Disgust over Gudinski memorial program being sold on eBay

A commemorative program from Michael Gudinski’s state memorial has surfaced on eBay, sparking a furious reaction.

Michael Gudinski’s commemorative memorial program from his state memorial held at Rod Laver A on March 24

A commemorative program from Michael Gudinski’s state memorial has surfaced on eBay — sparking an angry backlash against the seller.

Bids for the program and insert, shaped like the gatefold sleeve of a double vinyl album, with a memorial certificate inside, had topped $200 on Sunday night.

Seven bidders put in a total of 15 bids.

But former workers at Gudinski’s Mushroom Group empire took to social media to vent their disgust about the commemorative program being sold on eBay.

“That is just beyond. Disgusting,” said one former Mushroom worker.

“People are seriously f---ed. Just so disgraceful and disrespectful. So mad about all of this,” said another.”

Other critics labelled the sale as “gross” and “repulsive.”

Michael Gudinski's commemorative memorial program.

A woman claimed some at Gudinski’s state memorial were collecting the programs at the end of the service, adding: “I don’t think some people actually consider the person or their family and friends. If there’s no personal relationship they see a transactional opportunity.”

The program unfolded to reveal a gallery of Gudinski with family, including wife Sue, and children Matt and Kate, and friends including Ed Sheeran, Kylie Minogue, Elton John, Billy Joel, Molly Meldrum, Madonna, Leonard Cohen, Linda and Vika Bull, Peter Garrett, Jimmy Barnes.

It also included pictures of career honours including being named Melburnian of the Year.

Gudinski, a music legend who built and record, touring and publishing empire, died suddenly on March 2. He was 68.

Guests at Gudinski’s state memorial, held at Rod Laver Arena on March 24, each received a commemorative program.

On Monday, after complaints on social media about the sale, the commemorative program had mysteriously vanished from eBay.

British superstar Sheeran broke down in tears at the memorial while performing a new song he penned for Gudinski.

Bids for the program topped $200 on Sunday night.

Superstars including Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Sting, Sir Elton John, and many more led heartfelt tributes to the music icon widely regarded as the godfather of Australian rock.

His daughter Kate, a singer, fought back tears as she saluted her father while vowing: “I hope I can see you in my dreams and continue to make you proud.”

She attended the memorial with her mother Sue, and brother Matt.

“I miss our numerous phone calls we’d share on a daily basis, the feeling of nestling into your arms for a warm hug as you would always greet me with such a warm and gentle embrace, but mostly I just miss you,” Kate said.

“I will love you with all my heart and soul forever. I hope I can see you in my dreams and continue to make you proud. You’ll be forever in my heart.”

Matt, who is likely to take the reins at Gudinski’s music, touring and publishing empire, the Mushroom Group, said: “Dad was never going to slow down and stop working. He always wanted to go out on top. It was a key thing he said all the time. And he really went out on top. He was in the finest form of his life, the peak of his powers, dare I say, and sadly left us with so much more to offer.”

Matt added: “He was my father, my brother, my closest life confident, champion, life motivator, and most importantly best friend. We shared an indescribable bond which will remain and live deeply within me forever.

“We plotted, planned, celebrated, laughed, cried, yelled, screamed and loved everything we did together.”

Swift said: “I will never forget the wonderful times in my life that came about because of Michael. He believed in me.”

Sir Elton said: “What a legend he was. I was honoured to work with him, because people like him don’t come along very often. We will cherish his memory and we will miss him, and we’ll take with us, the fact that he loved what he did, and he loved his artists. What a legacy.”

Springsteen said: “When we thought of Australia, we thought of Michael, his bad jokes, his laugh, his great voice, his barrel house personality, generosity of spirit and kindness. He loved his job and music the way that I love mine. He was a music man. Michael just wasn’t excited about the receipts, he was excited about the show; the music! I loved him, I will miss him terribly. Michael, I’m going to miss you, but I’ll see you in my dreams.”