Industry Reacts To The Passing Of Aus Music Legend Glenn Wheatley

The Australian music industry and beyond is mourning the loss of a pioneering force, Glenn Wheatley.

It was reported overnight that the legendary manager, bass player and FM radio icon had passed away from COVID-19 complications, and given the legacy he’s left behind, it’s not surprising that tributes from colleagues, artists, family, friends and more are flowing.

"In spite of having achieved so much, there was a lot more he wanted to give," his family said.

“He had an enthusiasm that was unmatched and believed that anything was possible. He gave everything to support projects he believed in, whether they were ultimately successful or not - his immense passion and enthusiasm was an integral part of Glenn Wheatley.”

Tim Wheatley added: “He treated roadies, artists and fans with the same love and respect, and had time for everyone. He would leave Rod Laver Arena after a John Farnham concert, just to carry my amp into the Espy. Everything he did was for his family. He regarded his family as his greatest achievement.”

The Farnhams have also released a statement: “Our family are devastated at the loss of our friend. We also obviously feel for his family as well. With his passing so many people have lost a part of their lives. We will miss you Glenn, and promise to be there for Gaynor and the family. Love Jill, John, Robert and James Farnham.”

Kate Ceberano described Wheatley as a ‘rock’n’roller, rascal, dreamer, hustler, optimist, manager and visionary', while promoter Paul Dainty said he was “a titan in our industry and a great champion of Australian music”.

Daryl Braithwaite has also commented on his immense influence, noting “he was a lovely man and did so much for bands and music in general from 1965 to now”.

Beginning his career in the ‘60s as the bass player in seminal Australian rock act The Master's Apprentices, Wheatley went on to become one of Australia's best-known music managers, widely known for his work with John Farnham.

Others paying tribute include Jimmy Barnes, The Black Sorrows, David Campbell, Marcia Hines and more.

You can read more about Wheatley’s career here and see tributes below.

Glenn the rock n roller, the rascal, the dreamer, the hustler, the optimist, the manager, the visionary. Deepest condolences to the Wheatley family, Glenn the great! @GlennWheatley @johnfarnham pic.twitter.com/xDDYZxKypH

— Kate Ceberano AM (@KateCeberano) February 1, 2022

We are so devastated by Glenn Wheatley’s passing. He was a titan in our industry and a great champion of Australian music. My wife Donna and I are heartbroken for Gaynor, Tim, Samantha and Kara. He was a great and close friend. I’ll miss you mate.

- Paul Dainty pic.twitter.com/um1nfnE1CJ

— TEG DAINTY (@TEGDAINTY) February 2, 2022

Glenn was a great supporter of Australian music. As a young man I watched his band, The Masters Apprentices, play on the television and dreamed about one day maybe being in a band of my own. This is a sad day for music. My heart goes out to his family and friends. RIP Glenn pic.twitter.com/f0uQROjVIg

— Jimmy Barnes (@JimmyBarnes) February 2, 2022

R.I.P. Glenn Wheatley https://t.co/JhLYWxOIx6

— The Black Sorrows (@TheBlackSorrows) February 1, 2022

We would like to send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Glenn Wheatley, who has passed away aged 74. pic.twitter.com/g8LcD8H6S3

— ARIA (@ARIA_Official) February 1, 2022

Music Victoria is saddened to learn of the passing of iconic music producer and talent manager Glenn Wheatley.

Music Victoria sends condolences to Glenn’s friends, family and industry connections.https://t.co/LMBzcHEcBt pic.twitter.com/zPclJBPISv

— Music Victoria (@MusicVictoria) February 1, 2022

Sad news this morning with the passing of music industry legend Glenn Wheatley. As a musician and talent manager, Wheatley played a pivotal role in many of Australian music’s most iconic moments. Our thoughts are with his family. https://t.co/CxmpAoloCX pic.twitter.com/mzUAhSBsPj

— Arts Centre Melbourne (@artscentremelb) February 2, 2022

Support Act was saddened to hear of Glenn Wheatley’s passing. A legend of the Aussie music industry since the 1960's, Glenn was a musician, manager, entrepreneur and promoter. Our sincere condolences to Gaynor, his family and his many friends and colleagues. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/WCnR7z8hoI

— Support Act (@SupportAct) February 1, 2022

Vale Glenn Wheatley. https://t.co/ObEr2d5Ete

— Julia Zemiro (@julia_zemiro) February 2, 2022

Glenn Wheatley was just the nicest, most funny, loyal smart man. A loved friend, husband and father. His was a life lived well and fully but way too short. I’m thinking of Gaynor and the family and the Farnhams today. Too soon. #RIP

— tracy grimshaw (@tracygrimshaw) February 2, 2022

Gutted … what a man … what a life … what a beautiful family … R.I.P. #glennwheatley

— Richard Wilkins AM (@RichardWilkins) February 1, 2022