Australian music industry in shock as Michael Gudinski passes away aged 68
Legendary promoter Michael Gudinski will be farewelled at an “iconic” location after his shock death. It comes as some of music’s biggest names paid tribute.
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A state funeral will be held for legendary Aussie promoter Michael Gudinski following his sudden death, aged 68.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews spoke with his grieving widow, Sue, on Tuesday after the music industry icon passed away unexpectedly on Monday night.
“I just extend my deepest sympathies to Sue and the kids,” Mr Andrews said.
“He was a good friend of mine, he was a great Victorian, he’ll be missed. And I think it’s appropriate that we get somewhere iconic that we can come together and celebrate his life.”
It comes as some of music’s biggest names paid tribute to Gudinski, who was last seen in public on January 30 at the Sounds Better Together concert.
He introduced Kylie Minogue at the Mallacoota event and attended the Australian Open in February.
Made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2006, Gudinski is survived by wife Sue, children Matt and Kate, and two grandchildren.
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A statement released by Mushroom Group says he died in his sleep.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Gudinski AM overnight. The much-loved Australian music legend died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Melbourne.”
Kylie Minogue, whose pop career was launched by the Mushroom records founder, paid a heartfelt tribute to the music legend.
“MICHAEL GUDINSKI – Legend. Legacy. LOVE,” she tweeted.
“A Titan of the music industry. One of a kind and forever family to me. My heart is broken and I can’t believe he’s gone. Irreplaceable and unforgettable, I’ll always love you ‘The Big G’.”
Gudinski’s devastated brother-at-arms Michael Chugg was fielding dozens of calls from the promoter’s legion of music industry friends and artists around the world.
The pair first met as boldly ambitious teenagers, Chugg fresh off the boat from Tasmania and Gudinski already behind the desk of his first booking agency in Melbourne
“He was 16 sitting behind a desk and me only a couple of days in town from Tasmania and I felt as though I had met my soul brother,” Chugg said.
“Even when we were competitors, I loved and admired him.”
Chugg was talking to Gudinski at 9pm on Monday, with the pair plotting how they could boost the new record from Sheppard from No. 3 on the mid-week charts to No. 1 by week’s end.
A broken-hearted Chugg said he had never been more proud of his mate when he almost single-handedly rallied the Australian music industry into action with the Music From The Home Front television special and The Sound series last year to keep people in jobs and give them purpose.
“He nearly gave us all a nervous breakdown, the lunatic. But the saddest thing for me is if COVID hadn’t happened, 2020 would have been the biggest year ever for Australian music around the world and once it is over, Australian music will become the biggest music in the world and he’s not going to be here to see it.
“That breaks my heart.”
Gudinski’s latest chart triumph with Mushroom came courtesy of Sydney band The Rubens, whose fourth album 0202 topped the ARIA charts two weeks ago.
The band’s tribute perfectly illustrates Gudinski’s tenacity – calling them in New York as they recorded their debut album and were fielding offers from several labels.
“In 2012, the band was in New York recording our debut album when MG called Sam [Margin, lead singer] to convince us to sign to Ivy League Records (part of the Mushroom Group). It was the passion and conviction of his pitch and a promise that he’d get the band on commercial radio that swayed the band to get the deal done and the rest was history,” the band posted.
“MG championed our band and gave us opportunities that most bands don’t get to experience, especially so early on in our career. He was instrumental in landing big support slots for Bruce Springsteen and championing our song My Gun which got commercial radio play, the promise he fulfilled. As a result, it’s helped build a wider audience for us, which still to this day helps us tour in regional and remote places.
“As our career began to grow, he was always there in the background. He has so many more responsibilities, but he would always be lending his hand to get exposure on new singles, our albums and help pay the bills. That support was real, and he didn’t have to go out of his way to do any of it.”
“When Hoops got #1 in triple j hottest 100, it was a great celebration, and no one celebrated more than MG. It was a great moment to share.
“When we toured with P!NK he happily came with pen and paper to give us some constructive feedback on how to make our set even better at an Arena level. Something we hadn’t had a lot of experience with, but with his promoter hat on and having made so many big scale gigs happen, we were more than happy to listen to MG’s wisdom and take it all in.
“Throughout the tough year that was 2020, MG led the way. He created opportunities for artists (including us) and brought the music community together like no other. This was who he was. This is his legacy.
“In recent weeks, we had our first number #1 album and MG called us to congratulate us and tell us how proud he was that we had finally landed a #1 album. He was prouder of the journey and that we’d reached four albums in this tough industry. We seriously don’t think we could have lasted this long without his numerous leg ups and underlying support.
