Australia’s longest running Rock ‘n’ Roll cabaret band ‘The Countdowns’ are about to celebrate 50 years of non-stop entertaining. The event has been finalised and it is expected to be bigger than ever.
The event will be hosted by none other than Johnny Young, an icon of the Australian entertainment industry and include artists such as Jade Hurley who has been described as a cross between Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, and Liberace; Dennis Knight, four times Queensland’s Entertainer of the Year and an Australian Rock Legend, as well as renowned international singer/songwriter Sue Ray.
The Event is being held on Saturday 25 July 2015 at Rumours International, Toowoomba, Queensland.
It is expected that this event will be a sell out function with many travelling to Toowoomba to attend what could be the last public Countdowns function and therefore the night will be aptly named ‘The Final Countdown’. It is very possible that many are sure to have danced the night away with them, as The Countdowns have travelled extensively throughout Queensland.
The group formed in 1965 by foundation member, Owen Ray who still fronts the band today. Little did he know way back then that a gig at a 21st birthday party would launch them into a successful career and virtual ‘legendary’ status in the Australian entertainment industry?
Since the ‘60s, The Countdowns have performed with scores of leading Australian and international artists and are somewhat of an Australian phenomenon. To their credit, they have played alongside Australian epic performers such as the great Johnny O’Keefe, John Farnham, Billy Thorpe, The Delltones, the Bee Gees, Masters Apprentices, the Easybeats, Little Pattie, Lonnie Lee, Tony Worsley Ronnie Burns, Russell Morris and the original Platters to name just a few. Obviously The Countdowns are no ordinary rock ’n roll band!
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Toowoomba’s enduring and iconic rock ‘n’ roll band The Countdowns and to acknowledge and pay respect to the sights, sounds and artists who inspired them, an exhibition of British and Australian Pop culture of the 60s called ‘Rolling Shadows’ will be presented on the night, for ONE night only.
A vintage car display will greet fans at the door, Aussie-made Vase amps will have a collection of old amps for musos to drool over, and a Rock and Roll dance troupe, in full 50s-60s attire, will mingle with guests on arrival and entertain by performing dance routines throughout the night.
Mark this date in your diary. SATURDAY 25 JULY 2015 Rumours International, Toowoomba. Tickets can be booked through Nunns Music Store, 217 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba (opposite De Lacy’s/formerly Moffatt Hotel) – Phone 4638 1422.
The Countdowns have successfully celebrated their 30th, 40th and 45th anniversary to packed houses. They are about to do it again, this time celebrating their 50th. How many other bands can mark this achievement?
Grab your friends and make the night one big event on your social calendar.
The Countdowns Photo Competition
Submitted by:
Liz Whatson
