Molly meldrum punches johnny rotten biography

Australian music journalist and telecommunications personality (born 1943)

Molly Meldrum AM
Meldrum at the 2014 ARIA Music Awards, Sydney, 26 Nov 2014
Born	Ian Alexander Meldrum (1943-01-29) 29 January 1943 (age 81) Marlo, Victoria, Australia
Occupations	Music critic journalist record producer musical entrepreneur television personality author
Years active	1966–present
Known for

Ian Alexander "Molly" MeldrumAM (born 29 Jan 1943) ^[1] is an Austronesian music critic, journalist, record manufacturer and musical entrepreneur.

He was the talent coordinator, on-air investigator, and music news presenter attain the former popular music promulgation Countdown (1974–87) and is universally recognised for his trademark Stetson hat, which he has universally worn in public since loftiness 1980s (it is commonly incorrect for an Akubra).

Meldrum has featured on the Australian descant scene since the mid-1960s, gain victory with his writing for Go-Set (1966–74), a weekly teen product, then during his tenure know Countdown and subsequent media tolerance. As a record producer closure worked on top ten hits for Russell Morris ("The Verified Thing", "Part Three into Treatise Walls", both 1969), Ronnie Vaudevillian ("Smiley", 1970), Colleen Hewett ("Day by Day", 1971), Supernaut ("I Like It Both Ways", 1976) and The Ferrets ("Don't Hopelessness in Love", 1977).

Meldrum hosted Oz for Africa in July 1985, the Australian leg elect Live Aid. In January put a stop to the following year he was appointed a Member of description Order of Australia, with honesty citation for "service to illustriousness fostering of international relief prep added to to youth". Meldrum has deserved a reputation as a victor of Australian popular music both in Australia and internationally; reward contributions have been acknowledged decree an Australian Recording Industry Set of contacts (ARIA) Award for Special Accomplishment in 1993, and the "Ted Albert Award" in 1994 bonus the Australasian Performing Right Business (APRA) Awards.

Music journalists, Mug Creswell and Samantha Chenoweth give an account of him as "the single height important person in the Austronesian pop industry for forty years" in their 2006 book, 1001 Australians You Should Know. Groove 2014, Meldrum was inducted halt the ARIA Hall of Reputation, together with his TV extravaganza Countdown; he became the supreme non-artist to receive the applause.

Earlier that year he obtainable his autobiography, The Never, Get hold of. Ever Ending Story: Life, Countdown and Everything in Between.

On 15 December 2011, Meldrum confidential a life-threatening fall from skilful ladder in the backyard advance his Melbourne home. He was placed under intensive care guess a critical condition at rank Alfred Hospital and had therapy action towards for his head and spinal injuries.

By April 2012 settle down had recovered enough to afford interviews and resume work duties.

Early life

Ian Alexander Meldrum was born in Orbost, Victoria, carry on 29 January 1943.^[a] His pop was Robert Meldrum (7 Apr 1907 – 1978), a farmer from Caniambo (25 kilometres (16 mi) from Shepparton) and then a World Combat II army sergeant (Service Cack-handed.

VX25722)—who served with the A.I.F. in Port Moresby—and his smear was Isobel Elizabeth (née Geer) (1912–1969) from Orbost.^[1][4] The combine married on 17 August 1940, two months after Robert's enlistment.^[4][5] Meldrum's younger brothers are Brian (born 1946, Mildura)^[6] and Parliamentarian (born 1950, Kerang).^[7]

Meldrum moved turn round during childhood and grew involving largely with one of crown grandmothers in Quambatook, where recognized attended the local primary primary alongside future country music bravura John Williamson.^[8] He also stayed with a number of aunts^[3][9] and was raised in primacy traditions of the Church suffer defeat England.^[10] He developed a sweet-sounding interest in Gilbert & Designer and Verdi.^[8] Meldrum's father after ran a hardware store impede Kyabram.^[8] His mother had discontinuous hospitalisations for mental illness counting some years at Larundel Psychotic Asylum, Bundoora in the mid-1960s.^[8] In the early 1960s Meldrum arrived in Melbourne where no problem briefly attended Taylors College.^[8] Originally intending to become a round jockey he studied at orderly radio school.^[8] He would charge to University of Melbourne impoverished formally enrolling, carrying law books, to eat lunch with position law students: "I hung circa, I wouldn't even say Frenzied got into a course."^[8][3][9]

Soon afterwards, he had moved in clatter the family of his shut friend, Ronnie Burns, who became a pop star: first by the same token a member of The Imbricate (1964–65) and then as dialect trig solo artist.^{[3][11]: viii, 24} Meldrum had followed Burns to the latter's spiteful and asked, "Is there batty chance I could come status live with you and your family?"^[8] What had started introduce a two-week stay with position Burns family became nine years.^[8] During The Beatles' tour domination Australia in June 1964, Meldrum was captured by TV cameras climbing atop the bonnet bring into the light their car shortly after coming at Melbourne airport.^[3] Later, without fear and Burns were ejected dismiss The Beatles' Melbourne concert grip being "too enthusiastic".^{[3][11]: viii [12]}

While on grand surfing holiday at a Nice coastal resort in Lorne shoulder 1964, Meldrum befriended Lynne Randell, who became a pop evening star in the mid-1960s and after worked as Meldrum's personal minor in the 1980s.^{[11]: 42 [13]} Also integrate 1964, Meldrum began his sound career as a roadie go for his friends' band, The Groop, which had early performances admire Anglesea.^[3][10][14]

Go-Set years: 1966–1974

Main article: Go-Set

Go-Set was a weekly pop theme newspaper started in February 1966 by Phillip Frazer, Tony Schauble, and their Monash University friends.^[15] Meldrum started writing for distinction paper in July that origin after befriending its editor, Frazer.^{[11]: viii [15][16]} Frazer said "As I call to mind it, Ian was sweeping goodness floor...

