Michael Gudinski’s state memorial to be webcast, registration details announced

Michael Gudinski’s state memorial is taking shape.

Rod Laver Arena will open its doors to guests from 5.30pm next Wednesday, March 24, guests should be seated by 6.30pm with official proceedings kicking off from 7.07pm, reads a statement from the Victorian government. 

For those who can’t get there, the memorial will be live streamed via the government’s homepage. The link to view the live stream will be made available closer to the event.

According to a message issued this morning from Mushroom Group, MG will be remembered with tributes, speeches, and performances commemorating his life, “his considerable contribution to both the Australian and international music industry,” his charitable works and his love for Melbourne and the state of Victoria.

The state memorial will run for run for about 100 minutes, will be fully seated and will follow COVIDSafe protocols. 

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews with Mushroom’s Chairman and Founder Michael Gudinski

The state government’s website will take registrations of interest from Tuesday, March 16 at 5pm AEDT, with registrations closing this Thursday. March 18 at 5pm AEDT.

In lieu of flowers, the Gudinski family requests friends of the independent music great consider making a donation in Michael’s name to Support Act, the music charity that MG tirelessly advocated for.

Gudinski, a towering figure in the world of music, passed away March 2 at the age of 68.

Born and bred in Melbourne, Gudinski launched the Mushroom brand at the age of 20 and built a group spanning more than two dozen affiliates, reaching into almost every corner of music and media.

Honoured on numerous occasions for his services to the music industry, Gudinski launched countless artists from Australia and New Zealander into the wider world, and persuaded scores of the world’s hottest acts to tour these parts.

The late, great impresario is “widely recognised as the most powerful and influential figure in the Australian music industry,” reads a statement from the Victorian Government.

For more on the state memorial visit vic.gov.au/michael-gudinski.

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