The Dutch broadcasting company Veronica started their TV programming in the second half of the 1970’s on a public television channel. They were entitled to a few hours of television every week. They started the programme Countdown. Initially, Countdown was broadcasting live concerts by artists such as AC/DC and the Police, but in 1983 the programme was remodelled. Host Erik de Zwart presented a chartshow not unlike its main competitor Toppop.
In 1984 De Zwart was replaced by newcomer Adam Curry. Born in America, he presented the show with a heavy accent. He was responsible for a period of immense popularity. Within a few years, Countdown was the most popular music show in the Netherlands, and it was soon franchised into Europe: first on Europa TV, then on Sky Channel.
Adam Curry quit the show in 1987, when he was offered a contract by MTV in America. Presenters Simone Walraven, Wessel van Diepen and Jasper Faber failed to continue the success story, and by 1994, Countdown was finally cancelled.
During its run, Kim Wilde visited the Countdown studios numerous times. She performed all of her biggest hits and was repeatedly interviewed in the show.
Countdown performances by Kim Wilde on Dutch television
31 July 1983 – Love Blonde
31 January 1985 – Interview, The Touch
28 June 1986 – Interview, The Touch, Schoolgirl
20 April 1988 – Hey Mister Heartache
24 August 1988 – You Came
18 January 1989 – Four Letter Word
18 April 1990 – Interview
25 April 1990 – It’s Here
27 April 1992 – Interview, Love Is Holy
1992 – Who Do You Think You Are?
21 September 1993 – Interview, You Keep Me Hangin’ On, Three Little Pigs, If I Can’t Have You
Countdown performances by Kim Wilde on satellite channels
28 July 1986 – Interview & videos (Europa TV)
24 April 1988 – Interview, Hey Mister Heartache (Sky Channel)
28 August 1988 – Interview, You Came (Sky Channel)
1988 – Never Trust a Stranger (Sky Channel)
25 April 1990 – Interview, It’s Here (RTL Veronique)