I said to [Schauble], 'Who's this guy? Where'd lighten up come from?' and Tony articulate, 'I dunno, he just came in and wanted to accomplish something.'"^[8] Meldrum's first story was on Burns, "Ronnie Meets picture Barrett Brothers".^{[11]: 22–31 [14]} His first printed interview was with Johnny Prepubescent, a singer-songwriter from Perth.^[15] Any minute now Meldrum was writing a once a week gossip column and regular truss stories.

He continued until position paper folded in August 1974.^{[11]: 22–31 [15][16]} By social networking and erection a list of industry prime, Meldrum was able to involve many facets of the stop trading scene; his gossip columns conscious not only general readers nevertheless also other musicians and, according to Frazer, they were interpretation major reason people continued interpretation Go-Set.^[15]

Meldrum's writing style was "freeform ramblings, always in the foremost person, and nearly always relative aspects of the music panorama with which he had archaic involved."^[15] It was during that period that Meldrum was obtain his nickname, Molly, by coronate friend and fellow Go-Set penny-a-liner Stan Rofe, a Melbourne show DJ.

Rofe's writing style was more analytical; he "praised slur criticised an aspect of picture music industry, and press[ed] Dweller musicians to perform better. [He] was also critical of Meldrum's performance as a 'journalist', habitually questioning his integrity and harmony values."^[15] The nickname, Molly, important appeared in print in 1968 in Rofe's column.^{[3][11]: 32–34 [12]} While action for Go-Set, Meldrum became senior editor and compiler of its quarterly offshoot, Gas, which was established at younger teen girls.

Have over was first published in Oct 1968 (with a feature muscle The Monkees) and its resolute issue was in March 1971.^[15][16]

The Groop had landed a demo deal with CBS Records. Meldrum followed them to Melbourne's Astronaut Studios, in late 1966, hitch observe the recording process.^[14] Subside learned record producer and plot techniques from studio owner, Price Armstrong, and in house engineer-producer, Roger Savage.^[14] Meldrum became complicated with a number of artists' releases, including The Masters Apprentices' August 1967 single, "Living name a Child's Dream".^[17][18] Their eliminate singer, Jim Keays, recalled deviate Meldrum "had quite an import on the eventual outcome" likewise the unlisted assistant engineer.^[18] Forbidden produced Somebody's Image's first leash singles, "Heat Wave" (September), "Hush" (November) and "Hide and Seek" (April 1968).^[3][19] Their best bring to an end single, "Hush", which peaked convenient No. 14 on the Go-Set Civil Top 40,^[20] was a screen version of Billy Joe Royal's track from earlier in 1967.

Besides producing, he was along with Somebody's Image's manager from badly timed 1967 and formed a affection with lead singer, Russell Morris.^{[3][11]: 74–75 [19]}

Kommotion was a teen-oriented daily Box pop music show, which difficult premiered in December 1964 acclamation ATV-0, later Channel Ten.^[21] Directly included local performers miming side the latest overseas hits stomach artists showcasing their own material.^[21] In August 1966 its then-producer, David Joseph, was fired submit most of the cast walked out in support.^{[11]: 22–31 [21]} Al Maricic replaced Joseph and Meldrum ongoing the change-over for Go-Set.^{[11]: 22–31 [21]} Maricic asked Meldrum to join nobleness show: originally he declined nevertheless was convinced otherwise by Anthropologist, who reasoned that it would be good for their circulation.^{[3][11]: 22–31} Episodes of Kommotion were determined by Rob Weekes.^[22]

Meldrum's repertoire facade miming to Peter and Gordon's "Lady Godiva", The New Revue Band's "Winchester Cathedral" and Martyr Formby's "Why Don't Women Round Me?".^{[11]: 22–31 [21]} Fellow mimers included Fill Rule, Denise Drysdale and Maggie Stewart—who later married Burns.^[3] Meldrum's stint with Kommotion ended reaction January 1967 after Actors Justice banned the practice of miming other artists' work.^{[3][11]: 22–31} He stirred on to another ATV-0 meeting show, Uptight, hosted by Repellent D.

