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Quiz about Before MTV There Was Countdown

Before MTV There Was "Countdown" Quiz

"Countdown" is considered the most popular music program in the history of Australian television. Test your knowledge of this weekly music show which ran from 1974 to 1987.

A multiple-choice quiz by redwaldo. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
redwaldo

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
362,535

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
1831

Last 3 plays: Guest 49 (4/10), Guest 104 (7/10), Guest 182 (9/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. The timing of the first screenings of "Countdown" in late 1974 coincided with what impending technological change for Australian television? Hint

The introduction of colour television in March 1975

The Goverment lifted a ban on international music clips being shown

The only music show on Australian television

Australia's first television station opened

NEXT>

Question 2 of 10

2. The format of the show had Australian music acts performing 'live' (generally lip synching). How were international artists shown on "Countdown"? Hint

Satellite hook-up to British/American studios

No music shown, just interviews

Only Australian acts allowed

Video clips

3. The driving force of "Countdown" was the talent co-ordinator and co-creator, Ian "Molly" Meldrum. In 1976 he was instrumental in breaking which Perth band that performed the song "I Like It Both Ways"? Hint

Skyhooks

Supergrass

Supernaut

Sherbet

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Question 4 of 10

4. "New Wave" music became popular in the late 1970s with "Countdown" playing a big part in exposing such music. Which of the following bands would not be considered part of "New Wave"? Hint

The Cure

ABBA

Elvis Costello

Ian Dury and the Blockheads

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Question 5 of 10

5. Which member of the British royal family appeared on "Countdown" in 1977? Hint

Prince Charles

Prince Philip

Queen Elizabeth

Princess Anne

NEXT>

Question 6 of 10

6. The band Midnight Oil, known internationally for "Beds are Burning" and "Blue Sky
Mine", refused to appear on "Countdown".

True

False

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Question 7 of 10

7. Recognising the influence of "Countdown" on the music market, international artists were keen to be interviewed. Which of the following artists did NOT give 'exclusive' interviews to the program? Hint

John Lennon

Rod Stewart

Elton John

Madonna

NEXT>

Question 8 of 10

8. A crucial part of the television show was the presentation of the latest music news called "Humdrum". What would the host of this section, Ian Meldrum say to the audience if an album or single was favourably reviewed? Hint

"Rush out for this one"

"You must get this"

"Do yourself a favour"

"Four star music"

NEXT>

Question 9 of 10

9. As mentioned earlier, Meldrum never conducted the show without his 'trade-mark' hat. On the last show in 1987, he removed the hat to reveal which type of hair style? Hint

He had a mullet hair style

He had shaved his head

He was completely bald

He has dyed his hair blonde and closely-cropped

NEXT>

Question 10 of 10

10. Nearly all of the video tapes of "Countdown" are no longer available. Can you tell me what happened to them? Hint

The master tapes were reused (taped over)

The master tapes were stolen

The master tapes were lost

The master tapes were accidently thrown out

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Most Recent Scores

Dec 10 2024 : Guest 49: 4/10
Nov 30 2024 : Guest 104: 7/10
Oct 31 2024 : Guest 182: 9/10
Oct 31 2024 : Guest 120: 7/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. The timing of the first screenings of "Countdown" in late 1974 coincided with what impending technological change for Australian television?

Answer: The introduction of colour television in March 1975

Australia received colour television later than the United States and the United Kingdom. An advantage of such a 'late' adoption meant that the best technological format of the time (the PAL system) was used.

It contributed to "Countdown's" soaring popularity as it was one of the first shows to be made entirely in colour. Thus, viewers were able to watch their favorite artists in 'living colour'.

2. The format of the show had Australian music acts performing 'live' (generally lip synching). How were international artists shown on "Countdown"?

Answer: Video clips

Video clips were generally not considered popular until the advent of MTV in 1981.
"Countdown" helped to change such popular perceptions of music on television by showing video clips of artists such as ABBA, Madonna and Blondie, often before they were shown in the artists' home country.

Answer: Supernaut

The title and lyrics of the song were considered too sensitive for commercial radio. Nevertheless, "I Like It Both Ways" became a big hit for Supernaught, largely because of their appearances on "Countdown".

4. "New Wave" music became popular in the late 1970s with "Countdown" playing a big part in exposing such music. Which of the following bands would not be considered part of "New Wave"?

Answer: ABBA

"New Wave" music combined the rawness of "Punk" with the more melodic songs of the 1960s. "Countdown" popularised such acts as The Cure by regularly promoting songs in this music genre.

5. Which member of the British royal family appeared on "Countdown" in 1977?

Answer: Prince Charles

Ian Meldrum's 1977 interview with Prince Charles was marked by a number of problems. Meldrum was extremely nervous and kept 'scoffing' his questions. It has since been reported that said "I saw your mum in London" to which Prince Charles coldly replied "Are you referring to Her Majesty, The Queen?"
Such an exchange was 'naturally' not broadcast!

6. The band Midnight Oil, known internationally for "Beds are Burning" and "Blue Sky Mine", refused to appear on "Countdown".

Answer: True

The producers of "Countdown" required artists to lip synch their songs in the studio. However, Midnight Oil insisted on performing their song(s) live.
With neither side willing to compromise, Midnight Oil declared they would never appear on the show, a promise they duly kept.

Answer: John Lennon

As the show's interviewer, Ian Meldrum developed friendships with the some of these musicians. In an interview with an 'over-energetic' Iggy Pop, Meldrum had to keep his hand on his trade-mark hat as Iggy tried constantly to remove it!

Answer: "Do yourself a favour"

Originally, Meldrum had told the viewers to "Go buy the album (or single)", but the ABC television station, being Government-owned, forbade direct endorsements.
Hence, Meldrum came up with his own way of endorsing a music product.

9. As mentioned earlier, Meldrum never conducted the show without his 'trade-mark' hat. On the last show in 1987, he removed the hat to reveal which type of hair style?

Answer: He had shaved his head

It was rumoured that Meldrum kept his hat on constantly as he was uncomfortable with his receding hairline.
The shaven head on the last show was seen by some as a tribute to Midnight Oil's lead singer, Peter Garrett, who has a bald head.

10. Nearly all of the video tapes of "Countdown" are no longer available. Can you tell me what happened to them?

Answer: The master tapes were reused (taped over)

Unfortunately the master tapes were viewed as too expensive not to be reused. As a consequence, around 100 tapes were lost in their entirety.

Source: Author redwaldo

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor kyleisalive before going online.
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