UPDATE – 1 December 2025: The book launch – photos and details
30 October 2025
A new book showcasing the iconic Countdown music television show will be released in early December, with a launch planned for 30 November.
The 460-page Countdown – complete episode guide, compiled by Brett Leslie and Milton Hammon, is a salute to the iconic weekly pop music program. It serves as a who’s who of the top artists of the time. Aussies like AC/DC, Skyhooks, Sherbet, Hush, John Paul Young, TMG, Cold Chisel, INXS, Pseudo Echo, Men at Work, LRB and John Farnham were seen with overseas performers including ABBA, Elton John, Madonna, Devo, Dolly Parton, Adam & The Ants, Culture Club & many more.
Countdown was created by executive producer Michael Shrimpton, producer/director Robbie Weekes and record producer and music journalist Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum.
The book Countdown – complete episode guide pays tribute to Molly, who also served as the show’s talent co-ordinator, and the other creative people who made it a high-rating success between 1974 and 1987.
The book will be launched at 2pm on Sunday 30 November at a venue not far from the now-demolished ABC studios where the program was recorded. Joining the authors at The Wickers Club at the Elsternwick Park Sports Club in Brighton will be the voice of Countdown, Gavin Wood, and producers/directors Paul Drane and Grant Rule.
Brett and Milton are offering their hard cover coffee table book for $99.95 plus postage & handling.
UPDATE – 1 December 2025: The book launch – photos and details
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