Industry Responds To Passing Of Michael McMartin

The music world was rocked on Easter Sunday following news of the passing of Michael McMartin. Manager of one of Australia’s favourite rock bands, Hoodoo Gurus, for an incredible 41 years, McMartin died after battling cancer.

In a statement, McMartin’s family revealed that a private ceremony for his loved ones to honour him would be held in the coming days, with a public gathering for McMartin’s “many peers and music industry acquaintances” to be announced “a little later”. The latter service will be held in Sydney to celebrate “Michael’s life and legacy”.

READ MORE: Industry Legend Michael McMartin Passes Away

Hoodoo Gurus have since responded to McMartin's passing, detailing that they posted the family’s press release on Facebook but had a little more to say in their own post. “Michael was our manager for almost 40 years, only retiring in the last few weeks due to ill health,” the band wrote.

“Relationships like that are very rare and we are extremely grateful for everything we shared and built together. More like a close family member than a friend or business associate, the history we share and the connection we have will be everpresent in our lives.”

Men At Work’s Colin Hay described McMartin as “a legend” and “one of the great human beings” in a social media post. He continued, “I first met Michael 30 plus years ago when I was not in a good place.

“He was honest, considered, organized, pragmatic, but most of all he was kind. We remain very good friends even in his passing. I shall miss the laughter, the ease of close friendship, and his wise council. Deepest condolences to his loving family.”

Stuart Coupe – former manager of the Hoodoo Gurus, and Paul Kelly – founder of GREEN Records, concert promoter, journalist and author, wrote that he was “terribly sad” to hear the news of McMartin’s passing, calling him “one of life’s truly wonderful human beings”.

Coupe wrote that he knew McMartin from the Big Time Records days, or perhaps a little earlier, and recalled that McMartin took over his role of managing Hoodoo Gurus and “did a magnificent job of guiding and looking after them for four decades.”

Coupe also shared a photo of Hoodoo Gurus signing to Big Time Records, with Coupe beside McMartin. “The last time we spoke was a few months back and we (semi) joked about going on the Gurus tour of North America in September together,” Coupe continued. “‘I'll drive if you navigate,’ he laughed. Michael was one of the good guys. The REALLY good guys.”

You can find more tributes for Michael McMartin below.

APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston: “A beautiful, big-hearted, warm and generous man, who always greeted with a smile and usually a hug. He was an industry trailblazer and always had time to share his wisdom with others. Michael was held in enormous regard across our industry. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.”