Kylie Minogue and Ed Sheeran sing The Loco-motion at Michael Gudinski’s memorial in Melbourne

Kylie Minogue and Ed Sheeran teamed up to perform at Michael Gudinski’s state memorial in Melbourne on Wednesday.

After an emotional ceremony held at Rod Laver Arena, Kylie, 52, took to the stage to pay tribute to the man who launched her music career. 

‘So, Michael – The Big G – took this little scrawny girl from Melbourne to the world and back home again,’ she said, struggling to contain her emotions. 

Added the pint-sized pop star of her former mentor: ‘He made me feel 100 feet tall.’ 

Kylie said Gudinski ‘believed in you when you couldn’t believe in yourself’, but said she couldn’t perform by herself.  

Teaming up: Kylie Minogue and Ed Sheeran teamed up to perform at Michael Gudinski’s state memorial in Melbourne on Wednesday

She then called Ed, who had performed earlier, back to the stage to duet with her.

‘So Michael had long talked about his love for Ed and how we should meet, and now we finally have met properly,’ she explained.

Adding that Gudinski would be ‘beaming right now’, Kylie and Ed then broke out into a rendition of All the Lovers.

'So, Michael - The Big G - took this little scrawny girl from Melbourne to the world and back home again,' she said, struggling to contain her emotions

‘So, Michael – The Big G – took this little scrawny girl from Melbourne to the world and back home again,’ she said, struggling to contain her emotions

Fan: The Shape of You singer said it hadn't been a problem learning The Loco-Motion for the memorial, because he loved it

Fan: The Shape of You singer said it hadn’t been a problem learning The Loco-Motion for the memorial, because he loved it

After performing the emotional ballad, they put on a rousing rendition of the 52-year-old’s classic hit, The Loco-Motion.

‘Ed was not even a glint in his mother’s eye and yet he managed to learn this song for tonight,’ she said of the 1987 hit. 

The Shape of You singer said it hadn’t been a problem learning the song for the memorial, because he loved it. 

Duet: Afterwards, Kylie and Ed shared a hug onstage as the audience applauded and cheered their history-making performance

Duet: Afterwards, Kylie and Ed shared a hug onstage as the audience applauded and cheered their history-making performance

The crowd sung along as they performed the iconic song, adding some light to an otherwise sombre ceremony. 

Afterwards, Kylie and Ed shared a hug onstage as the audience applauded and cheered their history-making performance. 

Earlier on, Ed was overcome with emotion as he performed at the star-studded farewell, after he flew into Australia and quarantined in Byron Bay earlier this month. 

Full house: Arena seating has been reserved for official guests, family, friends, colleagues and industry representatives, with some tickets also allocated to registered members of the public

Breaking down: Ed Sheeran was overcome with emotion as he performed at the star-studded farewell, after he flew into Australia and quarantined in Byron Bay earlier this month

The 30-year-old British singer performed a moving acoustic rendition of We Were Younger Then, before stopping to wipe tears from his eyes.

Ed also sat front row at the memorial alongside Gudinski’s grieving family, who were seen crying during the emotional ceremony. 

He recounted meeting Gudinski for the first time in Melbourne, and said he appeared ‘very proper’ at first.

Distraught: Ed also sat front at the memorial alongside Gudinski's grieving family, who were seen crying during the emotional ceremony

Distraught: Ed also sat front at the memorial alongside Gudinski’s grieving family, who were seen crying during the emotional ceremony

Taking to the stage: The 30-year-old British singer performed a moving acoustic rendition of We Were Younger Then

‘Everywhere he went, he just lit up the room and then f**ked off,’ he joked, after calling him a ‘tornado’ and a ‘barrel of laughs’. 

Ed then performed one his his early hits, The A Team, which he said was one of Gudinski’s favourites from his stellar repertoire. 

He said he was ‘grateful’ to have been given the opportunity to ‘say goodbye’ to Gudinski in person amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

In loving memory: Jimmy Barnes paid touching tribute to Michael Gudinski at his state memorial in Melbourne on Wednesday

In loving memory: Jimmy Barnes paid touching tribute to Michael Gudinski at his state memorial in Melbourne on Wednesday

'Michael and I were like flesh and blood, we really were,' the 64-year-old rockstar said, before dedicating his new song to the late record executive

‘Michael and I were like flesh and blood, we really were,’ the 64-year-old rockstar said, before dedicating his new song to the late record executive

‘Michael was a tornado of joy,’ the 30-year-old Shape of You singer wrote after learning of Gudinski’s death.

