The Eurovision Song Contest 1977; the year Eurovision was postponed…
Boring Facts
Host BBC
Location Wembley Conference Centre, London, UK
Compare Angela Rippon
Date 7 May 1977
Participating Countries 18
Winner France, Marie Myriam
Song “ L’oiseau et l’enfant” ( The bird and the child)
Controversial Facts
The contest was originally programmed for 2 April, however a BBC Cameraman and Technician strike caused the show to be postponed until May. This was a turbulent period in industrial relations, and was against a backdrop of increasing economic, social and technological change in the UK.
The UK government had placed income restraints on its broadcaster- the BBC- and this together with competition from commercial broadcasters, and the increased demand for video cameramen and technicians as VIDEO stormed into television broadcasting, meant that staff could get higher wages elsewhere. The BBC eventually agreed to improved Conditions of Service and pay, and Eurovision went ahead some 5 weeks later on 7 May 1977.
The Dutch broadcaster AVRO said it could solve the impasse by recording video clips of all the artists performing, and broadcast this in April, but the BBC stood firm and said it would postpone the contest until May. Can you imagine the mayhem that this postponement would cause to flight, hotel and function bookings if it happened today?
The language rule was reinstated from 1973, which meant that countries could only sing in their official language/s and only “loose words” of English were permitted. I have spent quite a bit of time pondering just which “loose words” would have been acceptable back in 1977?
But Germany and Belgium objected, and were given dispensation to perform songs in English as they stated their songs were “selected” before the language rule was reintroduced.
Tunisia was to make its debut at Eurovision in 1977, however it withdrew just 4 days before the contest. Political rumours circulated, however no official statements were released.
Interesting Facts
There were no postcards made for Eurovision 1977. The BBC did record some footage of artists at the BBC Welcome nightclub party - that were to be used as Postcards - but when Norway objected to the footage of its artists being used ( apparently cast the artists in an unflattering way? ) the postcard idea was dropped. Instead, viewers are treated to lingering shots of the audience and these are some of my favourite bits of the broadcast. Lots of time to reminisce about fashions, hairstyles, celebrities and ceremony.
1977 is considered the contest with the most errors in points announcement. The new scoreboard has a meltdown as France and Greece somehow award the same points to multiple countries. It is a scrutineer’s nightmare that is not sorted out until after the broadcast!
Eurovision’s first revolving circular stage was used for this broadcast; how very very seventies!
Seven returning artist competed in Eurovision 1977. And that is a record!
Groups and ensembles dominated the entries in 1977 as the success achieved by ABBA (1974), Teach-In (1975) and Brotherhood of Man (1976) had proved there might just be a winning formula for ESC. Alas, it was to dashed by France’s win with Myriam’s solo.
Unusual musical instruments made an appearance with a Swiss Alpine Horn used in Switzerland’s proposal and Spain introduced “ jug blowing” to the Eurovision audience.
Fashion Facts
Shocking Pink, could have been the theme for this Eurovision contest. A total of 8 artists chose pink ( in all its myriad of hues) and it becomes 9 if you count Norway’s pink sash. Each pink outfit is complete in its glory, but it’s hard to go past Germany’s sequinned pantsuits for style and eye-popping colour. There are also some froufrou numbers from Monaco and Netherlands.
Greece’s perfect purple ensemble shows dedication to costume coordination, and Belgium wins the “Tight Pants” Award, in a year where there are quite a few seriously tight contenders!
But the ultimate award goes to Austria who gives Eurovision its first “Double-sided” costumes on the Eurovision stage. It is a moment of unique magic with not a wardrobe malfunction in sight and a perfect display.
I hope you find time to watch at least the performance highlights from this memorable year.