Richmond statue of Molly Meldrum vandalised

Beloved music guru Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum’s bronze statue in Richmond has been vandalised with red paint.

Beloved music guru Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum’s bronze statue has been vandalised.

The commemorative art work on Wangaratta St, Richmond, behind the Corner Hotel, was given a horrific makeover by vandals.

The statue, unveiled by artist Louis Lauman five years ago, has red paint streaming from Molly’s eyes, like blood.

His dog Ziggy, also immortalised in the art work, is also covered in red paint.

It is believed the vandals struck on Saturday night or early Sunday.

Meldrum has been left upset by the vandal attack.

“What a shame and how disappointing and disrespectful to a music legend,” Meldrum’s manager Mark Klemens told the Herald Sun.

The statue was unveiled in 2018 by broadcaster Eddie McGuire and late music boss Michael Gudinski.

Melbourne's statue of Molly Meldrum has been defaced

“Molly has influenced more lives, supported more people, when somebody is down on their luck Molly Meldrum is there to give them a helping hand and a warm hug,” McGuire said.

Gudinski said: “You are the real thing. (Producing) music that stands the test of time. Not shit like Milli Vanilli.”

Meldrum shot to fame on Countdown and Hey Hey It’s Saturday. But his reecnt years have been plagued with health issues after suffering a head injury in a fall from a ladder in 2011.

Recently, Meldrum has kept a low profile after he was involved in controversial incidents at concerts by Elton John and Rod Stewart.

He famously mooned the crowd at Sir Elton’s show, and later apologised.

The Herald Sun has contacted Meldrum’s management team for comment.