The Never, Um, Ever Ending Story: Life, Countdown and everything in between

by Ian Molly Meldrum

'Who the f**k is Madonna?' 'What the f**k is a Molly?' More than thirty-five years in the making, this is the story of Ian 'Molly' Meldrum and the television show that stopped the nation. In 1974 Molly was working as a record producer and music journalist when he was offered the chance to be the talent co-ordinator of a new music show called Countdown. It would run for the next thirteen years and become one of the most-loved and most-watched programs on Australian television. It also turned Molly into a national institution (or 'mental institution' as one of his friends put it). During that period he not only became the most influential voice in Australian music, he endeared himself to millions of viewers with a uniquely unpolished interviewing style and a tangible on-screen passion. For better or for worse, whether interviewing Prince Charles or Sid Vicious, Molly was always Molly. Along the way he talked, partied, argued, exchanged blows and became firm friends with a roll-call of the world's greatest musical names. Sir Elton John famously described him as 'the best thing that ever happened to Australian music.' Filled with outrageous anecdotes and a kaleidoscopic cast of musos, colourful characters and international superstars, The Never, Um, Ever Ending Story is Molly's hilarious, vivid, warm and always compelling memoir of his chaotic, incredible life and the show that made him famous.

Genres: Biography, Music, Nonfiction, Australia, Autobiography, Biography Memoir

347 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Ian 'Molly' Meldrum was born in 1943. Described as 'the single most important person in the Australian pop industry for 40 years', he is best known as the host, talent co-ordinator, on-air interviewer and music news presenter on Countdown from 1974-1987. He has also worked as music critic, journalist, musical entrepreneur and record producer. He hosted the Australian leg of Live Aid in July 1985 and was subsequently made a Member of the Order of Australia.

Molly lives in Richmond, Victoria. He is passionate supporter of both the St Kilda Football Club and The Melbourne Storm NRL team.

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only thing that stops this from being a 5 star read is that it is written the way Molly talks. Any Australian will know what I mean.

It meanders back and forth lazily, then darts frenetically all over the place.

It is also quite literally laugh out loud funny and a sheer delight, covering as it does Molly's career as a music journalist, the Countdown years, and Molly's well deserved reputation for kick starting the careers of many musicians.

Many non-Australian's will not realize that it was Molly's tenacity that initially propelled ABBA, Madonna, and Michael Jackson up the charts. First in Australia...then around the world as Australian success showed the international recording labels what hidden gems they had.

Molly's friendship with Elton John is one of the highlights of the book.

Comments from friends, former enemies, and musos scattered through out the book add to the joy.

[Rachael McDiarmid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving this book four stars but not for the writing or editing. I'm giving it four stars because it's bloody entertaining! Such fabulous anecdotes and wonderful experiences with those that made the music and those who got it to us. I loved the stories. I laughed. I shook my head. I cringed. I decided if I knew Molly he would have driven me absolutely insane! But what a life. We will never capture the magic, if that's what it is called, but if you grew up with Countdown and loved your music DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR and read this book. It's a quick read, a rambling read, but wonderfully entertaining.

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

He can't sing. He can't dance and at times he's hard pushed to string together a coherent sentence but Ian "Molly" Meldrum is part of the fabric of Australia's music industry. Say the word "Molly" and just about everyone over the age of 35 will know who you're talking about.

This is Molly's account of his years in the music industry with the focus on the years of Countdown. Was there a music celebrity in the 70s and 80s that Molly didn't meet?

Like the man, this book sometimes rambles and wanders off on tangents. It is littered with quotes and memories from many of his friends, colleagues and performers which do sometimes differ from Molly's recollections but this doesn't make it any less fascinating. Many had differences with him and it seems to be a widely held belief that he needed the drama. What is clear is the universal admiration and respect he has gained.

This is no great work of literature but it is a must read for anyone who grew up glued to the TV screen on Sunday evenings watching Countdown. I guarantee it will bring back memories. It certainly did for me.