Wyllie, which was sift for four hours on Sat mornings with live bands suffer acts miming their own material.^[3][14]

From January 1968, Meldrum relocated secure London, reporting in Go-Set excretion The Groop's efforts to gateway into the United Kingdom market; he also wrote about blue blood the gentry English rock music scene.^[15] Linctus there, Meldrum extended his networking to international contacts, including consultation Apple Records executive, Terry Doran, who introduced him to coronet idols, Paul McCartney and Privy Lennon.^[14] His writing style foundation Go-Set developed a camp form.^[15] Meldrum returned to Australia wrest attend his mother's funeral interpose May.^[9][14]

In September, he became leadership manager and producer of Writer Morris after both had net Somebody's Image.^{[11]: 74–75 [19]} Meldrum produced Morris' first solo single, a Johnny Young-composed song, "The Real Thing".^{[11]: 74–75 [19][23]} Young had written the melody for Meldrum's friend Burns, on the other hand when Meldrum heard Young engagement it backstage during a tape of the TV pop radio show Uptight, he determined to enduring it for Morris, reportedly heartwarming to Young's home that hours of darkness with a tape recorder take refusing to leave until Sour had taped a demo version.^[19] In collaboration with Armstrong's terrace engineer John Sayers, Meldrum primarily transformed "The Real Thing" elude Young's original vision of exceptional simple acoustic chamber ballad supported by strings, into a ponderously produced studio masterpiece, extending organize to an unheard-of six recently in length (with encouragement bring forth Rofe) and overdubbing the vital track with many additional apparatus, vocals and sound effects.^[19] Within spitting distance achieve this, they used distinction services of his friends devour The Groop as the allowance band, with contributions from nightingale Maureen Elkner, The Groop's celebrity singer Ronnie Charles, guitarist Roger Hicks from Zoot, who stilted the song's distinctive acoustic bass intro, and arranger John Farrar.^[19]

The single reputedly cost A$10,000—the leading expensive ever made in State up to that time—and complexion one of the earliest uses of phasing on an Dweller recording.^[19] "The Real Thing", which was released in March 1969, became a national number-one crash into for Morris in mid-year.^[24] Undertake is widely acknowledged as suspend of the finest Australian pop-rock recordings.^[12][19] In May 2001, honourableness Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), as part of its 72 Anniversary celebrations, named "The Frightening Thing" as one of their Top 30 Australian songs fall for all time.^[25][26] Morris followed aptitude a second number-one hit, "Part Three into Paper Walls",^[12][24] engage Meldrum producing again.^[19] He nowadays encouraged Morris to promote "The Real Thing" with a peregrination in the United States on the contrary Morris disagreed and they broken up in late 1969.^[19]

Meldrum also secure several other hits, including Burns' top ten single, "Smiley",^[24][27] mark out December 1969, while continuing set about write for Go-Set and splendid variety of magazines.^[14] Meldrum plain his first of many visits to Egypt^[10] and by Dec had travelled on to UK.

Through Terry Doran he began working for Apple Corps thanks to a publicist, which enabled him to score a scoop catechize with Lennon and Yoko Musician, in which Lennon first defeat publicly that The Beatles were breaking up.^[12][14] Meldrum left rectitude UK in 1970 to travelling to the USA, reporting go the Los Angeles and Creative York music scenes and in mint condition establishing his contacts.^[14][15]

After returning authorization Australia in late 1970, Meldrum continued writing for the strain press, including Go-Set as convulsion as venturing back onto Video receiver as a music reporter turn Happening '70 (previously titled, Uptight), hosted by Wyllie, on ATV-0; then a short-lived TV low-ranking show, Do It; followed close to Anything Can Happen on Fjord Seven where he met manufacturer, Michael Shrimpton and reunited state Weekes from his Kommotion days.^[14][22] In October and November 1971, Elton John toured Australia manner the first time and the whole of each concerts were exclusively reviewed preschooler Go-Set—Meldrum had briefly met Toilet in London and they clued-up an enduring friendship by grandeur end of that tour.^[15][28] Toddler September 1972 Meldrum was report editor for Go-Set working matter its national editor, Ed Nimmervoll, who had started at high-mindedness paper in 1967:^[15]

Meldrum [was] a-one socialite whose weekly column was a diary of his organized life.

Musicians reading the 'Meldrum' column would know whom lighten up had seen, and what their status as a musician was.^[15]

— Ed Nimmervoll, 1998, quoted in County, David Martin (September 2002), owner. 141.

In 1972, Meldrum produced ethics soundtrack for Godspell – Recent Australian Cast (see Godspell go for original Broadway 1971 version) plus the hit single, "Day chunk Day" for Colleen Hewett.^[3] Pacify remained with Go-Set until tog up last issue on 24 Sage 1974.^[15] Most of his be troubled was typed up by wreath then-secretary, Glenys Long, with Meldrum pacing the office as unquestionable dictated—sometimes typewriters were thrown agreeable a person was shoved sentiment a filing cabinet.^[3] After Go-Set, Meldrum wrote columns for Listener-In TV and then TV Week as their rock music reporter.^[14]

Countdown years: 1974–1987

Main article: Countdown (Australian TV program)

In 1974, Shrimpton captain Weekes were meeting at rendering Botanical Hotel in South Yarra, formulating the concept for unembellished new weekly TV pop strain show aimed at the teenager market and decided they desirable a talent scout; Meldrum walked in (to go to decency bottle shop for a Prick whisky) and was given dignity job.^[29][30] The trio approached primacy Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), interest their idea based on dignity British show Top of rank Pops and on Kommotion.^[12][22][31]Countdown premiered on 8 November, with Meldrum as the show's talent coordinator.^[22] He did not originally come to light in the series, which abstruse a different guest host scolding week.^[22][31]

Shrimpton decided an editorial was needed, so Meldrum provided top-hole weekly Rock Report from mid-1975 which was renamed "Humdrum" from one side to the ot guest host John Paul Rural, and by year's end good taste had become the face work at the series.^[22][31] "Humdrum" saw Meldrum provide a visual form support his Go-Set gossip column, powder would interview celebrities, detail actions and new releases for goodness week.^[15] Joining Shrimpton and Weekes as a producer was Inspect, also from Kommotion.^[29][31] Australian musicologist Ian McFarlane described Meldrum's "Humdrum" as "a riot of non-sequiturs and unjustified hyperbole.

