Molly Meldrum to be inducted into ARIA Hall of Fame
In 1986 Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum was awarded the Order of Australia for services to music and charities, in 1993 he received an ARIA Special Achievement Award for services to the music industry and in 1994 APRA awarded him the Ted Albert Award at its annual music awards ceremony. Now the music commentator and producer will be inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame at next month’s awards, making history as the first non-recording artist to be inducted.
During his 40-year career in the music industry, Meldrum and his now famed Stetson hat went from music news reporter of long-running weekly program Countdown to the face of the show until a year prior to its folding in 1986, conducting what’s now deemed as some of the most memorable music interviews in television history.
The ABC TV program will also be conducted into the Hall of Fame.
“To be recognised by my peers and to be the first person who isn’t a musician inducted into the ARIA Hall Of Fame is such an honour,” Meldrum said in a statement. “To think for over four decades I have had the luxury of working in an industry that I absolutely love and am so passionate about and then to be recognised for it makes me reflect on what an amazing life I live. From the early days of Countdown with Michael Shrimpton and Robbie Weekes where it all began and still to this day, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me share my undying love of this crazy, wonderful and never dull Australian music industry, long may it reign.”
Meldrum joins previous inductees John Farnham, Olivia Newton John, AC/DC, INXS, Nick Cave and The Wiggles, and has himself inducted Kylie Minogue, John Paul Young and Normie Rowe.
Photo Credit: David Anderson
Minogue send the following message to Molly when she heard the news: “Molly, I wiped away your tears when you inducted me into the ARIA Hall Of Fame in 2011, and I wish you’d been there to wipe away my tears when I heard that you will be inducted into the ARIA Hall Of Fame this year! I can’t think of another person who deserves this honour more than you. Was it really 40 years ago that Countdown launched?! It became such a tradition for families across Australia to huddle by the TV to watch you interview our idols and to see our favourite bands perform on the show.
“The Australian music industry is blessed to have had you in our lives for over four decades and I love that the rest of Australia can celebrate YOU on November 26 when you are inducted into the ARIA Hall Of Fame. Congratulations and lots of love, Kylie.”
On hearing the news, Michael Gudinski, Executive Chairman, The Mushroom Group said: “I’ve known Molly for many, many years and in that time he has been many things…a journalist, a producer, a music leader, and a sometimes pain in my ass. I’m so pleased to see Ian inducted into the ARIA Hall Of Fame and cannot think of a more worthy recipient. He has had a profound and significant impact on our music industry and I’m proud to call him my friend.”
General tickets to the ARIA Awards at Sydney’s The Star on November 26 have sold out. Last week ARIA announced Album Of The Year-nominated artists Chet Faker and Sheppard, plus Hilltop Hoods, Justice Crew and 5 Seconds Of Summer will perform at the ceremony. The awards will be broadcast on Ten.