“We are so grateful to have had him part of our journey as a band.
“Sending our love to Sue, Matt, Kate, their extended family, and the whole Mushroom Group,” the band wrote.
Rock icon Bruce Springsteen paid tribute to Gudinski, describing him as the best promoter he had ever worked with.
“My friend Michael Gudinski was first, last, and always a music man. I’ve toured the world for the last fifty years and never met a better promoter,” Springsteen said in a statement posted to Twitter.
“Michael always spoke with a deep rumbling voice, and the words would spill out so fast that half the time I needed an interpreter. But I could hear him clear as a bell when he would say, ‘Bruce, I’ve got you covered’.
“And he always did. He was loud, always in motion, intentionally (and unintentionally) hilarious, and deeply soulful. He will be remembered by artists, including this one, from all over the world every time they step foot on Australian soil. My deepest condolences to his wife and partner Sue and to the whole Gudinski family, of which he was so proud.”
The Foo Fighters followed suit, saying, “Thank You Michael Gudinski for giving us and countless others the best night of our lives. Over and over again. A true f----g legend. We will miss you dearly. Rock & Roll will miss you deeply.”
Following the news of Gudinski’s death on Tuesday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews hinted the music legend could get a state funeral.
Mr Andrews said he had tried to contact Gudinski’s wife Sue and will discuss his plans with the family before announcing them.
“I will have more to say about how we celebrate his life,” Andrews said.
Andrews and Gudinski were close friends and over the last year had many late night calls about how to get live music in Victoria back after the pandemic shut down concerts.
He hailed Gudinski as “a wonderful Victorian, a really special person, a good friend of mine.”
News Corp executive and close friend Peter Blunden said Michael was “irreplaceable”.
“Behind the legendary music pioneer and dynamic entrepreneur was a generous, loving family man, a loyal mate, always keen to help others.
“Michael was busy arranging a concert for the Good Friday Appeal, just weeks after organising benefits for both the bushfires and the pandemic.
“His loss to the Australian music industry is immeasurable”.
Gudinski’s death comes as a major shock as he had enjoyed one of the busiest years of his career, despite his touring business taking a major blow after COVID shut down the live music industry.
As recently as last Thursday he was still going to gigs – he had flown to Sydney for Midnight Oil’s warm-up gig at the Enmore Theatre.
Midnight Oil’s February/March tour, which is now underway, is Frontier’s first major national tour since COVID.
Journalist Michael Rowland said he was “devastated” in a tribute alongside a photo taken with Gudinski at Midnight Oil’s Sydney show on Thursday.
I am devastated by Michael Gudinski’s sudden death. He was a true champion of Australian music and the ABC. This was backstage after the Oils gig in Sydney on Thursday night. Michael was his typical boisterous, funny self. He was always so full of life. Rest In Peace, friend. 🙠pic.twitter.com/gVpCMeYLpn
— Michael Rowland (@mjrowland68) March 2, 2021
Jimmy Barnes, one of Gudinski’s closest friends, released a heartfelt tribute to his mate.
“Today the heart of Australian music was ripped out. I felt it, my family felt it, the music business felt it, the world felt it. Michael Gudinski was not only that heart but he was my friend. He stood with me through my darkest moments and my most joyous days. Michael was the rock I reached for when life tried to wash me away. He never closed his door or his heart to me and my family. But I wasn’t the only one who felt like Michael was there for me,” the singer said.
He continued: “He was there for everyone that needed him. The music business turned, grew and moved forward in Australia because of Michael. He was a force of nature, a giant of a man. His boundless enthusiasm breathed life into our music scene. But that was just one side of Michael. He was a staunch friend, a loving father and grandfather and an adoring husband to Sue. Jane and I are shocked at the loss of our friend but we will try to be strong and keep the music flowing from our hearts. We will stand by his family just like he stood by ours. I loved Michael, always will.”
Split Enz co-frontman Neil Finn said Gudinski was “one of a kind”.
“Very sad to hear of Michael Gudinski’s passing. He was a titan of Australian music with an energy and commitment that was exhilarating to watch. So many pivotal and historic moments of Australian music rotated around his passions and strong will to succeed. He was one of a kind, a motivator and a creator. Our love and sympathy go out to the Gudinski Family, Sue, Kate and Matt.”
Singer/songwriter Paul Kelly said he was “terribly sad”.
“Michael was a friend. A great inspiration and mentor to many. Passionate, enthusiastic, loyal, fierce and, like all true pioneers, a little bit mad. He lived for music and for all the people that worked in it. I didn’t think he could ever get more motivated but this past year he took it to a new level in an effort to keep Australian music alive. He lived and breathed for us. My deep condolences go to his wife Sue, his children Matt and Kate and their families,” Kelly said.