‘You would know he arrived in the building just by hearing the chaotic bark of his, and you could feel the room get excited about the arrival of his presence.

‘He was such a force, and would make everyone feel like they were the most important person to him.’ 

Special appearances: The memorial drew tributes from international acts, including Sting, Billy Joel, Taylor Swift and Elton John (pictured)

Special appearances: The memorial drew tributes from international acts, including Sting, Billy Joel, Taylor Swift and Elton John (pictured)

Describing him as his ‘hero’ and ‘one-of-a-kind’, Jimmy Barnes also paid touching tribute to his late friend, who died suddenly earlier this month.

‘Michael and I were like flesh and blood, we really were,’ the 64-year-old rockstar said, before dedicating his new song to the late record executive. 

Dressed in a kilt to represent his native Scotland, Jimmy turned out a rousing rock performance of Flesh and Blood. 

Way back: Billy Joel dialled in and paid tribute to his late friend, who he'd known for decades through the music industry

Famous friends: Gudinski’s illustrious career saw him rubbing shoulders with the likes of Billy Joel (left) and Elton John (right)

'Michael Gudinski... was very, very special to me,' began Bruce Springsteen in a touching tribute to his 'friend'

Way back: Billy Joel dialled in and paid tribute to his late friend, who he’d known for decades through the music industry

He then called his family onstage to perform a more mellow ballad and admitted: ‘We’re going to try not to cry.’

The memorial drew tributes from international acts, including Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Billy Joel, Taylor Swift and Elton John.

‘I miss you, brother,’ said an upset Sting, 69. 

Taking to the stage: Ed Sheeran performed at the star-studded farewell, after he flew into Australia and quarantined in Byron Bay earlier this month

‘Michael Gudinski… was very, very special to me,’ began Bruce Springsteen in a touching tribute to his ‘friend’

An emotional Taylor, 31, recounted spending birthdays with Gudinski and his family at their home in Melbourne. 

‘They cared about me as a person and this was a friendship,’ she said. 

Taylor added: ‘I will never forget the wonderful times in my life that came about because of Michael and because he believed in me.’ 

Famous friends: Gudinski's illustrious career saw him rubbing shoulders with the likes of Billy Joel (left) and Elton John (right)

Looking back: An emotional Taylor Swift recounted spending birthdays with Gudinski and his family at their home in Melbourne

Sad: Appearing to get tear-eyed, Taylor called into the memorial via video, paying tribute to the late Gudinski

Sad: Appearing to get tear-eyed, Taylor called into the memorial via video, paying tribute to the late Gudinski

‘Michael Gudinski… was very, very special to me,’ began Bruce, 71, in a touching tribute to his ‘friend’.

The Dancing In the Dark hitmaker added: ‘He loved music and loved his job in a way that I love mine. He was a music man.’ 

Bruce said he was ‘saddened’ to have to now work in a music industry without Gudinski in it. 

Homegrown acts: Closer to home, local talent including Kasey Chambers (pictured), Amy Shark and Missy Higgins reflected on their relationships with the late music exec

Homegrown acts: Closer to home, local talent including Kasey Chambers (pictured), Amy Shark and Missy Higgins reflected on their relationships with the late music exec

Dropping in: Kate Ceberano also paid tribute to the Aussie music legend, appearing via video at the star-studded memorial

Dropping in: Kate Ceberano also paid tribute to the Aussie music legend, appearing via video at the star-studded memorial

He dedicated his new song, I’ll See You In My Dreams, to Gudinski in the wake of his sudden passing. 

Lyrics for the song include: ‘The road is long and seeming without end / The days go on, I remember you my friend / And though you’re gone / And my heart’s been emptied it seems / I’ll see you in my dreams’. 

‘A man so proud of his country, he made everyone want to be an Australian,’ added Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followill. 

Respects: Carrie Bickmore also spoke at the memorial service, and remembered Gudinski as a 'generous man' who was instrumental in helping to launch her foundation

Respects: Carrie Bickmore also spoke at the memorial service, and remembered Gudinski as a ‘generous man’ who was instrumental in helping to launch her foundation

Closer to home, local talent including Kasey Chambers, Amy Shark, Missy Higgins and Kate Ceberano reflected on their relationships with the late music exec. 

