Michael Gudinski dies: Australian music promoter passes away aged 68

Shock as legendary Australian music promoter Michael Gudinski dies suddenly aged 68 – as industry mourns the man who launched Kylie Minogue’s singing career

Australian music industry legend Michael Gudinski has died at the age of 68.  

Gudinski, who was widely regarded as the ‘father of the Australian music industry’, is believed to have died of a heart attack in Melbourne overnight.   

The businessman was known for forming the popular record company Mushroom Records at just 20 years old, and going on to sign successful Australian artists such as Kylie Minogue and Eskimo Joe.

Australian music industry legend Michael Gudinski (right, with Molly Meldrum in September 2012) has died at the age of 68

His family confirmed the sad news on Tuesday morning.  

Entertainment reporter Peter Ford discussed the circumstances surrounding Gudinski’s death on 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,’ Peter 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,’ he added.  

Mushroom Group said in an official statement on Tuesday morning: ‘It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Gudinski AM overnight.’ 

‘The much-loved Australian music legend died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Melbourne, Australia.’  

The tragic news comes just weeks before Gudinski was slated to announce a major government project to support Victoria’s music industry.