Gudinski founded the Mushroom Group in 1972 at just 20 years old, which went on to become Australia's largest independent entertainment group covering touring, record labels, publishing, merchandising, booking agencies, film and television production and creative services.
Some of Australia's most iconic albums have been released under one of his Mushroom Group record labels.
His touring company Frontier Touring is Australia's leading promoter and has toured acts including Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran and Paul McCartney since its inception in 1979.
A larger-than-life figure, Gudinski was widely respected for his unwavering passion for all music – in particular Australian music.
Most recently, with the music industry severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Gudinski conceptualised and developed Music From The Home Front, The Sound and The State Of Music, platforms designed to showcase and support contemporary Australian music in an incredibly difficult time.
RIP Michael Gudinski. Seems almost impossible. A towering figure on the Australian cultural landscape. I’m not sure we ever agreed on anything, except maybe @edsheeran . Still didn’t stop us from being mates for 30 years. I’m going to miss him deeply. My love to his family.
Today the heart of Australian music was ripped out. I felt it, my family felt it, the music business felt it , the world felt it. Michael Gudinski was not only that heart but he was my friend. (Tweet 1/5) pic.twitter.com/Mcck1GOcrX
Utterly shocked to hear about the death of Michael Gudinski. Such a character and so full of life. What an extraordinary legacy he leaves. My condolences to his family.
I am so so saddened to hear that Michael Gudinski has passed away. A giant of the music industry and just a great mate to so many of us. He entered every room and every conversation with energy and passion and am thinking of Sue and his family today who he just loved so much. pic.twitter.com/6euofUo4tU
I am devastated by Michael Gudinski’s sudden death. He was a true champion of Australian music and the ABC. This was backstage after the Oils gig in Sydney on Thursday night. Michael was his typical boisterous, funny self. He was always so full of life. Rest In Peace, friend. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/gVpCMeYLpn
Devastating to hear the news of Michael Gudinski’s death. He really did do so very much for music and was still leading the charge on many important projects. Truly a great loss!
According to the Herald Sun, Gudinski was last seen in public earlier this month when he attended the Australian Open in Melbourne.
Ed Sheeran with promoter Michael Gudinski during a media call for the launch of a record-breaking Australian and New Zealand Tour on March 1, 2018. Photo / Getty Images
