Australian Music Legend Michael Gudinski Has Died, Aged 68
The Mushroom Records founder launched the careers of Kylie Minogue, The Skyhooks, and so many more.
The Australian music industry is mourning the shock loss of Michael Gudinski, who died in Melbourne overnight aged 68.
He founded Mushroom Records in 1972 at just 20-years-old, and would work tirelessly in the music industry for decades, launching careers and championing artists such as Kylie Minogue, Split Enz, Jimmy Barnes, Archie Roach, Models, Yothu Yindi, and so many more. He also spearheaded Frontier Touring, which worked with acts like Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, the Rolling Stones, and more.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Gudinski AM overnight,” Mushroom Group said in a statement. “The much-loved Australian music legend died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Melbourne, Australia.
“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 ask for privacy in this incredibly difficult time and thank everyone for their support.”
Gudinski was working right up until his death — in the coming weeks he was set to announce a major project with the Victorian Government to boost the state’s struggling industry.
The local scene is reeling from the news, with artists and industry figures paying tribute online.
State Of Music, Music From The Homefront, The Sound on ABC TV (and probably heaps more), Gudinski was everywhere last year, pushing against the pandemic to make live music happen. After such a career, what a way to cement his legacy. RIP Michael Gudinskihttps://t.co/WyJVUsDVYJ
— Lindsay McDowens (@doctormcdougall) March 2, 2021
Utterly shocked to hear about the death of Michael Gudinski. Such a character and so full of life. What an extraordinary legacy he leaves. My condolences to his family.
— Myf Warhurst (@MyfWarhurst) March 1, 2021
Oh my goodness, Michael Gudinski has died. No matter what you thought of him, his influence on Australian music was immeasurable, he was a titan
— Andrew Stafford (@staffo_sez) March 2, 2021
You don’t do as much & get as far as Michael Gudinski did without big mistakes & great enemies, but you don’t make a a mark & leave a legacy as huge as his without greatness – of vision, adventure & passion. A genuine giant of Australian culture.
— Bernard Zuel (@BernardZuel) March 2, 2021
I cannot process this right now. MG was like a father to me. He believed in me and welcomed me into the Mushroom family when he created The Sound last year. I was so proud of the work we did and the plans we hatched. Heartbroken for Sue, Kate & Matt. We’ve lost a beautiful spirit https://t.co/ljNcNCWsZJ
— Jane Gazzo (@JaneGazzo) March 2, 2021
Vale #MichaelGudinski, one of the key supporters of Australia's music industry. In 2012 he delivered a lecture for NFSA and said: "The music industry employs thousands of people – from the cover band playing at the local pub to those creating eclectic forms of music. pic.twitter.com/XTEvFfcLE6
— NFSA -National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (@NFSAonline) March 2, 2021
A true champion of Australian music. Vale.
Photo Credit: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images