Molly Meldrum in critical condition after fall at home in Richmond

MOLLY Meldrum will get worse before he gets better, his brother says, but loved ones remain optimistic.

Molly Meldrum's surgeon Professor Jeffery Rosenfeld

MOLLY Meldrum will get worse before he gets better, his brother says, but loved ones remain optimistic.

At a press conference late today, Molly's brother, Brian, said the music guru would be under sedation until early next week.

He said the nature of the injuries meant that Meldrum would "get worse before he gets better".

The Prime Minister joined showbiz stars and ordinary Australians sending well wishes to a critically ill Ian 'Molly' Meldrum, 65, who suffered a fractured skull, broken ribs and punctured lung after a fall at his home last night while reportedly putting up Christmas decorations.

Brian said today: "It's devastating when things like this happen.

"As a brother I am overwhelmed by the tremendous love and support that has been shown to him. And I know Ian would be overwhelmed too - and he's not overwhelmed by anything.

"He's a tough guy. Anyone who's been in the entertainment industry for 45 years and survived has got to be tough.

"It's been extraordinary and gives us tremendous hope to know so many  people have this depth of feeling for him.

"It's little steps forward at this stage but he could go backwards at any point. He's not out of danger. He's not out of the woods."

Professor Jeffrey Rosenfeld, director of neurosurgery at The Alfred Hospital, said Meldrum was in a critical condition in intensive care and his condition had stabilised overnight.

"We're really concerned for his life - I mean, this is a life and death matter,'' Prof Rosenfeld said.

"He was perfectly well yesterday and here he is fighting for his life."

Get well Molly: Send your message of support below

He said the hospital would conduct further brain scans to gauge Meldrum's progress.

"I think at the moment it's unlikely we'll need more surgery but we'll need to wait and see what that scan shows,'' Prof Rosenfeld said.

"I'm encouraged that he's been stable overnight but he's still very serious."

"We're fighting that battle with him and for him and we're going to hopefully win that battle."

He said Meldrum's severe brain injury was the primary concern and that they couldn't predict what was going to happen.

"We've got him sedated and he's having all the treatment that we give to severe brain injury patients.

"The next 24 hours is critical. We're encouraged by the way he's going so far but he's still critical."

Prof Rosenfeld said it was too early to say when Meldrum would wake up or whether he'd make a complete recovery.

Molly Meldrum surgeon Professor Jeffery Rosenfeld

Molly Meldrum's surgeon Professor Jeffrey Rosenfeld speaks to the media. Picture: Norm Oorloff

Unconscious Meldrum found by gardener

Meldrum, long-time host of top-rating television pop/rock show Countdown, was found unconscious by his gardener before ambulance officers arrived at his Richmond house at 6.40pm yesterday.

It is believed he fell off wooden steps while putting up Christmas lights on the roof of his outdoor bar ahead of a party on Sunday.

He suffered extensive injuries including a fractured skull and head injuries, shoulder blade injuries, broken ribs and a punctured lung.

Garry Spry, who has been Meldrum's friend since 1964, said he believed Meldrum had fallen from about 3m above the ground.

It is believed he knocked his head on tiles when he fell.

Manager optimistic

His manager Mark Klemens said he was totally optimistic that Meldrum would pull through.

"He's an absolute trooper and whenever he's been down before he gets straight up so I would be hopeful and confident that he'll be back, looking down the lens saying 'Do yourself a favour'," he said.

He said it had been a rough night for himself and that he hadn't had much sleep.

"It's horrendous and it's happened so quickly.

"It's been a horrendous time and Molly's obviously a client of mine ... plus he's also a great friend. I've known him for probably 20 years as my wife has as well.

"He's a person that endears himself to people and he's iconic. He's a very special man."

“I can tell you that he would be absolutely overwhelmed by the response and the interest, and what has been quite extraordinary, and when he finally looks back on all of this I have absolutely no doubt he will be humbled, and so thrilled at the support.”

Mr Klemens said Meldrum's health before the accident was excellent.

'Keep fighting' - PM

Prime Minister Julia Gillard took to Twitter to wish Meldrum all the best.

"Australia's thoughts are with you, Molly," Ms Gillard tweeted this morning. "Keep fighting."

Later she said: “Molly is the number one male ticket holder of the Storm and I'm the number one female ticket holder so I know Molly well and I just want to say I'm thinking of him and wishing him all the best.”

