MICHAEL GUDINSKI,
1952-2021

The music world was stunned on 3/1 to learn that globally beloved music entrepreneur Michael Gudinski had died. He was 68.

Gudinski died in his sleep at his home in Melbourne on Monday night.

Gudinski, often called "the father of the Australian music industry," worked in virtually every aspect of the biz. From the Mushroom Group complex of companies to Premier Artists to Frontier Touring to Melbourne's storied Bombay Rock venue, he left his mark everywhere. In 2006 he was made a member (AM) of the Order of Australia.

The Mushroom Group posted the following tribute on its website:

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. He founded the Mushroom Group in 1972 at just 20 years old. It 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 conceptualized 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 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 insurmountable 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.

The family respectfully asks for privacy in this incredibly difficult time and thanks everyone for their support.

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

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

— Bruce Springsteen (@springsteen) March 2, 2021

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

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

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

Rock on you fucking freak. We love you so much Michael Gudinski - you total legend. Going to miss you like a limb. You were the best. The last of your kind. Our sincere condolences to Sue & the kids, all your artists, your many mates and your beloved Australia. Love you forever. pic.twitter.com/dOMKWkf9x2

— Garbage (@garbage) March 2, 2021

Michael Gudinski was a force of nature; anyone who came into his orbit will never forget him. We had our ups and downs way back in the day but his passionate advocacy for Australian music was never in doubt. pic.twitter.com/3pynpTqPfS

— Midnight Oil (@midnightoilband) March 2, 2021

RIP to Michael Gudinski, my friend and Australian promoter from Frontier Touring. Love to his wife Sue and family. We’re heartbroken to hear the news #michaelgudinski #australia

— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) March 2, 2021