Inside Molly Meldrum’s life in lockdown

Molly Meldrum has hosted rock stars and royalty at his home, but since March the music guru has shut the door to protect himself and others. So what project is keeping him busy?

Molly Meldrum has locked down his home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Picture: David Caird

Molly Meldrum has hosted rock stars and royalty at his home — Princess Diana, Elton John, David Bowie, Rod Stewart and Beyonce.

Indeed, his Richmond abode is famous as a drop-in centre for celebrities, TV and music industry types, sports stars and everyday people; always buzzing with a hustle and bustle energy.

But COVID-19 has stopped the parade. Since March, Meldrum has shut the door to protect himself and others.

“I don’t want to put anyone at risk because of the amount of people that come through the house,” he said. “I don’t want to be responsible for people getting sick.”

For now, it’s just him and his dog Ziggy, in iso, 24-7.

“I think Ziggy is getting bored with me talking to him all the time,” the beloved music guru said. “He doesn’t like me with the mask on, either.”

Just the two of us … Molly Meldrum and Ziggy at home during COVID-19 lockdown Picture: David Caird

Meldrum, 77, said he doesn’t feel lonely because he’s an avid reader and keen TV watcher. “I love reading books,” he said. “But I’m very confused by the stories on Home And Away at the moment.”

Meldrum’s music industry friends, Alan Evers-Buckland and Michelle Clarkdavis, deliver supplies and run errands for him.

He cooks roasts, curries, soups and lamb shanks at home, and often gets takeaway food delivered.

His iso routine includes 6am wake up, then video calls overseas, and working at home. Most recently, he’s called Elton John, Paul McCartney and Beyonce.

“When they ask me if I’m behaving myself and I say yes, there’s a very dull silence on the line,” Meldrum said, then laughs: “I know they don’t believe me.”

Like most Victorians, Meldrum is frustrated by “shocking mistakes” that caused the second wave, but adds: “I’m not a politician.”

Meldrum, who suffered a near-fatal fall in 2011, said he’s in good health.

“I’m fine, fit as a fiddle, and I’ve got all the clearances from my doctors,” he said. “We just need to be patient, do the right thing, and get through this tough time together.”