While 1970s TV focused heavily on pop, mature rock audiences had few options until Nightmoves debuted in May 1977. Australia’s first successful late-night ‘serious’ music program, Nightmoves showcased local and international acts live in concert, along with interviews, news and reviews, and performances from less commercial artists. Created by Mushroom Records’ Michael Gudinski, the show began on Melbourne’s HSV7 before broadcasting nationwide on the Seven Network by year’s end. Then-3XY DJ Lee Simon hosted, maintaining a relaxed, informative presence throughout the show’s seven-year run.

Throughout its lifespan, Nightmoves became known for breaking many non-Top 40 international acts in Australia through its eclectic artist selections each week; Rush, George Benson, and Emerson Lake and Palmer were among the artists to benefit from this new approach to music television, a growing sign of the local scene’s maturity. The Age columnist Helen Thomas was equally impressed, commenting in 1977 that 'Rock viewing standards could improve sharply if the instant success of Nightmoves is any marker… the show has a lot going for it'.

In 1982, Nightmoves switched to Network Ten before evolving into Rockit in 1985. Its success likely inspired similar non-Top 40 music shows, like SBS’ Rock Around the World (1982–84) and ABC’s Rock Arena (1982–88).

In the opening moments of the very first episode, Simon lays out the format of the program, before chatting to Skyhooks lead singer, Graeme ‘Shirley’ Strachan.

Explore more of After Dark – a Deep Dive into Australian nightlife that draws on decades of material from the NFSA collection.