Carrie Bickmore also spoke at the memorial service, and remembered Gudinski as a ‘generous man’ who was instrumental in helping to launch her foundation.

Carrie, who created Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation, recalled how she had a nervous meeting with him when wanting to start the project.

First encounter: Carrie, who created Carrie's Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation, recalled how she had a nervous meeting with him when wanting to start the project

First encounter: Carrie, who created Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation, recalled how she had a nervous meeting with him when wanting to start the project 

‘I remember sitting there with a baby on my lap pitching to Michael how I wanted to launch my foundation with a huge concert featuring Ed Sheeran,’ she said. 

‘He had every right to say, “Great idea, but it’s just not possible to get the biggest pop star in the world to attend your brain cancer charity gig.”‘ 

Carrie went on to say that he didn’t do that, and instead he ‘saw her passion’ and matched it in order to get the idea off the ground. 

Loss: Gudinski's son, Matt (pictured), made an emotional speech dedicated to his 'best friend', and spoke about their unbreakable bond

Loss: Gudinski’s son, Matt (pictured), made an emotional speech dedicated to his ‘best friend’, and spoke about their unbreakable bond

‘Five months later, there we were at Margaret Court Arena kick-starting what would go on to become an $18million foundation… with Ed Sheeran,’ she recounted  

Carrie said she would be forever ‘grateful’ to Michael, adding he later admitted to her that he thought she had secret dreams of pop stardom. 

‘He later admitted to me he thought I was coming over to ask him to make me the next Kylie Minogue, so he was extremely relieved that wasn’t the case,’ she said. 

Breaking down: Gudinski's daughter, Kate (pictured), also spoke at the memorial service, and struggled to keep her emotions in check

Breaking down: Gudinski’s daughter, Kate (pictured), also spoke at the memorial service, and struggled to keep her emotions in check

She explained it was the beginning of a ‘lovely friendship’ between the pair.

Gudinski’s son, Matt, made an emotional speech dedicated to his ‘best friend’, and spoke about their unbreakable bond. 

‘Dad was never going to slow down and stop working, and always wanted to go out on top… And he really went out on top,’ he said.

Paying respects: Skyhooks guitarist-turned-TV star Redmond 'Red' Symons was one of the first to arrive, holding hands with a female companion at the state funeral

Paying respects: Skyhooks guitarist-turned-TV star Redmond ‘Red’ Symons was one of the first to arrive, holding hands with a female companion at the state funeral

Sombre: Red looked solemn as he made his way to the entrance of the sporting arena wearing a black suit with his blazer draped over his shoulders

Sombre: Red looked solemn as he made his way to the entrance of the sporting arena wearing a black suit with his blazer draped over his shoulders

Matt said Gudinski died during the ‘peak of his powers’ and admitted his father had ‘lived 10 lives in one’. 

‘Once he had a vision in mind, he would stop at nothing until it was realised. Something I will carry with me,’ he added. 

Gudinski’s daughter, Kate, also spoke at the memorial service, and struggled to keep her emotions in check.

Solemn: Comedian and Little Big Shots host Shane Jacobson also looked stony-faced as he entered the arena for the state funeral

Solemn: Comedian and Little Big Shots host Shane Jacobson also looked stony-faced as he entered the arena for the state funeral

‘People have often told me they found him intimidating. But to Matt and I, we have been so lucky to have been blessed with such an affectionate, loving dad,’ she said, breaking down in tears. 

Skyhooks guitarist-turned-TV star Redmond ‘Red’ Symons was one of the first to arrive, holding hands with a female companion at the state funeral. 

Red looked solemn as he made his way to the entrance of the sporting arena wearing a black suit with his blazer draped over his shoulders. 

Respects: Nova FM radio host Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald was also seen entering the arena. The renowned music fan wore a band T-shirt for Queens of the Stone Age

Respects: Nova FM radio host Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald was also seen entering the arena. The renowned music fan wore a band T-shirt for Queens of the Stone Age

Comedian and Little Big Shots host Shane Jacobson also appeared stony-faced as he entered the arena. 

The actor arrived solo to pay his respects to the beloved industry titan.  

Nova FM radio host Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald was also seen entering the arena. 

