Starparade

"Starparade" was a West German music chart television programme, which aired on ZDF from March 14, 1968 to June 5, 1980, and was hosted by Rainer Holbe. The show aired 90 minute episodes once a week. Many popular singers performed their hit songs on the program, like Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, ABBA, Boney M, and The Carpenters.

Airtime

Initially, Starparade was a Saturday night show, but it was later moved to Thursday, where it coincided with persona-driven formats or game shows.

The show

Concept

Starparade was an elaborate music show which was filmed in major venues of different German cities. It was limited to music and short interviews with the artists. The first airing, still in black-and-white, was recorded in Siegen.

Orchestra

A trademark feature of the show was its orchestra. At the helm was James Last, who founded his world-wide success on the show.

Choice of music

The Starparade, true to its name, featured popularly, sometimes internationally famous acts, who would usually sing multiple songs. It featured domestic stars like Heino alongside international artists such as Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond and ABBA. Alongside this, Last's orchestra played instrumentals, at times even classical music. Every show also featured the official television ballet ensemble, which performed at least two dances, such that every show began with the opening music by Last's orchestra and a dance.

pecial edition

During the 1975 International Broadcasting Exhibition, a consumer electronics fair held annually in Berlin, digital technology made it possible to exhibit the show on a wall of TV screens, with each screen contributing a fraction to the complete picture.