The HEART of Australian Music
Since the last issue, the Australian Music Industry lost part of its heart with the death of Michael Gudinski. Though you may not have known him, if you purchased a concert ticket, an album, or sang along loudly to songs on the Australian radio airwaves anytime in the last several decades, MG was part of your life.
“Michael Gudinski was a key figure in shaping the Australian music industry. 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. His touring company Frontier Touring is Australia’s leading promoter, touring the biggest names in global music since its inception in 1979.”
“A larger-than-life figure, Michael was widely respected for his unwavering passion for all music – in particular Australian music. Most recently, with the music industry severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael conceptualised and developed Music From The Home Front, The Sound and The State Of Music, platforms designed to showcase and support contemporary Australian music in an incredibly difficult time. It speaks to the man he was that of all his countless illustrious career achievements, these projects that supported the industry he loved were ones he was particularly proud of.”
“Michael was renowned for his loyalty and dedication. His ability to achieve the unachievable against unsurmountable odds was proven time and again and spoke to his absolute passion for his career and life.”
“Michael’s family loved him immensely, and Michael, in turn, adored his wife Sue, son Matt and partner Cara, daughter Kate and husband Andrew, and their children Nina-Rose and Lulu. They meant everything to him, and he was immensely proud of them. Michael often referred to his 200+ staff as the Mushroom Family, with many having clocked decades in his employment.”
“Michael’s legacy will live on through his family and the enormously successful Mushroom Group – an enduring embodiment of decades of passion and determination from an incredible man.”
There are the stories which are all public knowledge and the stories and memories some people only know because they were there for a particular tour or a particular moment. It’s the thing that makes this industry so special. On a personal note, there are so many shows I have had the chance to work on, artists I have been able to share time with, photos I have backstage with my daughter, special moments at A Day on the Green with my Mum, getting to introduce one of my best friends to the Foo Fighters, so much music that makes me smile, music that makes me cry. Moments and memories that would not exist without Michael.
Ed Sheeran seemed to sum it up on stage at the State Memorial Service in front of a packed Rod Laver Arena when he said, “Michael was a tornado of joy. Everywhere he went, he lifted the room and then f***ed off”.”
The fact that he is inspiring musicians even after his passing was apparent when Sheeran performed a song he had written in quarantine while waiting for his chance to say goodbye to his friend. The song Visiting Hours just opened the flood gates for so many who had managed to hold it together until that point. At that moment, I sat in the dark, with my daughter asleep on my lap and tears streaming down my face, feeling thankful for Michael Gudinski.