Kate Ceberano, whose solo career was launched with the album Brave on Gudinski’s Mushroom Records, paid tribute to the man she called “the Godfather of music in this country.”
“I’ve had long conversations with Michael discussing music, career choices, record deals and beyond. He truly cared and was available to discuss anything, anytime. We have lost the talisman, the compass. He was past, present and future all wrapped into one! A one of a kind!”
Dannii Minogue, who Gudinski signed to Mushroom for her first album Love and Kisses in 1990, had remained close to him over the years.
“I can’t count the amount of times we’ve spent together backstage and in the audience at Michael’s music events. You could always feel the wave of love throughout the crowd and backstage. That’s what Michael brought to the music world and that will never be forgotten. Everything about the foundation of the Australian music industry leads back to Michael Gudinski.”
Jason Donovan said he was “devastated” at the news of Gudinski passing. “A friend, a father and a force [of] nature. To say he was passionate is an understatement … The music industry in Australia, as it exists, is inconceivable without his footprint”.
Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett said “the music has been paused with Michael Gudinski’s death.”
“He has kept us in colour and movement for decades. He delivered joy and more recently hope as we came out of the pandemic. To Sue and family my profound condolences. Vale Michael and thank you,” Mr Kennett said.
One of the last projects Gudinski was working on was to bring US streaming series Landmarks Live to Australia, showcasing major local and international artists at iconic Aussie locations.
Landmarks Live founder/CEO Daniel Catullo said: “Michael was one of the good guys. A true trailblazer and music guy who was insanely passionate. The artist always came first with Michael. He cared about the creatives and it showed. He respected me and my work and always had my back for 20 years. He was one of the first major players to get behind me early in my career.
“Just 10 days ago I was on a Zoom with him planning on bringing Landmarks Live to Australia this fall.
“Today is a very sad day. Michael will be missed and the music industry will not be the same without him.”
In 2020 Gudinski pulled together the Music From the Home Front TV concert in just nine days, recruiting acts including Jimmy Barnes, Crowded House, James Reyne, Mark Seymour and Kate Ceberano to perform.
In recent months he had been working on another concert for Anzac Day this year.
Ben Lee, who performed on last year’s Music From the Home Front, noted “Michael Gudinski was a force of nature. Big love to ya mate.”
Last year Gudinski also launched the online concert series The State of Music, to support Victorian musicians who had lost live work, paying them to perform for a digital audience.
That then spawned ABC TV show The Sound, which ran for two series.
Gudinski famously launched Kylie Minogue’s music career, signing her to Mushroom and releasing Locomotion in 1987, which went on to become the highest-selling Australian single of the decade.
He has promoted every one of Minogue’s Australian tours, with the superstar catching up with Gudinski while she has been in Melbourne this year.
Gudinski’s career in music began by promoting dances as a teenager before forming his first booking agency in 1970.
He launched Mushroom Records in 1972 and had been gearing up to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the company in 2022, the same year he would have turned 70.
Mushroom launched with a triple live vinyl album recorded at the Sunbury Music Festival in 1973 – Gudinski recently reissued the record on coloured triple vinyl.
Through Mushroom Gudinski had massive success with Split Enz, Jimmy Barnes, Minogue, Frente, Archie Roach, Models, Yothu Yindi and the Angels, and international success with Peter Andre and Garbage.
He also ran Frontier Touring, who have toured acts including Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, the Police, Billy Joel and Ed Sheeran since forming in 1979.
As well as his family and music, Gudinski’s other passion was his AFL team St Kilda and horse racing, he became a three time Melbourne Cup winner last year when Twilight Payment won.
Tributes are pouring in from all sectors including Gudinski’s beloved footy club.
Today we mourn the loss of an Australian music giant and lifelong Saint.
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) March 2, 2021
Vale, Michael Gudinski. pic.twitter.com/08YS2oZUeI
Former Saints player Peter “Spida” Everitt said: “Rest in Peace great man. Many many laughs and great times we had together. You are a legend mate, very very sad today.”
Sports commentator Stephen Quartermain said he was “Shocked and gutted”.
“A legend of the music industry … not only in Australia but worldwide. A generous man who was always the life of the party. He’ll be sadly missed. Condolences to Sue and the family,” he added.
Funnyman Dave Hughes tweeted: “An icon #ripMichaelGudinski”.
Hollywood star Russell Crowe said it “seems almost impossible”.
RIP Michael Gudinski. Seems almost impossible. A towering figure on the Australian cultural landscape.