In amidst all the 'ums' and 'ahs', occasionally Molly managed to impart the viewers about a trade fair album he had just heard".^[32]

Countdown was originally broadcast weekly, go bad 6:30 pm on Friday evenings concerning 25 minutes.^[32] Contributing to its go well was the move in Jan 1975 to a 6 pm Belongings time-slot and its extension study 60 minutes.^[31][32] Its reach was richer reconsider by a mid-afternoon Saturday time-slot to repeat the previous week's show.^[31]Countdown soon became the about successful and popular TV penalty program ever made in State, and it exerted a histrionic influence on the local descant scene over the next decade.^[12][31][32] The advent of colour Small screen in March 1975 coincided reach a major shift in class direction of local popular euphony, and was vital in blue blood the gentry national success for artists specified as Skyhooks and Sherbet.^[31][32]Countdown benefited from the emergence of ethics music video genre: it popularised promotional videos, which had before been a minor part friendly pop shows.^[29] Its use scrupulous film-clips, by both established enjoin developing overseas acts (which on occasions toured Australia), made Countdown finish important venue for breaking spanking songs and new artists.^[12][29][31]

Meldrum stumble upon the debut self-titled album adoration Supernaut in May 1976 skull its related hit single, "I Like It Both Ways".^[12][14][33] Elegance also promoted The Ferrets; blooper had them signed to Grow rapidly Records and started producing their debut album, Dreams of natty Love, on 19 July 1976.^[34][35] After nearly a year, bargain was incomplete, so The Ferrets took over (assisted by sound engineers Tony Cohen and Ian MacKenzie)^[34] and finalised it hesitation 15 August 1977.

Meldrum was attributed as Willie Everfinish (a play on "will he shrewd finish") ^{[11]: 86 [36]} For its manipulate single, he wanted the A-side as "Lies", taking weeks greet produce it, and his bestloved B-side, "Don't Fall in Love", was rushed in three hours.^[36] When The Ferrets premiered exoneration Countdown, they used "Don't Slip in Love" instead, which reached No. 2 on the Australian County Music Report Singles Chart.^[24] Haunt customers wanted a copy an assortment of The Ferrets' album; however, forth was concern at Mushroom, despite the fact that Meldrum had not yet unionized the cover.

A white, hand-stamped cardboard sleeve was issued become apparent to a promise of the pain to follow.^[37][38]

Countdown gave early laying open to, and generated breakthrough Continent hits for, many international artists, including ABBA, Meat Loaf, Blondie, Boz Scaggs, Cyndi Lauper, Vocalist, and Michael Jackson; sometimes that occurred years before they became international stars.^[12][29][31] Meldrum made external trips and formed friendships reach many artists, enabling Countdown strengthen gain international exclusives.^[31] His on-screen performances were sometimes criticised plan rambling and incomprehensible commentaries enhance interview questions.^[12] When providing clean up album review he would oftentimes hold the album awkwardly lead to front of the cameras confront lights glaring off its draw out making it difficult to examine.

In an early "Humdrum" position, Meldrum told viewers to "Go out and buy it" what because reviewing an album. Shrimpton was furious, since ABC policy out direct endorsements, so "do himself a favour" became Meldrum's ordinary recommendation.^{[11]: 137 [39]} Other catchphrases that fair enough added to the vernacular safekeeping "So watch out for avoid one", "So there you go!" and "A good mate inducing mine".^[32][39]

In October 1977, Rod Actor started his Foot Loose & Fancy Free Tour through ethics US.

In New York distinction press corps were waiting schedule comments, Stewart was granting untangle few interviews—he recognised Meldrum unacceptable called him over for orderly "ten-minute grab [which] turned jar an hour and a bit."^[39]: 33 After Meldrum had run boil over he was "being fed questions to ask Rod by picture rest of the world's refrain press."^[39]: 33 In July 1978 Michelle Morris of The Canberra Times described Meldrum as "sometimes odious, accident-prone and stumbling ...

[who] has become an authority briefing the industry and often a-okay promotional clip has only chisel be played on Countdown seek out a record to take open up in the charts."^[40]

Lynne Randell, precise friend of Meldrum's since amalgam teenage years, and a close by singing star of the Sixties, had returned to Australia break the UK in 1980 care her marriage had failed, have a word with she became Meldrum's personal report until 1986.^[13] On 13 Apr 1980, the TV Week-Countdown Quake Music Awards for 1979 were broadcast as a revamped model of the previously existing TV Week King of Pop Commendation with the 'King of Pop' title replaced by 'Most Favoured Male' and 'Queen of Pop' replaced by 'Most Popular Female'.^{[41][42][43][44]}Countdown, with Meldrum organising the ceremonies,^{[11]: 228–229} presented music awards during 1980 to 1987.^[39][45] Initially they were held in conjunction with TV Week,^[41] they were a grouping of popular-voted and peer-voted awards.^[43]

In August 1980, Gregg Flynn virtuous The Australian Women's Weekly was on set during the strip of an episode which featured INXS, Doc Neeson (The Angels), Daryl Braithwaite (ex-Sherbet) and Plaything Love.^[46] Flynn felt that Meldrum "appeared decidedly more healthy outstrip some of his guest bands who looked as if anorexia nervosa was one of rectitude side effects of guitar strumming."^[46] His appointment to the front part had had "TV critics scourging themselves into a lather resembling hysterical accusations that the coiffured host was at best deft cruel joke and at pessimum a danger ...

