Iconic Australian music promoter, record label boss and otherwise music mogul Michael Gudinski, AM has died. He was 68 years old.
The Music Network reported that Gudinski passed away overnight of a heart attack, with Mushroom confirming he passed in his sleep. He was set to announce a major plan to help Victoria’s live music industry in the coming weeks.
Gudinski played an especially pivotal role in Australian music throughout the past year as the country’s live music scene suffered incomparably thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.
Being behind Mushroom Group’s various ventures, he was responsible or partly responsible for The State Of Music streamed concert series, as well as ABC’s live music program The Sound. In addition, he was responsible for the massive Music From The Home Front event streamed across the country on ANZAC Day last year.
Furthermore, his work with Frontier Touring saw him bring some of the world’s biggest artists to Australian stages, like Ed Sheeran and Bruce Springsteen.
In a statement provided by Mushroom, Gudinski is remembered as a “larger-than-life figure”.
“Michael was renowned for his loyalty and dedication,” the statement reads.
“Michael’s family loved him immensely and Michael in turn adored his wife Sue, son Matt and partner Cara, daughter Kate and husband Andrew and their children Nina-Rose and Lulu. They meant everything to him, and he was immensely proud of them. Michael often referred to his 200+ staff as the Mushroom Family, with many having clocked decades in his employment.
“Michael’s legacy will live on through his family and the enormously successful Mushroom Group – an enduring embodiment of decades of passion and determination from an incredible man.
“The family respectfully ask for privacy in this incredibly difficult time and thank everyone for their support.”
Music Feeds spoke to Gudinski last year about the impact of having musicians back on television, where he said, “I’m doing everything I can (to keep it going)”
“I think it’s very important for the whole music industry. The BBC have so much music on, the ABC don’t. It’s been a long time since Rove or The Panel. Those TV spots can mean so much to artists.”
Rest In Peace, Michael Gudinski.
UPDATE 02/03/21, 1,13pm: Jimmy Barnes, Hilltop Hoods & More Pay Tribute To Michael Gudinski.
RELATED: Read Bruce Springsteen’s Incredible Tribute To His Friend, Michael Gudinski
RELATED: Kylie Minogue, Ed Sheeran And More Honoured Michael Gudinski At Last Night’s State Memorial
This is a breaking story. More updates to follow.