Mark of respect: Elsewhere, Channel Nine entertainment journalist Richard Wilkins was seen alongside his girlfriend, Nicola Dale

Mark of respect: Elsewhere, Channel Nine entertainment journalist Richard Wilkins was seen alongside his girlfriend, Nicola Dale

In attendance: The couple held hands as they joined other mourners in the line to enter the arena, strolling purposefully to the entrance

In attendance: The couple held hands as they joined other mourners in the line to enter the arena, strolling purposefully to the entrance

The renowned music fan paid subtle tribute to Michael, wearing a band T-shirt for Queens of the Stone Age under a dark blazer.

The radio star looked choked up as he strolled silently to the entrance of Rod Laver with both hands meekly in his pockets.  

Elsewhere, Channel Nine entertainment journalist Richard Wilkins was seen alongside his girlfriend, Nicola Dale. 

Sporting hero: Sporting identities also turned out for the funeral, with AFL star Nick Riewoldt also seen entering the venue

Sporting hero: Sporting identities also turned out for the funeral, with AFL star Nick Riewoldt also seen entering the venue

The couple held hands as they joined other mourners in the line to enter the arena, strolling purposefully to the entrance. 

The veteran entertainment reporter and his girlfriend both opted for all-black ensembles for the state memorial.

Sporting identities also turned out for the funeral, with AFL star Nick Riewoldt also seen entering the venue. 

Stepping out: Comedian Andy Lee was also in attendance, arriving his longtime girlfriend, Rebecca Harding

Stepping out: Comedian Andy Lee was also in attendance, arriving his longtime girlfriend, Rebecca Harding

Star-studded: Rebecca and Andy posed for photos outside of the arena ahead of the emotional memorial service

Star-studded: Rebecca and Andy posed for photos outside of the arena ahead of the emotional memorial service

The sporting hero chatted to a mate as he entered the venue with his hands solemnly in his pockets.  

Comedian Andy Lee was also in attendance, arriving his longtime girlfriend, Rebecca Harding.

The 39-year-old was seen talking on his phone as he walked into the arena ahead of the memorial. 

Tribute: Renowned Australian journalist, Billy Birmingham, also turned out for the star-studded event, and recreated Michael's signature 'number one' pose

Tribute: Renowned Australian journalist, Billy Birmingham, also turned out for the star-studded event, and recreated Michael’s signature ‘number one’ pose

Renowned Australian journalist, Billy Birmingham, also turned out for the star-studded event, and recreated Michael’s signature ‘number one’ pose. 

Other stars spotted arriving for the memorial included actress Asher Keddie, television presenter Jo Beth Taylor and Aussie singer Daryl Braithwaite.   

The state funeral was held at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, and Gudinski was appropriately given a rock star send-off.

United in grief: Asher Keddie was spotted arriving at the memorial, accompanied by her husband, artist Vincent Fantauzzo

United in grief: Asher Keddie was spotted arriving at the memorial, accompanied by her husband, artist Vincent Fantauzzo

As well as live performances, the memorial included tributes and speeches celebrating Gudinski’s ‘significant contribution to the Australian and international music industry and the state of Victoria’.

‘Michael’s passion for music was legendary and his advocacy for artists established him as a much loved, respected and admired leader in the industry in Australia and overseas,’ read the event’s webpage.

Arena seating was reserved for official guests, family, friends, colleagues and industry representatives, with some tickets also allocated to registered members of the public.

Stepping out: Television presenter Jo Beth Taylor was also in attendance, opting for a black ensemble

Stepping out: Television presenter Jo Beth Taylor was also in attendance, opting for a black ensemble

The memorial ran for two-and-a-half hours and was live-streamed on YouTube from 7.07pm.

The start time was reportedly in honour of Gudinski’s favourite wine, Penfolds Bin 707.

In lieu of flowers, the Gudinski family asked people to consider making a contribution to Support Act, a fund for musicians doing it tough during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Making a mark: Another musical icon in Daryl Braithwaite was seen arriving, clad in black for the memorial

Making a mark: Another musical icon in Daryl Braithwaite was seen arriving, clad in black for the memorial

Kylie Minogue, who appeared sombre at Gudinski’s private funeral earlier this month, also attended the state memorial. 

Gudinski was farewelled at Melbourne’s Ormond Hall on March 10, with over 300 mourners in attendance. 

Other attendees included Jimmy Barnes, sporting greats Shane Warne and Nick Riewoldt, actors and entertainers including Sam Neill and Asher Keddie, AFL boss Gillon McLachlan and billionaire trucking magnate Lindsay Fox. 

