'He Was The Life Force Behind Live Music': Molly Meldrum Pens Tribute To Michael Gudinski

Australian music legend Ian "Molly" Meldrum has paid tribute to the passing of his friend, fellow industry icon Michael Gudinski, in a statement released today.

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

"I am unable to translate into words what I am feeling right now," Meldrum said.

"Not only have we lost an icon who was the cornerstone of the Australian music industry, I have lost a best friend, a brother. Michael and Sue are family to me. They have been a staple in my life forever. Right now, my love, support and focus are with Sue, Matt, Kate and the grandchildren. The void that is felt is immeasurable; I honestly find his passing very difficult to comprehend.

"Michael and I have been friends for over 50 years and the deep respect we had for each other was profound. He was a huge influence in my life. Like me, Michael’s passion for music is unwavering. He dreamed big, worked hard, and had the tenacity, energy, and determination to drive all his ambitions home. Failure was never part of his vocabulary.

"He helped place Australian music on the world map. He not only guided aspiring artists into unfathomable stardom, but he also brought the world’s biggest artists to the Australian stage. He was the life force behind live music. He was unstoppable.

READ MORE

• Australian Music Legend Michael Gudinski Passes Away
• 'He Will Always Be The Biggest Name In Australian Music': A Tribute To Michael Gudinski
• ‘A Man As Influential As The Artists He Promoted’ - Vale, Michael Gudinski
• 'Today The Heart Of Aus Music Was Ripped Out': World Reacts To Michael Gudinski Passing
• Michael Gudinski To Be Honoured With State Funeral: 'It Will Be A Celebration Of His Life'
• Bruce Springsteen Dedicates New Video To Michael Gudinski
  

"Music was the base and core of our friendship. We are both stubborn as hell and we would often laugh as we traded a tirade of insults to each other. I challenged him and he challenged me and as I have said many times before, Michael and I have had more dramas than Shakespeare and more laughs than Seinfeld. We really were like Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon in Grumpy Old Men.

"From allowing Ziggy to give him kisses and licks whenever he was in sight, to putting up with my antics on a daily basis, Michael was a great friend. My most recent and now treasured memory was spending Christmas day last year with the Gudinski’s. We had an incredible day AND believe it or not, Michael and I did not disagree or argue once for the entire nine hours we were together!

"Michael’s legacy will echo through the entertainment industry forever. He came and he conquered. He has left a giant footprint in the heart and soul of the music industry.

"If there was a song that could sum up how I am feeling, it would have to be the Bee Gees 1971 hit, How Can You Mend A Broken Heart. He will forever be missed."

Meldrum's statement comes after Victorian Premier Dan Andrews confirmed a state funeral will be held in honour of Gudinski, with details to be announced in the "coming days".