Ed Sheeran, Kylie Minogue and Bruce Springsteen are among the stars who have paid tribute to Australian music producer Michael Gudinski, who has died aged 68.
Gudinski, a leading figure in his country's music scene, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Melbourne, according to his label, Mushroom Group.
Described as being larger-than-life, Gudinski founded Mushroom when he was 20 in 1972 and it became Australia’s largest independent entertainment group.
He played a key role in launching Minogue's career and the devastated star shared her tribute on Twitter.
"MICHAEL GUDINSKI – Legend," she wrote. "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’."
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’. #MichaelGudinski pic.twitter.com/f3AH1KlBOL
— Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue) March 2, 2021
Gudinski played a key role in luring some of the world’s biggest stars to perform Down Under. Springsteen was one of them and paid a touching tribute on social media.
He said: "My friend Michael Gudinski was first, last and always a music man. I’ve toured the world for the last fifty years and never met a better promoter.
"Michael always spoke with a deep rumbling voice and the words would spill out so fast that half the time I needed an interpreter. But I could hear him clear as a bell when he would say, 'Bruce, I’ve got you covered.’ And he always did.
"He was loud, always in motion, intentionally (and unintentionally) hilarious and deeply soulful. He will be remembered by artists, including this one, from all over the world every time they step foot on Australian soil.
"My deepest condolences to his wife and partner Sue and to the whole Gudinski family, of which he was so proud."
Sheeran, who Gudinski had helped bring to Australia on tour, shared a picture of them together on a beach and said: "I’ll miss you mate."
Russell Crowe described Gudinski as a "towering figure on the Australian cultural landscape" and said his death "seems almost impossible".
He added: "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."
The official Twitter account for rock band Foo Fighters also paid tribute.
Alongside a picture with Gudinski, a statement from the group said: "Thank You Michael Gudinski for giving us and countless others the best night of our lives. Over and over again. A true f****** legend. We will miss you dearly. Rock & Roll will miss you deeply."
Mushroom Group said Gudinski had spent much of the previous year trying to help artists affected by the shutdown of live music caused by the pandemic.
He is survived by his wife Sue, son Matt and daughter Kate, the group said.
