Eurovision Song Contest 1977

The Eurovision Song Contest 1977 was the 22nd edition series, and was held on May 7, 1977 in London. With Angela Rippon as the presenter, the contest was won by Marie Myriam who represented France, with her song "L'oiseau et l'enfant" ("The Bird and the Child"). This was France's fifth victory, a record, which was equalled by Luxembourg in 1983 and the United Kingdom in 1997. It was equalled and beaten by Ireland in 1993 and 1994.

The language rule was brought back in this contest, four years after it had been dropped in 1973. However Germany and Belgium were allowed to sing in English, because they had already chosen the songs they were going to sing before the rule was reintroduced.

As noted in The Eurovision Song Contest - The Official History by author and historian John Kennedy O'Connor, the contest was originally planned to be held on April 2, but because of a strike of BBC cameramen and technicians, it had to be postponed.

At one point before the contest Tunisia was going to participate but they withdrew. If they had gone ahead they would have appeared fourth on stage.

The Belgian act Dream Express had created some controversy in the press with reports that the three female members would wear transparent tops; this did not materialise for the actual event.

Although Marie Myriam won, the song finishing second, "Rock Bottom" written and performed by Lynsey De Paul and Mike Moran was the most commercial with the European public since this song went on to become a top 10 hit in most European countries, unlike "L'oiseau et l'enfant". However, the performance of Marie Myriam is considered among the best in the history of ESC and the song has achieved a classic status and is still well remembered.

Were you there? What do you remember?