Olivia Newton-John on 'Boomeride'

Olivia Newton-John (1948–2022) singing ‘When I Grow Up’ on the live music television show Boomeride (1965).

In contrast to the lip-synced pop music shows of the time, all songs in Boomeride were performed live and backed by a four-piece combo.

The show featured only songs written by Sydney songwriter Charles Marawood, whose compositions covered a wide range of lyrical styles, including ballads, cool lounge jazz and the occasional up-tempo mover.

Boomeride's specific aesthetic was further emphasised by the use of camera ‘crash zooms’ and creative lighting in a music-theatre-in-the-round setting.

Boomeride was filmed in ATV-0's Nunawading Studios. Named after a song by Marawood, it was produced by Melbourne production company PAKKTEL.

With thanks to Milton Hammon, Tom Jeffrey, Chris Keating, Network Ten, Rolf Schreuder, Seven Network and Mike Trickett.