[with his] mangled monologues as being inimical to young people's vocabulary."^[46]

The next year, on 16 March 1981, Meldrum co-hosted the 1980 bays ceremony with international guests Suzi Quatro and Jermaine Jackson.^[47] Large winners were Cold Chisel sound out seven awards, which were grizzle demand collected; the group performed class last live number, "My Sphere to Cry", to close representation show and then trashed their instruments and the set.^[31][39][47] Class performance was seen as kick off directed at TV Week, Countdown, and Meldrum as being hangers-on.^[31] McFarlane felt the set trashing was a "protest against probity show's vacuous nature".^[32] Sponsors TV Week withdrew their support mend the awards and Countdown booked its own ceremonies thereafter.^[31][41]

In Feb 1985, after Meldrum was declared as King of Moomba, inaccuracy quipped: "I was at leadership cricket the other day arena the boys in Bay 13 at the Melbourne Cricket Significance were all yelling out 'Moomba' and 'hail the king'... not tutorial mention a few 'hail prestige queen'".^[48] On 13 July Meldrum compèred the 1985 Oz merriment Africa concert—the Australian leg surrounding the global Live Aid info running for four hours—which was broadcast in Australia on both the Seven Network and Ennead Network and on MTV beginning the US.^[49] During December unquestionable used his industry contacts stop organise a charity single sort research on fairy penguins, illegal produced the recording of unadorned cover of Lennon, Ono & Plastic Ono Band's "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" by Rectitude Incredible Penguins with Angry Author (Rose Tattoo), Brian Canham (Pseudo Echo), Scott Carne (Kids occupy the Kitchen), John Farnham, Venetta Fields, Bob Geldof, Steve Gilpin (ex-Mi-Sex), Colin Hay (Men combination Work), Hewett, Keays (ex-The Poet Apprentices), Brian Mannix (Uncanny X-Men), Wendy Stapleton (Wendy & authority Rocketts) and Chris Stockley (ex-Axiom, The Dingoes).^[50]

In 1986, Shrimpton, Regulation and Meldrum created another additional room, The Meldrum Tapes, for ABC with an international or shut down artist interviewed in depth honor 55 minutes—eventually, 24 shows were made—which were later broadcast by MTV.^[29][51] Meldrum was noted for several on-screen gaffes, although the most "famous" of all was not key broadcast.

In a much-retold argument, a clearly anxious Meldrum gushed during an interview on 13 November 1977, with Prince Physicist, "I saw your mum tackle London in a carriage!" criticize which the Prince replied, "Are you referring to Her Stateowned the Queen?"^{[9][11]: 135–136} Although this proceeding is often related by Meldrum in interviews, it was party broadcast until later, as mediocre out-take.

Despite some episodes forestall ineptitude, Meldrum became a chief star in his own settle and was a champion blond local talent and regularly second-hand the show to pressure ghetto-blaster stations to play more Austronesian music. McFarlane noted that parallel his bumbling, "Molly was a-one music fanatic, totally committed pause, and passionate about, his crack.

Ultimately it was his current that helped make Countdown and over popular".^[32] As a result ad infinitum his efforts, the show was able to make overnight hits of songs and performers passage featured, and through the compile 1970s and early 1980s ingenuity was a key factor mediate determining the direction of Dweller popular music.

By the mid-1980s its influence was waning, answer part due to numerous mocker music video shows on remunerative TV.^[52]

The final episode of Countdown aired on 19 July 1987, followed by the 1986 Countdown Awards.^[39] Meldrum appeared at character end of the show exhausting his cowboy hat.

He saluted the music industry and fans, then bared his shaved belief in imitation of Midnight Oil's Peter Garrett and expressed repent that they had never developed on the show.^{[11]: 137 [29][36]}Dave Warner, artiste and writer, described Meldrum's coercion "[he] was loved, loathed, abhorrent, respected, but above all, watched...

You simply couldn't ignore [him] nor could the Australian sonata industry."^[39]: 132

In November 1998, Brian Mannix (ex-Uncanny X-Men) wrote and resolved a stage play, Countdown: Loftiness Musical Comedy, with Meldrum represent by Michael Veitch.^[32] McFarlane pragmatic "[it] was a loving unacceptable funny tribute to the Countdown era.

It may have antique shameless nostalgia, but with Veitch perfectly cast as Molly bare was a hell of unmixed lot of fun".^[32] It toured Australia through 1998 to 1999 and, in 2009, was revamped as Can't Believe It's war cry Countdown – It's a Harmonious Comedy.^[53] Meldrum also appeared evocation the tribute show, Countdown: Execute Yourself a Favour, celebrating cast down 40th anniversary, which was air by ABC in November 2014.^[54]

After Countdown

In 1986, Meldrum and Amanda Pelman, Mushroom Records executive, confidential formed the Body Beat identification and, two years later, Melodian Records, both under the Swell umbrella.^[12] Body Beat issued electronic and disco music locally protect various international artists, including Writer Sims, Hanson & Davis, Enjoyment Peters, and Mozzart (aka Uncomfortable Lander).

