Music legend Kylie Minogue has paid tribute to Australian music promoter Michael Gudinski, who died suddenly aged 68.
The iconic music mogul passed away in Melbourne overnight, with his cause of death currently unconfirmed.
Following the devastating news of his death, celebrities and friends of the star took to social media to share their heartache at the loss, with Kylie saying her ‘heart is broken’ at the news.
Music legend Kylie Minogue had led tributes for Australian music promoter Michael Gudinski, who died aged 68
‘MICHAEL GUDINSKI – Legend. Legacy. LOVE. ‘ Kylie, who worked with Michael alongside her sister Dannii for years, began.
‘A Titan of the music industry. One of a kind and forever family to me. My heart is broken and I can’t believe he’s gone. Irreplaceable and unforgettable, I’ll always love you ‘The Big G’.’
The music promoter formed record company Mushroom Records at just 20 years old, and went on to sign and launch the careers of local artists such as Kylie Minogue, who is now one of the biggest pop stars in the world.
Michael (centre, with Kylie and Dannii Minogue in 2009) died at the age of 68 in Melbourne
He is pictured here with Molly Meldrum in September 2012
In 1979, he established concert promoter Frontier Touring and stayed at its helm until his death.
His family confirmed his death on Tuesday morning.
Mushroom Group said in a statement: ‘It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Gudinski AM overnight.
Gudinski is survived by wife Sue (right), children Matt and Kate, and two grandchildren
Gudinski was pictured last Thursday at a Midnight Oil concert, where he was acting like his ‘typical boisterous, funny self’. Pictured with Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett (centre) and ABC News Breakfast presenter Michael Rowland (left)
Gudinski is pictured with his wife and children in July 2005
Gudinski is pictured with Ed Sheeran at Optus Stadium during a media call for the launch of a record-breaking Australian and New Zealand Tour on March 1, 2018, in Perth
‘The much-loved Australian music legend died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Melbourne, Australia. 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.’
The statement continued: ‘His touring company Frontier Touring is Australia’s leading promoter, touring the biggest names in global music since its inception in 1979.
Gudinski (right) is pictured with Daryl Braithwaite (centre) and Molly Meldrum (left) in 2006
‘A larger-than-life figure, Michael was widely respected for his unwavering passion for all music – in particular Australian music.’
Entertainment reporter Peter Ford discussed the circumstances surrounding Gudinski’s death on Channel Seven’s The Morning Show, explaining that he’d initially heard the music legend had suffered a nasty fall.
‘About an hour ago I got a call saying that he had a bad fall at home, but then I wasn’t told that he had actually passed,’ Mr Ford revealed.
‘They wanted to wait until everything was crossed and ticked before they put out the official statement. It’s now confirmed to me by the family that Michael has passed.’
Jimmy Barnes’ son David Campbell (left) broke down as he announced Gudinski’s death on Today Extra alongside Richard Wilkins (right). ‘I don’t know if I have words for this,’ he said
Gudinski was pictured just last Thursday at a Midnight Oil concert, where he was acting like his ‘typical boisterous, funny self’.
He posed for a photo with Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett and ABC News Breakfast presenter Michael Rowland.
Rowland tweeted the picture on Tuesday, and wrote: ‘I am devastated by Michael Gudinski’s sudden death. He was a true champion of Australian music and the ABC.
‘This was backstage after the Oils gig in Sydney on Thursday night. Michael was his typical boisterous, funny self. He was always so full of life. Rest in peace, friend.’
Meanwhile, Jimmy Barnes’ son David Campbell broke down in tears as he announced Gudinski’s death on Today Extra, saying: ‘I don’t know if I have words for this.
‘He loved his family so much. He worshipped them. My dad is crushed that a 50-year partnership and friendship has suddenly been taken.’
Gudinski signed New Zealand band Split Enz in the ’70s, and after several years with his record label they scored huge success in 1980 with the release of their album True Colours
Hollywood actor Russell Crowe tweeted: ‘RIP Michael Gudinski. Seems almost impossible. A towering figure on the Australian cultural landscape.
‘I’m not sure we ever agreed on anything, except maybe Ed Sheeran. Still didn’t stop us from being mates for 30 years. I’m going to miss him deeply. My love to his family.’
Nine Entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins wrote: ‘The biggest tree in the forest has fallen. What a devastating loss.’
The tragic news comes just weeks before Gudinski was slated to announce a major government project to support Victoria’s music industry.
Gudinski’s last major public appearance was when he introduced Kylie Minogue at the Sounds Better Together concert in Mallacoota on January 30.
He also attended the Australian Open in February.
Gudinski’s last major public appearance was when he introduced Kylie Minogue at the Sounds Better Together concert in Mallacoota on January 30
During the Covid-19 lockdown last year, Gudinski recruited the likes of Jimmy Barnes and Crowded House to perform at the Music From the Home Front television concert, organising the event in just nine days.
During his illustrious career, Gudinski was arguably one of the most powerful and influential figures in the music industry.
After forming Mushroom Records in 1972, the label worked with artists such as Madonna, Abba, Jason Donovan and Nelly Furtado.
Gudinski also enjoyed international success with artists such as Peter Andre and Garbage, and promoted tours for major acts worldwide.
Most recently, Frontier Touring promoted Elton John’s farewell tour in 2020.
In June 2006, Gudinski was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia medal (AM) for his service to the entertainment industry through his work in promoting Australian recording artists.
Just one month ago, Kylie Minogue released a statement about Michael in which she described him as a ‘legend of the Australian music industry’
Three years later, in 2009, he played a major role in organising the Sound Relief benefit concerts, which raised millions for victims of the Victorian bushfires and Queensland floods.
In 2012, Gudinski was honoured by the city of Melbourne as ‘Melburnian of the Year’.
Gudinski also helped promote Ed Sheeran’s record-breaking Australasian tour in 2018, which saw more than a million tickets sold.
With Frontier’s help, Ed shattered the record set by Dire Straits 32 years earlier, when they sold 950,000 tickets on one tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1986.
Gudinski also helped promote Ed Sheeran’s record-breaking Australasian tour in 2018, which saw more than a million tickets sold. With Frontier’s help, Ed shattered the record set by Dire Straits 32 years earlier, when they sold 950,000 tickets in Australia and New Zealand in 1986
Michael was ecstatic at the media call with Ed, saying at the time: ‘Frontier has toured some of the biggest names in music, including Springsteen and the E Street Band, Paul McCartney, and The Rolling Stones, but I’ve never seen a tour like Ed’s.
‘To sell one million tickets is simply phenomenal!’
Just one month ago, Kylie Minogue released a statement about Michael in which she described him as a ‘legend of the Australian music industry’.
‘He signed me for my very first single way back in 1987!’ she wrote, as she celebrated returning to Australia to perform live music.
‘His passion for the music scene, for performers, crews and audiences knows no bounds.’
Gudinski (left) is pictured with Kylie Minogue (second from left), Molly Meldrum (second from right) and Tina Arena (right) at the VIP Launch of the Australian Music Vault at the Arts Centre Melbourne on December 18, 2017