Richard Wilkins breaks down on Today over Glenn Wheatley’s death

Entertainment presenter Richard Wilkins was overcome by his grief on Today as he spoke about the shock death of his friend, Glenn Wheatley.

Richard Wilkins has broken down in tears on the Today show this morning as he opened up about the loss music industry titan and close friend, Glenn Wheatley.

The famed music manager died of complications from Covid-19 at the age of 74 after contracting the virus over the Christmas period and spending weeks in an intensive care unit.

Wheatley, who is credited as the mastermind behind the rise to fame of John Farnham, Delta Goodrem and Little River Band, leaves behind wife Gaynor Martin and their three children, Tim, 37, Samantha, 35, and Kara, 35.

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Wheatley with close friend and collaborator John Farnham in 2004.

Opening up about his shock death in a moving tribute on the Today show this morning, Wilkins described Wheatley as a “dear friend”.

After being asked by co-hosts Karl Stefanovic and Allison Langdon if he was “OK”, the entertainment presenter was overcome by grief.

“I’m really, really sad,” a tearful Wilkins responded.

Wilkins was emotional as he paid tribute to his friend.

He was comforted by his co-hosts.

He spoke of the “huge hole” Wheatley had left in the Australian music scene, admitting that he’d felt his friend was “bulletproof”.

“He was a couple of weeks with this insidious disease … It brings it all home, doesn’t it? I don’t think anyone in the Australian music business has had any sleep. Overnight, everyone has been texting and phoning each other.”

Wilkins admitted he’d felt his friend was “bulletproof” prior to his shock death.

Wilkins then spoke of Wheatley’s legacy, describing him as “one of the founding members of the music industry, pointing to his early success managing Little River Band after a stint as a bassist for chart-topping group The Masters Apprentices.

“He took what a learned as a bass player and took that expertise to America and launched the career of Little River Band. There was no pathway to follow when he did that. He opened the door, really, for other acts like INXS and Air Supply.”

Wheatley was instrumental in staging John Farnham’s wildly-successful comeback in the 80s, even famously mortgaging his own home to finance the musician’s album Whispering Jack – which went 24-times platinum and sold 1.7 million copies.

The pair stayed close friends for the rest of Wheatley’s life.

“I don’t know how John is going to handle the news and go on, they were so close. Their whole families are so close, holidayed together, everything,” Wilkins told Stefanovic and Langdon.

The Today presenter also gave an update on Wheatley’s wife, Gaynor, in the wake of the tragic news, admitting she is “not very well”.

“He and Gaynor had been through thick and thin together, and she’s such a wonderful person. Everyone’s hearts are with her and their gorgeous children,” Wilkins said.

“She texted me last night with the news – judging by the news, she’s not doing well … but I know she is surrounded by family, they all got to say goodbye.”

Wheatley was also instrumental in helping Delta Goodrem launch her massively successful career, working as her manager for the release of her hit 2003 debut album Innocent Eyes, which went on to become one of the highest-selling albums in ARIA chart history.

Since the news of Wheatley’s passing a number of high-profile figures have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to the music titan.

I woke to the sad news that Glenn Wheatley has passed away,. My condolences to his wife Gaynor, and all of his family, during this ever so sad time.

May he Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/Obx1tTpnPv

— Marcia Hines (@TheMarciaHines) February 1, 2022

What incredibly sad news to wake up to. Glenn Wheatley was an incredible force in Australian music and the re-birth of John Farnham and Tina Turner. Condolences to his family. https://t.co/QA5ymaG7Ia

— Shaynna Blaze (@ShaynnaBlaze) February 1, 2022

Shattered to hear the news of the passing of Glenn Wheatley, one of the nicest guys in the industry. Glenn was a great supporter of ours, so encouraging and bursting with ideas and positive energy…Deepest condolences and love to Gaynor Tim Kara and Samantha and The Farnham’s.

— Jane Kennedy (@Jane_L_Kennedy) February 1, 2022

Glenn Wheatley was our boss for a time at EonFM and I have a lot of funny memories of him. Happily being confused for Grant Dodwell in D-Gen sketches; playing a lawyer in 'Bad Eggs' with one hour's notice; occasional bass solos during staff meetings. A delight. #RIPGlennWheatley

— Tony Martin (@mrtonymartin) February 1, 2022

Glenn the rock n roller, the rascal, the dreamer, the hustler, the optimist, the manager, the visionary. Deepest condolences to the Wheatley family, Glenn the great! @[e-mail]/xDDYZxKypH

— Kate Ceberano (@KateCeberano) February 1, 2022