EXCLUSIVE: Host Says Permanent 'Recovery' Comeback Is Possible, Reunion Show In The Works

If you were a fan of ABC ‘90s music talk show Recovery then you’ve most likely lost your marbles today with news that a stage version of the program is in the works to celebrate its 20th anniversary, complete with its original hosts. 

Speaking to theMusic today, former Recovery host and current Triple M announcer, Jane Gazzo, claims a permanent return for the cult show, which ran from 1996-1998, is "definitely possible if a network or production company were willing to look into it".

"It is a show that is still talked of to this day," Gazzo says.

"Although it was only on air for a short time, the impact it had and the cult status it still enjoys today really amazes me. The amount of people who come up to me and want to talk about how the show shaped their lives is testament to its longevity. There’s also the nostalgia associated with the show. It was an exciting time in the Australian music scene.

"Many people in the industry think music television shows need huge budgets but my experience has shown otherwise. There are a lot of talented people who can make great TV on the smell of a rag. Couple that with mobile phone technology, the internet etc. I think there is real potential to create something quite special."

Recovery featured a number of local and international acts, some in the early stages of their career and others at their peak such as Metallica, Blink-182, Silverchair, Green Day and many more.

With a one-off show in talks to take place in Melbourne, Gazzo revealed the reunion talks were sparked after plans were arranged for cast and crew to celebrate the milestone privately.

"They are in the process of working out if we can get it up and running in time as there is only a short window of availability for some of the cast," she explains.

"I believe there’s legal clearances to sort also. I’m unsure where they’re at with it at the moment but obviously we were delighted to be approached."

It is hoped that the stage show will feature Gazzo with co-presenter Dylan Lewis, as well as Leigh Whannell and Angus Sampson, who have since enjoyed successful film careers in the US.

While Whannell is arguably best known for his work in the horror franchise, Saw, as well as having directed last year's Insidious III, Sampson starred in the second season of hit FX drama Fargo and last year's Oscar-winning Mad Max: Fury Road.

"Dylan and I were talking about this the other day. At the time the show was going to air, we knew it was special, but we were both trying to do keep our heads above water, so to speak," Gazzo recalls.

"Neither of us had done live television before and when you factor in there was no internet at the time (OK, it was in its infancy) and here we both were trying to research bands for interviews with sheets and sheets of photocopied press releases from the record companies.

"It was a fun but mad time. It was only after the show finished that I personally realised how incredibly unique and important it was. And it opened so many doors for many involved in it."

If the reunion show is set to happen, it would undoubtedly be an event to remember, but Gazzo still has some very fond memories from when the show was still on air.

"Interviewing Ben Folds Five when all three of them were dressed in drag, Jarvis Cocker of Pulp co-hosting one episode, the day Green Day hijacked the show and almost got us taken off air, Dave Hughes first ever comedy appearance on the show, meeting Sean Micallef for the first time and him giving me an album I still have today, All Saints and boy band Five on the same show, getting almost showered by spittle from British comedian Lenny Henry..."

Here's hoping that comeback comes sooner rather than later.