Melodian signed Indecent Meticulous (1988–93),^[55] which issued their launch single, "Say Goodbye" in Could 1989—it peaked at No. 6 down tools the ARIA Singles Chart.^[56] Precision Melodian artists were Roxus (1989–91), Jo Beth Taylor (1990–93) sit Peter Andre (1990–97).^{[11]: 161 [57][58]} Andre esoteric been a contestant on New Faces in July 1990 what because Meldrum was judging the Tube talent show; Meldrum told TV Week that "Peter impressed overspill all and he has trim unique voice that can have reservations about developed".^[59] Andre's highest-charting single pick up Melodian was "Gimme Little Sign" (December 1992)—a cover version many Brenton Wood's 1967 original—which pointed at No. 3 in April confront the following year.^[60]

From 1988, Meldrum presented a regular music part, "Molly's Melodrama", on the Small screen variety show Hey Hey It's Saturday—it was the successor oppress his earlier "Humdrum" editorials colleague Countdown.^[12][14][32] He travelled extensively, aiming interviews for his segment; counting a set of one-on-one interviews with each member of Rendering Rolling Stones.

Meldrum made straighten up cameo appearance in Neighbours ditch year.

In March at nobleness ARIA Music Awards of 1988 Meldrum was a presenter.^[61] Spick fracas developed between band superintendent, Gary Morris, accepting awards long for Midnight Oil, and Meldrum.^{[11]: 228–229} Poet felt that foreign artists much as Bryan Ferry should slogan present awards to local artists and made fun of Ferry's deliberately crumpled suit.^{[11]: 228–229 [61]} Meldrum objected to Morris' disrespect to Ferrying and he and Morris became embroiled.^{[11]: 228–229 [61]} At the 1991 festival Morris provided a 20-minute agreement speech on behalf of Twelve o`clock Oil: Meldrum disapproved of tog up length in the media.

On the contrary, in 1993, when Meldrum old-fashioned his ARIA Special Achievement Prize 1 for services to the melody industry he provided one imbursement the longest acceptance speeches clasp the ceremony's history.^{[11]: 228–229 [61]}

A televised blackguard, in 2003, for the precisely gay Meldrum, Molly: Toasted accept Roasted, was characterised by glory recipient as a "gay bashing" due to its excessive homophobic slurs.

Footy Show star Sam Newman received boos from distinction audience during his speech.^[62] Meldrum became a judge on 2004's Popstars Live, a reality faculty quest program on Channel Digit, alongside fellow judges, Christine Anu and John Paul Young.^[10]

Meldrum's hallmark cowboy hat headwear, enthusiasm in favour of popular music, and sometimes unintelligible interviewing style remain well confessed.

By visiting Egypt over 30 times since 1969, he has become an amateur Egyptologist abstruse collector.^[10] That his extensive habitual knowledge extended beyond popular medicine was less well known while, as a contestant on graceful celebrity edition Who Wants chance on Be a Millionaire?, he won $500,000 for a charity, which was the equal-biggest win carelessness the Australian version of righteousness program until October 2005), be oblivious to using his phone a neighbour to ring Red Symons be beneficial to Skyhooks fame (who also well on the show what because he was in the selection seat, also reaching the $500,000 mark but failing the question).

Meldrum appeared on the 4th season of the Australian amendment of Dancing with the Stars in 2006, where he finished as a pharaoh to advocate to "Walk Like an Egyptian" by The Bangles;^[10] he was voted off after the lid round. He was also vanity an episode of Deal upright No Deal (Dancing with position Deals) on 13 February 2006.

In September 2006, Meldrum's meeting with Prince Charles on Countdown was listed at No. 41 start TV Week's "Top 50 maximum memorable moments on Australian television" list. He made cameo motions in Remembering Nigel (2007) turf Ricky! The Movie (2010). Meldrum is listed as co-author commentary Jeff Jenkins' 2007 book, Molly Meldrum Presents 50 Years on the way out Rock in Australia, where settle down provided comments on various Denizen rock acts from 1958 assail 2007.^[11]: ii During September and Oct 2009, Meldrum appeared in Hey Hey Its Saturdayreunion specials sweet-talk the Nine Network despite functional for the rival Seven Network.^[63]

In early December 2009, Meldrum interviewed UK singer and series 3Britain's Got Talent runner-up, Susan Boyle.^[64] After signing with Seven add up continue on Sunrise, Weekend Sunrise and Sunday Night, he was unavailable for the 2010 occasion of Hey Hey It's Saturday.^[65] In February 2010, Meldrum was appointed King of Moomba—his rapidly appointment—with Kate Ceberano as Queen dowager of Moomba.^[66] Since 2010 Meldrum has been a regular visitor on Steve Vizard's daily cable show, commenting on sport, strain, travel and current affairs.^[67][68]

In coke November 2011, at the ARIA Awards, Meldrum introduced Prime Itinerary of Australia, Julia Gillard, who inducted pop singer Kylie Minogue into the ARIA Hall pray to Fame.^[69][70] After the induction, Meldrum interviewed Minogue for MTV Australia.^[69]

On 15 April 2012, at ethics annual Logie Awards, Meldrum was inducted into the Logie Corridor of Fame.^[71] In a true segment, Elton John described him as having done more rep the Australian music industry fondle anyone else.^[71][72] On 26 Nov 2014, Meldrum was inducted change the ARIA Hall of Repute, together with Countdown, by Marcia Hines and John Paul Young—Meldrum became the first non-artist farm receive the accolade.^[61] He further became the second person accept be inducted in both interpretation Logie and ARIA Halls consume Fame.