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) March 2, 2021
I’m not sure we ever agreed on anything, except maybe @edsheeran . Still didn’t stop us from being mates for 30 years. I’m going to miss him deeply. My love to his family.
Comedian Joel Creasey paid tribute to Gudinski’s “genius”.
“Sad to hear about the passing of the legendary Michael Gudinski. He was my tour promoter for a brief period and stayed a friend even when I moved elsewhere. Saw him not 3 weeks ago holding court at a restaurant as only he could. A genius.”
Singer/actor/dancer Rhonda Burchmore said she is “devastated”.
Lehmo described Gudinski as “a giant in the industry whose love, support and promotion of Australian music is unsurpassed”, adding “it was always a joy to be in his company. Thoughts are with his family and friends #RIP”.
David Campbell, son of Jimmy Barnes, described him as “a giant”.
“This is truly devastating news,” he said.
“Not just for the music industry which he built nearly single-handedly, but for his family, who he adored.”
Former MasterChef judge Matt Preston said Gudinski was “one of the best lunch companions you could wish for”.
“The world is a far poorer place with the passing of this colossus. Michael Gudinski wasn’t just a man who had a profound impact on the culture of Australia and the rest of the world but also one of the best lunch companions you could wish for. This wonderful photo by David Caird for the Herald Sun sums it up perfectly. Always fascinating. Always provocative and very funny. My thoughts are with Sue and his family at this very sad time,” Preston said.
Comedian and filmmaker Nick Giannopoulos posted on Instagram: “I am deeply saddened and shocked at the sudden passing of Michael Gudinski last night. Michael was an icon & pioneer of the Australian entertainment industry. His legacy will live on forever. My heartfelt sympathies to his lifelong business partner Frank, and family Sue, Matt & Kate.”
Comedian and Nova presenter Ryan Fitzgerald tweeted: “Horrific news to hear of the death of Michael Gudinski. The man who shaped the Australian music industry. The hardest working, generous and most loyal figure you’ll ever meet. Watch over us Michael RIP.”
AFL legend Matthew Richardson tweeted: “Last saw him at Cold Chisel in January 2020. Was always up for a chat and as passionate as ever about Aussie music #RIP”.
The Project’s Carrie Bickmore said Gudinski was a “great mate to so many”.
I am so so saddened to hear that Michael Gudinski has passed away. A giant of the music industry and just a great mate to so many of us. He entered every room and every conversation with energy and passion and am thinking of Sue and his family today who he just loved so much. pic.twitter.com/6euofUo4tU
— Carrie Bickmore (@BickmoreCarrie) March 2, 2021
The day after the sad news broke, tributes continued to pour in, both here and from overseas.
Journalist Virginia Trioli paid tribute to Gudinski’s passion for music. “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.”
The Piano Man himself, Billy Joel, tweeted his appreciation of Gudinski as a “primary promoter” for Australia and New Zealand.
Joel wrote: “He was a joy to work with and a great supporter of all things Oz. He will be very much missed. My deepest sympathies to his wonderful wife, Sue.”
Canadian rocker Bryan Adams tweeted his tribute:
RIP to Michael Gudinski, my friend and Australian promoter from Frontier Touring. Love to his wife Sue and family. We’re heartbroken to hear the news #michaelgudinski#australia
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) March 2, 2021
US expat and Australia’s own Marcia Hines tweeted in favour of Gudinski’s long-standing support of female artists:
Thank you Michael Gudinski. pic.twitter.com/oMJ22Eq0F2
— Marcia Hines (@TheMarciaHines) March 2, 2021
Tina Arena also paid tribute to the man who helped put Aussie music on the map:
Michael GudinskiÂ
— Tina Arena (@tinaarena) March 2, 2021
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How does one begin to express the magnitude of the sudden departure of a man who gave everything to music!Â
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Music saves...most would agree!Â
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I had the pleasure of knowing and collaborating with this force of nature. (tweet 1/2)
Country star Troy Cassar-Daley wrote Gudinski was “a complete one off who lead with passion and dragged us all along for the musical rides he so often dreamt up.”
Guy Sebastian agreed, writing: “Your courage and tenacity shaped this industry and your legacy will live on. Thank you for the passion you put into Aussie artists and the platforms you gave us.”
The band Garbage tweeted “We love you so much Michael Gudinski — you total legend. Going to miss you like a limb. You were the best. The last of your kind.”
And former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney posted a statement to his official Twitter account:
More Coverage
Paul on the sad passing of Michael Gudinski. pic.twitter.com/A0zap0eL1K
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) March 2, 2021
Originally published as Australian music industry in shock as Michael Gudinski passes away aged 68
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