[Sean Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great breezy read about one of Australia's most colourful citizens with some genuinely funny anecdotes about Molly's crazy life and his apparent inability to navigate it 'normally'. However, this is more of a story about Countdown than an autobiography - I was hoping to discover a little more about Molly himself but he tends to skirt around the edges, releasing little tidbits that you genuinely want to hear more about but he's moved on to something else. Maybe in that sense it is truly like a conversation with Molly himself.

[Michelle Path · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love biographies and this one, delving into the life of the music guru Molly Meldrum proved interesting and heartfelt.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book feels like a conversation with the man himself- a stream of consciousness, flitting from one idea to the next, often looping back to a previous thought. It must be incredibly difficult to spend time with Molly! At times he seems like an irresponsible, bitchy, over-grown child. On the other hand, he also comes across as the most generous, gregarious and big-hearted individual you are ever likely to meet, capable of making the most guarded celebrities let down their defenses and reveal a piece of themselves. That takes real talent and a genuine care and respect for his subjects. Overall it did feel like you were reading a PG version of what is very obviously an R rated life. That said, this book delivers exactly what you expect- a collection of stories about the most famous people in the world; musicians, actors, politicians and royalty. I enjoyed reading about his extensive travels and felt a little thrill when he mentioned one of my favourite celebrities. Of course he couldn’t write about everything, his career has spanned more than five decades so far, so he focused on his time with particular people, in particular Elton John, Rod Stewart and Madonna, with many, many honorable mentions. This won’t win any literary awards, but if you want an easy, entertaining read, as the great man would say, “Do yourself a favour!”

[Rod · Rating 3 out of 5]

Molly writes like he speaks ... all over the place. He has led an exciting life in rock'n'roll and met (and befriended, amazingly) many of the biggest names in the business. But we don't learn much about Molly really. This is more a series of anecdotes and dropping names than an insightful autobiography, but I guess that is to be expected. Great flashbacks for those of us who lived through the Countdown years.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a recent migrant to Australia, I was only maginally aware of Molly Meldrum work in the music business even though I spent many years working in that industry in the US. This book was a fascinating look back at the Australian and world wide popular music of the mid 70's to mostly the mid 80's when he hosted Countdown. I hadn't realized how influential he was. A fun read.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up watching Countdown & Molly is an Oz icon so wanted to read this book. Very interesting & funny, I giggled throughout, feel a bit sorry for his liver though.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ridiculously simplistic, but it's a blast from the past. I enjoyed listening to some of the old Aussie artists on Spotify while reading, but it ain't no literary masterpiece, that's for sure.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've owned a copy of this book since 2014, as someone whose familar with Molly Meldrum..it felt fitting to give this book a read. I believe my generation is the last to really understand the significance of Meldrums career. Unfortunately in recent years, the persona of Molly Meldrum has been dragged through the mud due to public incidents.

This had been a W.I.P since the late 70s, not until Molly's unfortunately near death experience in 2011 that he finally sat down with a co-writer; Jeff Jenkins, and made sense of his life in the public eye.

Within the first 43 pages, you get this wild imagery of a man who wanted to wear so many hats while at the same time not being the public face of a music generation that had taken a huge shift ten years after Australia had discovered TV.

It's filled with stories and titbits from various people who have ever encountered Molly, from celebrities to exes to family..almost everyone.

As the story goes on, the stories get as outrageous. From arrestings,fights amongst stars, tragedies and many more stories that if it wasn't written down or shown in print, many would class as unbelievable.

419 pages of the life of a bisexual media personality who wasn't afaird to create a little choas, protect his loved ones and help pushed the conservative Australian identity through the years.

The "Say I Love You" chapter is quite heartbreaking to read, knowing so many Meldrum was close too passed away and how he talks about the public life his lived.

