Ed Sheeran cried while he played a newly written song, Visiting Hours at Michael Gudinski's State Memorial Service. Photo / Supplied
Ed Sheeran cried while he played a newly written song, Visiting Hours at Michael Gudinski's State Memorial Service. Photo / Supplied
English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran cried on stage as he remembered his friend Australian music titan Michael Gudinski as "a barrel of laughs".
The Thinking Out Loud singer was one of a long list of superstars to pay tribute to the godfather of Australian music at a state memorial attended bythousands at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday night.
Gudinski, the founder and chairman of the Mushroom Group, died peacefully in his sleep earlier this month, aged 68.
Mourners have gathered at Rod Laver Arena to remember Michael Gudinski at a state memorial. Photo / Getty Images
Speaking at the Aussie music promoter and manager's state memorial, Sheeran said Gudinski would be "absolutely buzzed" it was held in Rod Laver Arena.
Dressed in a black suit with a red, black and white striped tie, Sheeran first sang a laid back version of Castle on the Hill which he said was one of Gudinski's favourite songs.
Getting the biggest music star on the planet Ed Sheeran to fly down during a pandemic, quarantine for two weeks and perform at your memorial just goes to show how iconic the godfather of Australian music is worldwide. RIP Michael Gudinski 💗 pic.twitter.com/o7CvlVt9m9
An emotional Sheeran cried during his final song which he wrote last week while in lockdown.
He told the crowd he wrote songs to process his feelings.
After news of Gudinski's death, Sheeran posted an emotional message on social media, describing his friend, mentor and "father figure" as a "tornado of joy".
"Nothing will fill the void he left in our lives, but the memories we all have of him will live on," the post read.
"In between the tears there has been laughter and joy remembering this Titan of a man."
Earlier at the memorial, superstar Taylor Swift said her family was sending their condolences and love to Gudinski's family and friends.
"I met Michael through work but it became very apparent to me that he cared about me as a person and this was a friendship and he had my back," she said.
"I had spent birthdays with Michael and Sue. They've opened up their home to me.
"I will never forget the wonderful times in my life that came about because of Michael, because he believed in me."
Taylor Swift paid tribute to Michael Gudinski. Photo / Supplied
Elton John, who also gave a message at the memorial, said he was a "legend" for Australian music.
