In celebration for 30 years of the ARIAs, step back in time to the first awards ceremony.
Formed in 1983, the Australian Recording Industry Association celebrates the Australian music industry and help promote local talent. The first awards ceremony (ARIAs) wasn’t held until 1987, as the TV show Countdown held their own awards presentations until 1986, where a scuffle happened between INXS and Uncanny X-Men.
The first ARIAs wasn’t even televised. Instead, it was a private ceremony at the Sheraton Wentworth Hotel in Sydney, with Elton John as guest. It wasn’t until 1992 when the awards were shown on TV… and the rest is history.
Now into the 30th year of the awards, many artists have come and gone, as well as stayed around. Here’s the first ARIAs from 1987. Listen out for when Elton John says to ‘keep it off the TV’ to allow the awards night to have fun.