[Michael Mardel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Never, um, ever ending story by Meldrum. I grew up watching 'Countdown' when I could (when I was living at home) and even saw Johnny O'Keefe for a few shows prior. I didn't realise that Molly travelled overseas so often nor the trials and tribulations of the ABC producing 'Countdown'.
Molly brought to life all the bands and managers, etc. in this book. And finished up with a long list of those now departed. Carn the Saints, Molly, and stay away from those ladders..

[Justine Sheehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly lead a very colourful and interesting life infront of the camera and I was lucky enough to have him a part of my adolescence via Couuntdown.

As always Molly is larger than life and this book give you an insight into some of his adventures and of those he associated with in the music industry. A wonderful read

[Alayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A three and a half star book, this should probably have been called "People Behaving Badly". In spite of Molly's often stated hatred of drugs, alcohol is not included in that and is a huge factor in this book's account of his life. That said, it is very interesting in the number of people who know and love Molly, including Madonna and Elton John. (and most of Australia!). Recommended.

[Mandy J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great look behind the scenes of Australia’s fabulous music show, Countdown. We all watched it as kids in the 70s and loved it when our favourite acts were on: Skyhooks, AC/DC, Hush, etc. amazing time.
The amount of tears and tantrums from Molly and Elton John and others were gobsmacking. Bloody hell, talk about Prima donnas. A bit off putting really but made for some good stories.

[Steve Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting person. I'm not sure whether I like him or not. He obviously has done great work for the Australian music industry and charities and, I admit, he is entertaining to watch, but he comes across as a bit of a handful. His friends must be very tolerant people.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely entertaining. If you grew up in Australia in the 70's or 80's & watched Countdown you will not be disappointed. We all know Molly is legendary & this bio proves that!

[Rowlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put this down. What a complex man Molly is!
In Molly's own words, "Do yourselves a favor!" Read this book.

[Nathaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. A great funny read. Written in such a way that I can hear Molly reading it to me.

[Rae Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must for anyone who lived through the Countdown era, or just loves to read about celebrities!

[Isalts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read but it all centres around Countdown too much.
Tends to become repetitive and Molly does name drop to excess.

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ian "Molly" Meldrum and his music show Countdown was a regular fixture on my family’s television viewing schedule in the 1980’s. Molly Meldrum’s memoir, The Never, Um, Ending Story provided me with the opportunity to revisit the music and celebrities that defined this era. Molly Meldrum’s memoir, written in collaboration with Jeff Jenkins, was a nostalgic and enjoyable read. It begins with a brief insight into Molly’s childhood, family background and his entry into the world of music journalism. The book then charts the growth, progress and demise of Molly’s hugely popular music show, Countdown. Whilst giving the reader a great understanding of the world of Countdown, Molly’s story is drawn together with anecdotes from those who have worked with Molly over the years and some stories from close personal friends. I was truly bowled away by just how influential he was, ultimately he had the power to make or break a band. I enjoyed reading about his relationship to bands such as the Skyhooks, INXS, Cold Chisel, ACDC and his closeness to artists such as Sir Elton John, the late Michael Jackson, Madonna and Kylie. Molly’s contacts did not just extend to the music industry, he mixed and mingled with famous actors, political figures, sports stars and even royalty. Touches of humour come in the books from the many slip ups Molly had during his career. He is often recalled as that bumbling presenter in the cowboy hat.
The Never, Um, Ending Story is a colourful memoir from a prominent fixture in the Australian entertainment industry, who has served it well for over 50 years. This is a great book to pass onto those with an interest in the music scene. It is also the ideal accompaniment to the television miniseries about Molly Meldrum which recently aired on Channel Seven Network Australia, titled “Molly”.

