in the Kitchen’s first appearance on the show as “surreal”, was quick to mention the impact of Countdown on himself personally and the local music landscape too.

“I loved everything about it, it was a Sunday ritual,” he said.

“I absolutely adore Molly (because) he championed so many young bands.

“The ABC gave him free rein, but he fought for those moments, he got in there and changed the way things are done.”

To be sure, Carne reckons the secret to the show’s popularity was Molly’s passion.

“He broke the silence and made it okay to be different,” he said.

Carne considers Stars of Countdown as its own entity, rather than being a facsimile of the original.

“We’re really proud of it,” he said.

“It’s not trying to be the show, but it’s got all the elements – voiceovers, tributes – and it’s not just us jumping up singing our songs, we really make an effort to pay (homage) to Countdown and especially Molly.”

Stars of Countdown Live in Concert takes place at Ulumbarra Theatre on Saturday 14 June.

Tickets can be purchased via the Gotix website.