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Quiz about Before MTV There Was Countdown
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.
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Author
redwaldo
Time
4 mins
Type
Multiple Choice
Quiz #
362,535
Updated
Dec 03 21
# Qns
10
Difficulty
Average
Avg Score
7 / 10
Plays
1819
Last 3 plays: Gispepfu (9/10), ankitankurddit (5/10), chianti59 (6/10).
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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


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


Question 3 of 10
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


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


Question 5 of 10
5. Which member of the British royal family appeared on "Countdown" in 1977? Hint


Question 6 of 10
6. The band Midnight Oil, known internationally for "Beds are Burning" and "Blue Sky
Mine", refused to appear on "Countdown".


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


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


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


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



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Most Recent Scores
Mar 12 2024 : Gispepfu: 9/10
Feb 23 2024 : ankitankurddit: 5/10
Feb 23 2024 : chianti59: 6/10
Feb 03 2024 : cosechero: 8/10

Score Distribution

quiz
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.
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"?

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.
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?

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!
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?

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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