From 1974 to 1987, ‘Countdown’ ruled Australian television sets and influenced the music scene.
Now, Penrith will be taken back to those golden years as ‘Stars of Countdown Live in Concert’ comes to Panthers for a nostalgic night of entertainment.
The lineup includes Brian Mannix from Uncanny X-Men, Scott Carne from Kids in the Kitchen, Wilbur Wilde from Hey Hey It’s Saturday, and Ally Fowler from the Chantoozies, who remembers her time on the show fondly.
“It was hosted by Molly Meldrum; he had a little host stage area where he would interview guests and talk from there. He would also have live bands in the studio,” Fowler described.
“It was a really amazing launch pad for so many bands to get their music out there.
“If you got the endorsement of Molly, which you usually did if you were on the show, that set you on your way.”
The show had a live studio audience – including screaming girls.
“They weren’t sitting back like you see in studio audiences now. It was like a gig,” Fowler explained.
“They were all at the front of the stage when you were doing your performance, or they were huddled around Molly while he was on his stage where he’d do the interviews.
“It was quite unruly and anything could happen. It was a lot of fun.”
Ally Fowler is an Aussie actress and singer and is one of four members of 80s band, the Chantoozies. The girl band is known for hits like ‘Wanna Be Up’ and ‘Baby It’s You’.
The Chantoozies were born when Fowler and bandmate Tottie Goldsmith began talking about starting a cabaret.
“I started life more as an actor in a show called ‘Sons and Daughters’ and then I went on to ‘Neighbours’. I think it was while I was doing ‘Neighbours’ and living in Melbourne, I met up with the lovely Tottie Goldsmith and we decided to do a cabaret show,” Fowler recounted.
“Tottie’s brother poked his head through the window and went, ‘You don’t want to do that, you want a band’. So, he got a band, and he came back and that was the Chantoozies.”
Soon, Eve von Bibra and Angie La Bozzetta joined the ranks and the Chantoozies rose to stardom. Eventually, everyone went their separate ways as life became busy, but the band never formally broke up.
At ‘Stars of Countdown Live in Concert’, Fowler will be representing the band for the musical homage.
“There are a few fun surprises and gags in there. We joke around a bit and don’t take it all too seriously,” Fowler described.
“We’re not sending up ‘Countdown’ because it was a great show and it was great to be part of.
“We honour the show, but we also very much acknowledge the cheesiness of the 80s.”
There will be music, interviews, stories, tributes to Molly Meldrum, and shenanigans at the concert on July 19. Tickets are $74.50 and can be purchased online at https://penrith.panthers.com.au/event/stars-of-countdown-live-in-concert.
Ally Hall
Ally Hall joined the Weekender in 2024, and focuses on entertainment and community stories. She's a graduate of the University of South Australia and has previously worked as a Video Journalist with Southern Cross Austereo and as a News Reader with Australian Radio Network.