From The Espy to Mushroom: Music legend Michael Gudinski’s life in pictures

He was Australia’s godfather of rock and roll, who discovered Kylie Minogue and pioneered live music. This is Michael Gudinski’s incredible life in photos.

He was Australia’s godfather of rock and roll, who discovered Kylie Minogue and pioneered the live music scene.

The entertainment industry remains in shock at the death of Michael Gudinski, aged 68, who is being remembered as man “renowned for his loyalty,” and his “ability to achieve the unachievable against unsurmountable odds”.

From touring the world’s most famous acts to quiet moments inside his office, this is Gudinski’s incredible life captured in photos, from his family life to running the Mushroom Group and Frontier Touring empire.

A pensive moment for the late Michael Gudinski. Picture: News Corp Australia

With Kylie Minogue backstage in 2001. The pair had a longstanding professional relationship spanning decades. Picture: News Corp Australia

On a night like this! Picture: News Corp Australia

Step back in time. Michael Gudinski and Kylie Minogue. Picture: Supplied

Kylie and Dannii Minogue with Michael Gudinski, centre, in 2009. Picture: Martin Philbey/Redferns

Jimmy Barnes and Michael Gudinski in 1997.

The pair celebrating Mushroom’s 25th anniversary.

The man, the myth, the legend, pictured last year. Picture: Aaron Francis/The Australian

In 2017, when the horse he part-owned, Rekindling, won the Melbourne Cup. Picture: Stuart McEvoy

Celebrating with his son, Matt Gudinski.

In front of St Kilda’s iconic pub, The Espy, where Michael Gudinski found his love of live music. Picture: Jason Edwards

Michael Gudinski with Madonna during her iconic 90s Girlie Show Tour of Australia.

With Kylie Minogue and Sting in 2009.

Michael Gudinski and Molly Meldrum, pictured at Mushroom’s Melbourne & Me exhibition. Picture: David Caird

Michael Gudinski was a patron of the Australian Music Vault. Picture: Josie Hayden

Inside his office in Melbourne. Picture: Stuart McEvoy for The Australian.

Michael Gudinski, centre, with Tim Finn (far left) and Neil Finn (third from right) of Split Enz in 1979. Picture: DAVID PARKER

At his desk – the Mushroom boss, in 1981.

A 70s moment with rock group Scandal.

In 1988.

Jimmy Barnes and Michael Gudinski at the double-platinum record presentation for Working Class Man. Picture: Bob King

Michael and his wife, Sue Gudinski. Picture: News Corp Australia

The couple, pictured in 2019, were regulars on the Melbourne social scene. Picture: Josie Hayden

Dressed as Kiss, with his children Kate Alexa (far left) and Matt.

Michael Gudinski at his home in Toorak. Picture: Tony Gough

Michael Gudinski, Kylie Minogue, Molly Meldrum and Tina Arena at the opening of The Australian Music Vault. Picture: Ian Currie

A candid Michael Gudinski backstage at Rod Laver Arena. Picture: Michael Klein

In his element at the River4Ward lunch raising funds for the Sony Foundation. Picture: Tony Gough

Two Melbourne icons. Eddie McGuire and Michael Gudinski in 2019. Picture: FIONA BYRNE

Molly Meldrum and Michael Gudinski with the 2012 AFL Premiership Cup.

Ed Sheeran and Michael Gudinski at the racetrack. Picture Andrew Tauber

Rest in peace, Michael Gudinski. Picture: News Corp Australia

Originally published as From The Espy to Mushroom: Music legend Michael Gudinski’s life in pictures