Mushroom Group's Warren Costello Passes Away: ‘A True Music Man’

Australian music industry legend Warren Costello has passed away.

A statement from Mushroom Group confirmed that Costello had passed following “a long battle with illness”.

“Waz first joined our label division in 1990 and ever since he has been an essential fabric of life at Mushroom,” Mushroom Group said.

“He was a true music man, a beloved friend to our artists and integral to the success of our business over the past three decades. Warren was renowned for his positive energy, integrity and family values, all of which are now etched into the DNA of Mushroom forever.

“We send our endless love to Warren’s family and friends.”

Costello joined Mushroom in 1990 and remained with the business until 1999 following the sale of Mushroom Records, rejoining in 2000 when he founded the now revered Liberation label alongside Michael Gudinski, taking on the role of managing director for the company's labels. 

In 2017, Costello and Gudinski announced the launch of the new Bloodlines label, home to some of the most iconic names in Australian music. 

Last September it announced that Costello had stepped down from his role at Mushroom Group to focus on his health and to spend time with family.

At the time Mushroom Group CEO Matt Gudinski paid tribute to Costello's crucial role in the Mushroom Group throughout his career.

"Waz’s unwavering loyalty, passion, and commitment to the great Mushroom culture over the past 40 years has been integral to Mushroom becoming the company it is today," he said. 

"I would also like to acknowledge that our two families are very close and that he and his wife Leith have always been confidantes of my mother & father so this special relationship is a cherished one. 

“Mushroom being the family business that it is, Warren’s youngest brother Paul and all three daughters Caitlin, Alex and Hannah will always be part of the Mushroom family.

"We’re incredibly sad to see Waz leave but as Dad always said 'family and health comes first and no one ever truly leaves Mushroom'."