Ring Parade

(This entry was previously known as Samedi est à Vous which has been combined with this one as there's no proof it actually featured ABBA - now confirmed as Ring Parade).

Show background: Every Sunday evening, during the 1970s there was a TV show hosted by Guy Lux and Sophie Darel. The name of the show changed with the years (French Cancan, Domino, Ring Parade/Système 2, Top Club, Cadence 3). Ring Parade was shown every Sunday at 7.30pm and was a competition featuring approximately six songs/artists. This was followed by the news between 8.00pm and 8.30pm followed by Système 2. Système 2 was a 70-80 minute show with several artists. During the show, viewers got the results of the Ring Parade competition.  ABBA appeared in Ring Parade or in Système 2 but it seems that Ring Parade was, sometimes, listed as Système 2 by the French TV archives (INA) in the 70s.

ABBA performed "SOS" to playback on this show hosted by Guy Lux and Michel Touret.  The format of the show appears to be giving new artistes not currently in the charts a helping hand.  The format is that of a boxing ring parade where viewers phone in to vote for their choice of song. The winning song would return for a monthly final. Three songs also take part in the "starter match" which is where ABBA took part in this edition of the programme.

ABBA wore jeans during the dress rehearsals of the show.

Running order
1. groupe Chocolat - Chuchucambo
2. Afric Simone - Ramaya
3. ABBA - SOS ** (A)
4. Jean-Paul Barkoff - Music, music ** (B)
5. Christophe - Petite fille du soleil ** (C)
6. Michel David's marionnette
7. Rubettes - I can do it *
8. Jo Dolan - Lady in blue *
9. Saint Preux interpretes - Your hair *
10. Gloria Gaynor - Reach out, I'll be there *
11. Dave - Dansez maintenant *
12. groupe Chocolat dance - Brasilia carnaval *
13. Barry Collins' balett - dance excerpt musical West side story

* the six candidates for this week's competition
** starter match

An "ABBA on TV" exclusive - these colour pictures are being shared for the first time since the original broadcast.

            (black and white)