Vale: As well as live performances, the memorial included tributes and speeches celebrating Gudinski's 'significant contribution to the Australian and international music industry and the state of Victoria'

Vale: As well as live performances, the memorial included tributes and speeches celebrating Gudinski’s ‘significant contribution to the Australian and international music industry and the state of Victoria’

On Wednesday, it was revealed that an ARIA Award is being renamed in honour of late music industry icon. 

The Australian Recording Industry Association announced the award for Best Breakthrough Artist will be renamed the Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist ARIA Award. 

It will be presented for the first time at this year’s awards ceremony, which usually takes place in November. 

Taking to the stage: Ed Sheeran performed at the star-studded farewell, after he flew into Australia and quarantined in Byron Bay earlier this month

Full house: Arena seating has been reserved for official guests, family, friends, colleagues and industry representatives, with some tickets also allocated to registered members of the public

‘It is unequivocal that Michael’s passion was breaking Australian artists and putting them on a world stage, and he had a proud history of success in doing so,’ ARIA chairman Denis Handlin said in a statement.

‘Following personally discussing this with Michael’s family, this is the most appropriate honour for ARIA to bestow as it recognises Michael’s profound impact on Australian artists, and the memories and legacy he created.’

Gudinski, who was widely regarded as the ‘father of the Australian music industry’, died in Melbourne on March 2. 

Loved: Attendees were treated to memorial programs shaped like record albums, with Gudinski's beaming face on the front

Loved: Attendees were treated to memorial programs shaped like record albums, with Gudinski’s beaming face on the front

He was 68 and is outlived by his wife Sue, children Matt and Kate, and two grandchildren.

The famed music promoter formed record company Mushroom Records at just 20 years old.

He 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.

In attendance: Kylie Minogue (left), who appeared sombre at Gudinski's private funeral earlier this month, also attended the state memorial

In attendance: Kylie Minogue (left), who appeared sombre at Gudinski’s private funeral earlier this month, also attended the state memorial

In 1979, he established concert promoter Frontier Touring and stayed at its helm until his death.  

Mushroom Group said in a statement at the time: ‘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. Michael Gudinski was a key figure in shaping the Australian music industry.

RIP: Gudinski was 68 and is outlived by his wife Sue (pictured together at the premiere of King Kong in Melbourne in June 2013), children Matt and Kate, and two grandchildren

RIP: Gudinski was 68 and is outlived by his wife Sue (pictured together at the premiere of King Kong in Melbourne in June 2013), children Matt and Kate, and two grandchildren

‘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.

Close: Ed Sheeran (right) is rumoured to be performing at the star-studded farewell, after he flew into Australia and quarantined in Byron Bay earlier this month

Close: Ed Sheeran (right) is rumoured to be performing at the star-studded farewell, after he flew into Australia and quarantined in Byron Bay earlier this month

‘A larger-than-life figure, Michael was widely respected for his unwavering passion for all music – in particular Australian music.’ 

Shortly after news broke about Gudinski’s death, a variety of stars, including Kylie and Dannii Minogue, Bruce Springsteen, Russell Crowe and Jimmy Barnes, paid touching tribute to him.

During last year’s COVID-19 lockdown, 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.

Shortly after news broke about Gudinski's death, a variety of stars, including Kylie (left) and Dannii Minogue (right), paid touching tribute to him. Pictured at the Sound Relief Bushfire Benefit Concert in Melbourne in March 2009

Shortly after news broke about Gudinski’s death, a variety of stars, including Kylie (left) and Dannii Minogue (right), paid touching tribute to him. Pictured at the Sound Relief Bushfire Benefit Concert in Melbourne in March 2009

He was arguably one of the most powerful and influential figures in the music industry during his illustrious career.

After forming Mushroom Records in 1972, the label went on to work 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.

Maverick: In 1979, he established concert promoter Frontier Touring and stayed at its helm until his death. Pictured at Hanging Rock in Victoria in March 2013

Maverick: In 1979, he established concert promoter Frontier Touring and stayed at its helm until his death. Pictured at Hanging Rock in Victoria in March 2013

Most recently, Frontier Touring promoted Elton John’s epic 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.

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.

Iconic: 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. Pictured in Melbourne in September 2006

Iconic: 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. Pictured in Melbourne in September 2006

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.

Music man: He was arguably one of the most powerful and influential figures in the music industry during his illustrious career

Music man: He was arguably one of the most powerful and influential figures in the music industry during his illustrious career