Aussie Icon 2014 Wall of Fame Recipient
08/01/2014As one of our intrepid writers heads off to join the Elvis Train, we’ve just head word in that Ian “Molly” Meldrum will be the latest name added to the “Wall of Fame” during the 2014 NSW TrainLink Parkes Elvis Festival.
The popular Australian music critic, journalist, and presenter has been an integral part of the Australian music scene since the mid 1960’s.
Ian first came to prominence through his writing for GO-SET, a weekly teen publication and then with the Countdown TV production. He produced Top 10 hits for Russel Morris, Ronnie Burns, Colleen Hewitt, Supernaut and The Ferrets.
Meldrum hosted the Australian leg of Live Aid in July, 1985, Oz for Africa, and was made an Order of Australia for service to the fostering of international relief and to youth in January 1986. Meldrum has earned a reputation as a champion of Australian popular music both in Australia and internationally: his contributions have been acknowledged with an Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Award for “Special Achievement” in 1993 and the “Ted Albert Award” in 1994. Music journalists, Toby Creswell and Samantha Chenoweth have described him as “The single most important person in the Australian pop industry for forty years”.
In December 2011, Meldrum had a life-threatening fall from a ladder while hanging Xmas decorations. He was placed in intensive care in a critical condition at the Alfred Hospital and had surgery for his head and spinal injuries. Recovery has been a lengthy and slow process but “Molly” has recently been able to make a few public appearances. Unfortunately the trip to Parkes at this time of the year would be too arduous and Mr. Meldrum will not be present to open the 2014 festival at the “Wall of Fame” ceremony. BUT there will be a very special VIP International Personality to do the opening ceremony and to convey Mr. Meldrum’s thoughts about being the 2014 recipient. The “Wall of Fame” ceremony will take place at 3 pm on Wednesday January 8th and is the official start to the 2014 NSW TrainLink Parkes Elvis Festival.
We’ll bring you full coverage of the Festival right here … and in future issues of the magazine!
www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au