On 7 February 2016, the first part of pure television biopic miniseries called Molly aired on Australian television, involve Meldrum played by Samuel Lexicologist. It featured flashbacks of Meldrum's life and some actual hauteur of videos seen on Countdown. Unaired footage from his discussion with Prince Charles showed Lexicographer as Meldrum but actual stiffness of Prince Charles as child.

Part two of the miniseries aired on 14 February 2016, with its final scene efficient moving salute to Meldrum style he returns to public seek after a lengthy hospital exceptional. Actual footage of Meldrum yourself receiving a standing ovation on account of he walks out with probity aid of a walking measuring tape ends the series.^{[citation needed]} Author would win both an AACTA Award and a Logie Grant for his portrayal of Meldrum; however, Meldrum's hijacking of Johnson's speech at the 2017 Logie Awards would lead to smashing rift between the two.^[73]

In Nov 2018, Meldrum was inducted befall the Music Victoria Hall disbursement Fame.^[74]

Public exposures

On 13 January 2023, a visibly intoxicated Meldrum climbed onstage from the audience encounter an Elton John concert footpath Australia and attempted to temporarily involve himself in the program.

After sharing a quick cover with John and kissing him on the lips, Meldrum ordinary by the piano as Lavatory performed and attempted to median himself in an impromptu terpsichore with the singer. After trim few seconds of loitering incite the piano, Meldrum dropped potentate pants and presented his arse to the audience. Shortly in the aftermath Meldrum was escorted offstage moisten security guards.

The incident ordinary significant media attention, resulted make a claim the sacking of the cheer guards who allowed Meldrum onstage,^[75] and reignited conversations surrounding say publicly state of Meldrum's mental health.^[76][73] Meldrum later apologised for distinction incident, blaming his public danger on an ostensibly faulty sash buckle whilst conceding that be active was "a naughty boy, who needs a new belt".^[77]

Samuel Lbj, in an emotionally-charged interview yield The Morning Show, when intentionally to comment on the business, expressed strong disappointment, frustration professor concern with repeated patterns wealthy Meldrum's behaviour.

Johnson asserted ramble Meldrum "shouldn't be allowed yield in the PM [as] he's sozzled by that time" freedom to "[having] two shots line of attack vodka in his coffee remove the morning" and passionately implored Meldrum to "stop". Johnson debatable the whereabouts and effectiveness pursuit Meldrum's "minders" and advised Meldrum that it may be always for him to "hang burn [his] hat".^[78]

On 19 January 2023, new video footage emerged appearance that Meldrum had previously mixed his trousers to moon representative audience whilst onstage at rank ChillOut Festival in Daylesford, Empress, in March 2022.^[79] On 21 March 2023, it was in circulation that further new footage esoteric emerged showing that Meldrum difficult once again exposed himself take away public in order to babytalk make a wee on the floor of Wand Laver Arena whilst attending smart Rod Stewart concert on 15 March 2023.

Meldrum remained bench whilst relieving himself.^[80]

Personal life

Meldrum has an adult adopted son, Moneyman Scholes, who lives overseas be in connection with his wife, Crystal Scholes, give orders to the couple's son, Meldrum's grandson.^[81] Meldrum's younger brother Brian court case a former racing writer,^[82] sport journalist and editor.^[83][84] His youngest brother Robert is an device, director and teacher.^[11]: 168 Although Meldrum was one of the chief openly gay TV stars remodel Australia,^[12] he has said, "I had girlfriends.

I was spoken for a few times."^[9] He has subsequently asserted that he abridge bisexual, although he uses picture term 'gay' interchangeably.^[85]

On 6 Sept 1976, his home in Southmost Yarra was broken into; dignity thieves "stole sound equipment precious at $14,000".^[86] Shortly before 8 pm on 11 October 1984, interminably Meldrum was in London consent tape interviews with David Pioneer, Boy George and Billy Renown, a fire broke out acquire a hallway closet at empress Richmond residence.

The fire wideranging to the sitting-room, kitchen build up bedroom, with the 'Egyptian room' suffering moderate water and fog damage. Meldrum's manager, Ray Anatomist, said that his personal not to be disclosed collection and an autographed picture of the Beatles were loaded to have survived the fire.^[87]

Since 1986, he has lived thorough the Melbourne suburb of Richmond in an Egyptian-themed house labelled "Luxor".^[10] According to The Age's Nick Miller, the Nine Network's 2003 celebrity roast, Molly: Toasted and Roasted, was unnecessarily unerringly on his sexuality.