Longtime friend of Meldrum's, publicist Di Rolle, said she was shocked and upset when she heard the news.

"I was picturing him lying in intensive care and thinking: if he only knew how everybody loved him so much," Ms Rolle said.

"He's touched do many people and you don't realise it until something like this happens."

Many major music identities offered their best wishes to the man they knew well socially and professionally, in a career dating back to the 1960s.

Fans across Australia also sent their messages of support on Twitter.

Russell Morris, who had seen Meldrum only a few hours before, said the pair were planning a recording session for next Monday.

"We are recording some versions of the Tom Petty song I Won't Back Down," he said.

MTR morning host Steve Vizard spent 30 minutes chatting to Meldrum on-air yesterday.

Vizard, a long-time friend of Meldrum's, said he was devastated to hear of the accident.

"He is a great friend of our show. He was in great form. He was fit and happy and was looking forward to Christmas,'' Vizard said.

"He was talking about spending time in Bangkok and Phuket with his partner.

"He has had the most brilliant year and was happy and joking about his upcoming holiday.

"Everyone is wishing him well."

Ian "Molly" Meldrum

Family and friends are praying for Molly Meldrum to recover from his fall.

Minogue sisters Kylie and Dannii tweeted that Meldrum was in their thoughts.

"Sending LOTS of love to Molly Meldrum …Get well soon x J," Kylie wrote.

A stunned Eddie McGuire said: "Molly's one of my oldest and dearest friends - for more than 25 years.

"He's such a huge part of Melbourne, the showbusiness scene and sports scene. We are desperately hoping he pulls through."

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, who chose Meldrum to be King of Moomba in 2010, said: "I'm shocked and very distressed. I love him, he's a great part of Melbourne."

Brian Cadd, who has worked closely with Meldrum since 1966, said last night he was shocked by the news.

"My heart goes out to him and I hope he recovers fully," Cadd said.

Get well mate: Molly's best moments

Other names Meldrum has worked with over the decades include John Paul Young, Ronnie Burns, John Farnham, the Masters Apprentices and Zoot.

Meldrum is a fanatical supporter of the St Kilda Football Club and Melbourne Storm in the NRL.

Meldrum's brother, Brian, last night said he was heading to the hospital.

He said he did not want to comment until he knew exactly how his brother was.

The sociable Meldrum is known for hosting big parties at his home.

It is decorated in Egyptian style and he has visited the country more than 20 times.

Meldrum was also the ambassador for the recent Tutankhamun exhibition at Melbourne Museum.

Stars tweet their support:

Adam Hills
@adamhillscomedy
Sending every possible happy and healing thought to Molly Meldrum tonight. "Don't leave us this way." #LoveYouMolly

Darren Hayes
@darrenhayes
Musical Legend. Willie Wonka of Pop. Magical Maestro. Adorable Man. #loveyoumolly Get Well Soon x

Ruby Rose
@RubyRose1
I am sending my love and strength and energy to Molly Meldrum and very good friend and beautiful man. Please do the same. I love you man.

Jessica Rudd
@Jess_Rudd
I'm just one of millions thinking of Molly, his friends and family tonight.

Boy George
@BoyGeorge
Sending my prayers to Molly Meldrum in Australia!

Dannii Minogue
@DanniiMinogue
Thinking of Molly Meldrum tonight #loveyouMolly

Kim Wilde
@kimwilde
#Molly Meldrum, sending you my prayers x

Melbourne Storm
@MelbStormRLC
Everyone is sending their thoughts & prayers to Molly Meldrum this evening. Lifelong supporter that is at the heart of the club #getwell

Silverchair's Ben Gillies
@BenGillies888
Molly Meldrum critical after ladder fall. Positive thoughts to Molly

Angela Bishop
@Angela Bishop
Sending all my love to Molly Meldrum, along with prayers for a speedy recovery. Devastating news.

Sunrise's Melissa Doyle
@melissadoyle
Thinking of Molly Meldrum. Truly one of the good guys. Love him dearly and hope he's ok. #loveyouMolly

Jess Origliasso, Veronicas
Sending healing love and light out to a great Australian music industry icon and a big part of my upbringing.

- with Alan Howe, Anthony Dowsley, Angus Thompson