'Today The Heart Of Aus Music Was Ripped Out': World Reacts To Michael Gudinski Passing

Bands, artists and figures within the Australian music industry have paid their respects following the news of Michael Gudinski's passing today. 

The local music legend and Mushroom Group Founder and Executive Chairman is confirmed to have "died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Melbourne" on Monday night at the age of 68.

Jimmy Barnes, who last worked with Gudinski on last year's Music From The Home Front, called Gudinski "the heart of Australian music".

"Michael Gudinski was not only that heart but he was my friend," Barnes said.

"He stood with me through my darkest moments and my most joyous days. Michael was the rock I reached for when life tried to wash me away. He never closed his door or his heart to me and my family."

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Barnes continued, " He was there for everyone that needed him. The music business turned, grew and moved forward in Australia because of Michael. He was a force of nature, a giant of a man. His boundless enthusiasm  breathed life into our music scene.

"But that was just one side of Michael. He was a staunch friend, a loving father and grandfather and an adoring husband to Sue. Jane and I are shocked at the loss of our friend but we will  try to be strong and keep the music flowing from our hearts.

"We will stand by his family just like he stood by ours. I loved Michael, always will."

Ed Sheeran, who Gudinski last toured in Australia to record-breaking numbers in 2018, has also paid tribute, sharing an image of them together with the caption, "I’ll miss you mate."

Bruce Springsteen has also issued a statement about Gundinski’s passing: “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.”

Other names who have reacted to Gudinski's death today include Crowded House, Hoodoo Gurus, The Seekers, Alex Lahey, Hilltop Hoods, Marcia Hines, Bryan Adams, Garbage and Briggs. See some of the reactions below.