Michael Gudinski says Anzac Day concert will be ‘full of surprises’

When the nation needs a pick me up, just buzz the music industry.

From fundraisers for the flood-affected to big-name bushfire benefits, Australia’s music community is always one phone call away when disaster strikes.

A small handful of concert promoters are often behind those efforts, including Mushroom Group chief Michael Gudinski, who yesterday announced Music From The Home Front for Anzac Day.

However, Gudinski promises this one will be “uniquely different” from previous efforts.

Talking to TMN on Thursday, he says it’s more about bringing the country together, to celebrate and honour the Anzacs and workers on the frontline of the Coronavirus response.

“This one’s come together in 10 days,” he said. “You’d think I’d have two months, particularly under these circumstances with no staff around me, but I’ve got a lot of people helping me.”

The music mogul also told TMN the event was his “brainchild”, enlisting the help of good friends Jimmy Barnes, and industry executives John Watson and Susan Heymann, to unpack it.

“Jimmy has really helped. John and Susan have been amazing. The reaction has been phenomenal and there are more acts being announced every day,” he said.

Over 15 hitmakers are confirmed to play favourites from the comfort of their homes, including pop icons like Delta Goodrem, triple j darlings like The Rubens and legends like Paul Kelly.

A second lineup announcement on Thursday added Dean Lewis, DMA’s, James Reyne and more.

The event will be broadcast this Saturday on Channel Nine in Australia and Channel Three in New Zealand, in an Anzac Day concert “the likes of which Australia has not seen before”.

“Adrian Swift and the production team at Nine are going to be working relentlessly,” he said. “I wanted to get it on free-to-air so it was fully available. Nine has given me full creative control.”

Talking to the commander in chief slash executive producer, it’s clear the boss is looking to one-up the production levels on last weekends Together At Home.

“It’s a massive technical challenge, it will be full of surprises,” said a tight-lipped Gudinski when pressed for more details, like who will host the event.

When asked if he will make an appearance himself, Gudinski was cryptic: “There will be no politicians in it, and I’m not a politician.” In that case, let’s hope the big man will play TV host.

Music From The Home Front airs April 25 from 7.30pm local on Nine and 9.30pm NZST on Three.