COUNTDOWN 1974 TO 1987 Countdown was the most popular music program in Australian TV history. Hosted by Molly Meldrum he was usually known for his relaxed manner and Akubra hat. In 1974 the fledgling music scene in Australia was definitely growing and artists like Skyhooks, Sherbet, AC/DC and John Paul Young made their mark through this program. Countdown established itself almost immediately in 1974 as a world class program and was responsible for introducing the ABBA phenomenon to the rest of the world. By 1975 Countdown was internationally renowned and any performer visiting Australia would appear on the show. ABBA weren't the only act who owed much of their success to Countdown; many other bands like Blondie and The Human League got their -break in Australia through Molly's endless push for bands and artists to be recognised both nationally and internationally. Pseudo Echo made their debut (performing "Listening") on Countdown as an unsigned band in 1983. Without Countdown, many artists would not have been given the opportunities that they had.