Renowned Australian music promoter and record label founder Michael Gudinski has died.
Gudinski died suddenly overnight in Melbourne, his company Mushroom Group confirmed.
The 68-year-old signed Kylie Minogue in 1987 and worked with some of the biggest names in music.
"The much-loved Australian music legend died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Melbourne, Australia," Mushroom Group said in a statement.
"Michael Gudinski was a key figure in shaping the Australian music industry.
"He founded the Mushroom Group in 1972 at just 20 years old, which flourished into Australia's largest independent entertainment group covering touring, record labels, publishing, merchandising, booking agencies, film and television production and creative services.
"Some of Australia's most iconic albums have been released under one of his Mushroom Group record labels.
"His touring company Frontier Touring is Australia's leading promoter, touring the biggest names in global music since its inception in 1979.
"A larger-than-life figure, Michael was widely respected for his unwavering passion for all music – in particular Australian music."
Today Extra host and performer David Campbell said his father, legendary rocker Jimmy Barnes, was "crushed" at the news.
"I don't think we would have an Australian music scene, as strong as it is in this country, without someone like Michael Gudinski," Campbell said.
Nine entertainment editor Richard Wilkins paid tribute to Gudinski's support for the local industry.
https://twitter.com/RichardWilkins/status/1366549153321340932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"He leaves such a legacy," Wilkins said.
"You know that song, 'Built the city on rock 'n' roll'.
"That's the song... he loved Melbourne. Melbourne loved him.
"He did so much over recent times during COVID to put those shows on."
Gudinski started Mushroom Records, which became Australia's biggest independent label, and Mushroom Music Publishing, in the 1970s.
He had international success with acts including Peter Andre and Garbage.
He promoted concerts by touring superstars and went on to work with some of the world's biggest names from Elton John to Dolly Parton.
He later sold the record arm but kept Mushroom Group.
He won multiple industry awards and was given a Member of the Order of Australia medal in 2006 for services to the entertainment industry.
Last year he arranged the Music From the Home Front TV concert with stars including Barnes.
"It speaks to the man he was that of his countless illustrious career achievements these projects, that supported the industry he loved, were ones he was particularly proud of," Mushroom Group said.
"Michael was renowned for his loyalty and dedication. His ability to achieve the unachievable against unsurmountable (sic) odds was proven time and again and spoke to his absolute passion for his career and life.
"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."
Just last month, Minogue called him a "legend of the Australian music industry" in an Instagram post.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CKtfvVrAnLj/?utm_source=ig_embed&Australian entertainment industry figures paid tribute to Gudinksi after news of his death broke.
Actor Russell Crowe said on Twitter: "I'm going to miss him deeply."
https://twitter.com/russellcrowe/status/1366540830492618755?ref_src=twsrc%5EtfwSinger Marcia Hines and INXS singer Jon Stevens both tweeted: "Thank you for the music", with an image of the initials MG on a black background.
Opposition leader, Anthony Albanese said on Twitter they were both at a Midnight Oil concert just on Thursday In Sydney.
"It's hard to think of anyone who did more for Australian music than Michael," he said.
https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1366552607364313088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfwhttps://twitter.com/TheMarciaHines/status/1366546374636892162?ref_src=twsrc%5EtfwMore to come.
from 9News https://ift.tt/3r7ZVvC
via IFTTT
0 Comments