[Bronwyn Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished Molly Meldrum's ghostwritten autobiography 'The Never, Um, Ever Ending Story: Life, Countdown And Everything In Between.
When I started reading this book I sighed heavily as I thought it was going to be somewhat lightweight and there didn't seem to be much to it. The story is padded out with quotes from various people whose recollections are used to back up Molly's accounts.
However, as I proceeded, I started to really enjoy what was in the main all about Countdown with not much in between
This is a story about friendships that span the years, about relationships between celebrities with lots of Countdown trivia that is sure to transport you back.
However, I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't more on Molly's childhood, his parents, how he fell into the music industry. There really wasn't much about his background.
But in the end, the book was really enjoyable because I learned that this true Australian icon is just a really decent human being.
If you didn't love Molly before, you will adore him after this book and really wish that he had been your friend. 8/10

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is nothing more than a series of anecdotes about the mainstream music industry (predominantly the Australian mainstream music industry). As such, it is fine, although I would think unless you lived in Melbourne in the 1950s to 1970s you probably will not be familiar with the majority of the people he talks about. Molly doesn't reflect, he doesn't self-critique, he doesn't learn from his mistakes. He appears to careen through life at whatever pace he likes, quite ignorant of and unconcerned about the way his behaviour impacts on others. I started this book anticipating I would understand Molly a bit better and that I would like him more by the end of it. I can't tell whether I haven't gleaned any in-depth understanding of him because he has chosen not to discuss his inner life much, or whether it's because he actually doesn't have any inner depths. As for my other hope - that I might like him more by the end of it, I'm afraid I actually have ended up liking him less. I sort of wish I hadn't read this book.

[Peter Kane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is much like Molly himself, entertaining but all over the place. It does not follow a linear time line but lurches and leaps through the many decades of Molly's involvement in the music industry. Also, do not expect any insight into Molly himself. He does not really discuss any of his relationships and at times refers to himself as gay whilst the very next page refers to his girlfriend of the time and the many women to whom he has proposed marriage. Likewise, his motivation is never explained other than "a passion for music".

However, as a window into a supposed golden era of Oz music, this is a light but fun read. I read it over Christmas & it proved to be just right for a holiday read.

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was amazing. the way that it was written was genius. I loved that it was all in Molly's point of view but then quotes and discussion was included by celebrities and people who knew Molly the best. I also loved looking at the variety of pictures within the book. It felt more personal and as if you were living and being with Molly as his life was written.
However, the one criticism that I do have is how that the book wasn't in order. For example, he will talk about one person and the music that they created was incredible, but in the next chapter, it would mention the person dead and how Molly felt during that time, then in the next chapter, the person was alive again. I felt irritated and frustrated whilst reading.

[Suzy Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up through the prime years of Countdown made me read the book with real memories... It's so nice to see someone with so much power in the music industry to be both loved and respected by the pop/rock stars of our time, but also live a life with so much candour and honesty. The way he was able to just make things happen is just inspiration. For a country boy with a mind that goes faster than his mouth, making him stumble in his ability to just get things out in the right order makes me feel right at home... As I seem to have the same disease lol. Good on you Molly for getting your story out with lots of humour, candor and compassion.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up watching Countdown and always loved watching Molly and I knew he must of led an interesting life. When I saw the book in my local shop I had to buy it. It was a good read and I could hardly put it down it was that interesting. The stories about his Countdown days were funny and insightful in that you learnt what some of these celebrities are really like. My only criticisms are that there is not much about his childhood and more pictures would have been good as well. Overall though it was a fun, interesting read.

[Greg Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you remember Countdown with fondness than this is a must read.

A quick read for those interested in a person who has been a part of Australian musical and television history.

At times this book felt like Melodrum was waffling and bouncing around like he does on TV. His many stories explain not only his unexpected rise into TV but sheds light on some fun and interesting happenings behind the scenes of his own life and that of the Australian and international music scene.

Well worth the read as it will bring back many pleasant musical memories.

Do yourself a favor ...

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yep, really enjoyed it. It spoke of my era of music, the Countdown years. I went to so many live concerts and discos that it brought all those memories and escapades back. Molly is an icon, his bumbling nature endears him to us and makes him more likeable and down to earth. The book could have been gossipy and name dropping but it held its distance, letting you know basics without being a tacky tell all of rock and roll greats.