Michael Gudinski remembered as a ‘formidable’ figure in Australian music

As the music industry digests the shocking news of Michael Gudinski’s passing at the age of 68, the Mushroom Group founder is being remembered as a trailblazer and a titan of Australian music.

Gudinski “was one of the most important and formidable figures in the history of Australian music,” comments Tony Burke MP, Shadow Minister For Industrial Relations and Shadow Minister For The Arts.

“You simply cannot tell the story of Australian music without Michael Gudinski squarely in the centre of it.”

The son of Jewish Russian immigrants, Gudinski changed the face of Australia’s music industry through his Mushroom brand.

The Melbourne entrepreneur, however, was so much more than just a music professional. “He made sure our nation had its own soundtrack. That our stories were sung here in Australia and throughout the world,” adds Burke.

“He was an advocate for women in the music industry and he was at the forefront of promoting First Nations artists, like Yothu Yindi.”

MG was also a “larger-than-life personality and one of Australia’s great larrikins,” and a friend to Burke, the politician recounts.

“Today the heart of Australian music was ripped out,” wrote Jimmy Barnes. “I felt it, my family felt it, the music business felt it, the world felt it. Michael Gudinski was not only that heart but he was my friend.”

Today the heart of Australian music was ripped out. I felt it, my family felt it, the music business felt it , the world felt it. Michael Gudinski was not only that heart but he was my friend. (Tweet 1/5) pic.twitter.com/Mcck1GOcrX

— Jimmy Barnes (@JimmyBarnes) March 2, 2021

Labor leader Anthony Albanese tweed, “Shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Michael Gudinski. We were both at the Oils gig in Sydney on Thursday. It’s hard to think of anyone who did more for Australian music than Michael. Vale.”

Gudinski was “a towering figure in entertainment,” remarks longtime business rival Paul Dainty. “He made an indelible contribution to the Australian music industry. Our thoughts today are with Sue and his family.”

Michael Gudinski was a towering figure in entertainment. He made an indelible contribution to the Australian music industry. Our thoughts today are with Sue and his family.

– Paul Dainty pic.twitter.com/1qnPSt14Wx

— TEG DAINTY (@TEGDAINTY) March 2, 2021

Gudinski “cast a giant shadow and leaves an extraordinary legacy,” reads a statement from Live Nation.

Vale Michael Solomon Gudinski AM, 1952-2021 – he cast a giant shadow and leaves an extraordinary legacy. pic.twitter.com/aD5tKEp66i

— Live Nation Australia (@LiveNationAU) March 2, 2021

Russell Crowe had this to say: “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.”

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 @edsheeran . Still didn’t stop us from being mates for 30 years. I’m going to miss him deeply. My love to his family.

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) March 2, 2021

ABC News Breakfast co-host Michael Rowlands 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.”

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. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/gVpCMeYLpn

— Michael Rowland (@mjrowland68) March 2, 2021

Fellow ABC journalist Leigh Sales tweeted, “I am so very sad to learn of the death of Michael Gudinski. There was never a greater champion for Australian music. He was also a huge supporter of the ABC and a real source of encouragement. A true legend.”

As the tragic news spread, artists turned to social media to share their memories of MG.

MICHAEL GUDINSKI – Legend. Legacy. LOVE. 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’. pic.twitter.com/vCk8BcpZbR

— Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue) March 2, 2021

Thank You Michael Gudinski for giving us and countless others the best night of our lives. Over and over again. A true fucking legend. We will miss you dearly. Rock & Roll will miss you deeply. pic.twitter.com/uRLCulkk4n

— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) March 2, 2021

A statement on the death of our great Australian promoter, Michael Gudinski. pic.twitter.com/4fJdY8n7Eb

— Bruce Springsteen (@springsteen) March 2, 2021

Heartbroken to hear about the loss of the incomparable Michael Gudinski. Thank you for your infectious passion, your love & for always making our home away from home – feel like home.

— QOTSA (@qotsa) March 2, 2021

Vale Michael Solomon Gudinski
22 August 1952 – 02 March 2021https://t.co/f3QY1ZoIoH pic.twitter.com/QxGSbdePpo

— Mushroom (@MushroomGroup) March 2, 2021

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.