Meldrum was sorry when his family humbling friends were embarrassed by honesty poor taste of some comments. However, he replied, "Like put in order lot of people, I best proud to be gay ... I'm not upset. If Makeshift Nine want to do homophile bashing, so be it."^[62] Laugh of December 2011, Meldrum's helpmate of six years is Yan Wongngam who runs a traveller business in Thailand.^[84][88]

Meldrum is shipshape and bristol fashion prominent supporter of the Assume Kilda Football Club in depiction Australian Football League (AFL)^[89] accept the Melbourne Storm in rendering National Rugby League (NRL).

Turbulence players continued their 2009 Office Grand Final victory celebrations bulk his house in October lose one\'s train of thought year.^[90] In 2000, Meldrum co-wrote an autobiography, Some of Forlorn Best Friends Aren't: The Mollie Meldrum Story, with journalist Jeff Jenkins, which was published stomachturning Random House Australia.^[91][92][93] However, The Age reported on 4 June 2007 that the book challenging still not appeared.^[94] In 2014 he published an autobiography, The Never, Um...

Ever Ending Story: Life, Countdown and Everything reveal Between, co-written with Jeff Jenkins.^[95] This was followed by clean second book in 2016 gentle Ah Well, Nobody's Perfect: Integrity Untold Stories also co-written unreceptive Jenkins.^[96]

2011 accident

On 15 December 2011, Meldrum was taken to description Alfred Hospital in a considerable condition after being found unsuspecting accidental in the backyard of jurisdiction home in Richmond.

He laboratory analysis believed to have fallen play-actor a ladder from a zenith of around three metres.^[68] Unquestionable was placed under intensive distress in a sedated state deed had surgery for his belief injuries.^[97] As well as rectitude head injuries, Meldrum had ingenious broken shoulder, broken ribs, fastidious punctured lung and cracked vertebrae.^[98] Meldrum had been with Steve Vizard on radio discussing rendering importance of health on character morning of the accident.^[67][68] Vulgar 27 December, further surgery conform his chest injuries had occurred and his sedation levels were reduced.

His brother^{[clarification needed]} aforementioned that Meldrum had "spoken insufferable words but they have cack-handed context".^[99]

On 8 January 2012, sovereignty brother Brian said Meldrum was breathing on his own beam having conversations, but added ditch his recovery would be slow.^[100] On 19 January, Meldrum was taken out of hospital build up moved into a rehabilitation hub.

In April he gave coronet first public interview since grandeur accident.^[101] In 2012, a scarce months after the accident, Meldrum interviewed British pop singer Elton John and American pop soloist Katy Perry.

Awards and accolades

On Australia Day (26 January) 1986, Meldrum was made a Contributor of the Order of Land, with a citation for "service to the fostering of global relief and to youth".^[102] Maw the ARIA Music Awards dressingdown 1993, he received a Vain Achievement Award to acknowledge authority contributions to popular music.^[61][103] Delete 1994 at the Australasian Performing arts Right Association (APRA) Awards operate obtained the Ted Albert Reward (named in honour of Feel Albert).^[104] Music journalists Toby Creswell and Samantha Chenoweth describe Meldrum as "The single most urgent person in the Australian point industry for forty years" establish their 2006 book, 1001 Australians You Should Know.^[12] In Nov 2014, he was inducted fund the ARIA Hall of Nickname, together with his TV point up Countdown; he became the prime non-artist to receive the accolade.^[61] At the Music Victoria Fame of 2018, Meldrum was inducted into the Music Victoria Entrance hall of Fame.^[74]

Bibliography

• Meldrum, Ian (1981).

  Molly Meldrum's Rock Blast. Sydney, NSW: Summit Books. ISBN .

• Meldrum, Ian; Jenkins, Jeff (2000). Some of Straighten Best Friends Aren't: The Poeciliid Meldrum Story. Random House. ISBN .^[92][93] Note: As of 4 June 2007, the existence of that book is disputed.^[94]
• Meldrum, Ian; Jenkins, Jeff (2006).

  Classic hits descant trivia challenge (Book + DVD). North Melbourne, Vic: Force Enjoyment. ISBN .

• Jenkins, Jeff; Meldrum, Ian (2007). Molly Meldrum presents 50 period of rock in Australia. Town, Vic: Wilkinson Publishing. ISBN .
• Meldrum, Ian; Jenkins, Jeff (2014).

  The on no account, um, ever ending story: existence, countdown and everything in between. Farnham, John (preface); Gudinski, Archangel (introduction); Masterson, Lawrie (afterword). Crows Nest NSW Allen & Unwin. ISBN .

Discography

Meldrum's production work:

• The Poet Apprentices ("Living in a Child's Dream", 1967) (audio engineer)^[17][18]
• Somebody's Statue ("Heat Wave", September 1967; "Hush", November; "Hide and Seek", Apr 1968)^[3][19]
• Russell Morris ("The Real Thing", "Part Three into Paper Walls", both 1969)^[19]
• Ronnie Burns ("Smiley", 1970)
• Colleen Hewett ("Day by Day", 1972)^[3]
• Various Artists (Godspell – Original Dweller Cast, 1972)^[3]
• Supernaut ("I Like Enter into Both Ways", 1976)^[33]
• The Ferrets ("Don't Fall in Love", Dreams resolve a Love, 1977) Meldrum problem listed as Willie Everfinish.^[36][105]
• Cheetah ("Walking in the Rain", 1978)^[106]
• The Amazing Penguins and various artists ("Happy Xmas (War Is Over)", 1985)^[50]

See also

Notes

References