A titan of Australian music.
Australian music legend Michael Gudinski, AM, has died peacefully in his sleep in Melbourne aged 68.
Gudinski is survived by his wife Sue, and their children Matt and Kate and two grandchildren.
Known as someone so prolifically passionate and optimistic about Australian music over so long, the unexpected loss of the legend will be felt through everyone in the industry, past, present and future.
A key figure in shaping the Australian music industry, Gudinski founded the Mushroom Group in 1972 at just 20 years old, which flourished into Australia’s largest independent entertainment group covering touring, record labels, publishing, merchandising, booking agencies, film and television production and creative services. 50 years on and some of the most iconic albums have been released under one of his Mushroom Group record labels, while touring company, Frontier Touring, is Australia’s leading promoter, touring the biggest names in global music since its inception in 1979. Thanks to Gudinski, Australia has witnessed the likes of Ed Sheeran, Bruce Springsteen, and Elton John, among many others, and watched the careers of artists such as Kylie Minogue, Skyhooks, Split Enz and Jimmy Barnes flourish into what they are today.
In June 2006, Gudinski was made a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia for his contributions to the Australian music industry, and was inducted into Music Victoria’s Hall of Fame in 2013.
A larger-than-life figure, Gudinski was widely respected for his unwavering passion for all music – in particular Australian music. Most recently, with the music industry severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the pioneer conceptualised and developed Music From The Home Front, The Sound and The State Of Music, platforms designed to showcase and support contemporary Australian music in an incredibly difficult time.
It speaks to the man he was that of his countless illustrious career achievements these projects, that supported the industry he loved, were ones he was particularly proud of.
Tributes have been flowing for the legend, with his loss leaving a big hole in the heart of the music industry.
So sad to hear about Michael Gudinski. A true believer in the power of Australian music who never stopped his mission to make others believe too.
— Noel Mengel (@NoelMengel) March 2, 2021
He found and celebrated the music that became the soundtrack of our lives – and he loved it and danced it just as we did. It was always a joy to be in his company. The death of Michael Gudinski at just 68 is devastating. pic.twitter.com/0rIXWbaVBO
— Virginia Trioli (@LaTrioli) March 2, 2021
No one did more for Australian music than Michael Gudinski. The word icon somehow doesn’t seem enough. Love to all the Mushroom family. An extremely sad day for music.
— Darren Levin (@darren_levin) March 2, 2021
Vale Michael Gudinski. An very sad and shocking day for Australian music. Sending my love to the Gudinski family, the Mushroom family, friends and colleagues of MG. What a legacy. Always number one ☝️
— Alex Lahey (@AlexLahey) March 2, 2021
RIP Michael. Thank you for your incredible contribution to our local music scene.
