Well it’s about time too.
Australian music industry legend Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum and the iconic TV show he used to front (‘Countdown’) will be inducted into the Hall Of Fame at this year’s ARIA Awards.
The man in the hat has been a beloved and respected member of the Australian music industry for the best part of five decades, traversing genres, eliciting laughs aplenty and launching a myriad careers, all while possessing an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of the recorded music industry.
Naturally, there are many who’ve come forward to sing his praises, including a certain pop princess.
“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.”
Longtime friend and industry stalwart Michael Gudinski chimed in with his own message of congratulations.
“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,” he said. “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.”
ARIA Chairman Denis Handlin was also glowing in his praise.
“Molly is a true national icon who for over 50 years has entertained and informed us about artists and their music. His instinct for what the public would love to hear and see is unrivalled and the ‘Countdown’ years, which started 40 years ago, made an immeasurable contribution to the Australian music landscape, not just in the big cities but in every corner of the country. It was truly must see TV and when Molly said do yourself a favour on ‘Countdown’ on Sunday night, the orders from the record stores across the nation on Monday morning were amazing. He was a true pioneer of music TV globally and his passion for championing artists, particularly Australian artists, was and remains as brilliant as it is unwavering.”
Naturally, today’s announcement of Molly’s induction couldn’t go by without a little word from the man in the hat himself.
“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. 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.”
Like Mister Gudinski, we couldn’t think of a more worthy recipient. Congratulations, Molly.
The 2014 ARIA Awards will take over the Star Events Centre in Sydney on Wednesday November 26.
It’ll be broadcast on the night on Channel 10.
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