Australian music legend Michael Gudinski has died, aged 68.
The co-founder of Mushroom Records, Gudinski got his start in the music business as a dancehall promoter in his teens. He rose to become one of the most significant and powerful players in the local music scene, as a label boss, live music promoter, and high-profile spokesman on behalf of Australian music.
He had worked tirelessly during the pandemic to make the case for support of the live music industry, and had partnered with the Victoria state government on a number of campaigns to create opportunities for musicians to play live, either virtually or in person, in the face of the shutdowns that devastated the sector in 2020.
Gudinski died peacefully in his sleep at home in Melbourne on Monday night.
Australian rocker Jimmy Barnes was good friends with Gudinski and paid tribute on Tuesday, describing him as “the rock I reached for when life tried to wash me away”.
“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,” Barnes said.
Michael Gudinski with Jimmy Barnes in Sydney in 2013. Credit:Dallas Kilponen
“He stood with me through my darkest moments and my most joyous days ... 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. 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.”
Gudinski is survived by his wife Sue, son Matt, daughter Kate, their partners and two grandchildren.
More to come
Music promoter Michael Gudinski had died suddenly at 68. Credit:Simon Schluter
Karl Quinn is a senior culture writer at The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.
Martin Boulton is EG Editor at The Age and Shortlist Editor at the Sydney Morning Herald
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2021-03-02 00:41:36Z
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