To mark the 40th anniversary of “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” ABC is airing a special starting at 8 p.m., stitched from clips of performances over the years — starting with Three Dog Night belting out “Celebrate” in 1973.

From Billy Idol (“White Wedding,” 2005) to Lionel Richie (“All Night Long,” 2009) to Olivia Newton-John (“I Honestly Love You,” 1975), the special — hosted from Times Square by Jenny McCarthy and from LA by Fergie — will air before the traditional run-up to ball-drop at midnight.

Not every single year is covered — because ABC couldn’t get the rights to the show’s first two years on NBC.

Among the highlights: Culture Club (“Karma Chameleon,” 1984); Daughtry (“Home,” 2010); Rick Springfield (“Jessie’s Girl,” 1982); Mariah Carey (“We Belong Together,” 2006); Hall & Oates (“Maneater,” 1983); and Taylor Swift (“Picture to Burn,” 2009).

The 2012 version of the New Year’s Eve show begins at 10 p.m. with a Times Square concert by Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber (who performed “One Time” in 2010), Pitbull and Hot Chelle Rae.