Jimmy Barnes has paid a visit to the grieving family of Michael Gudinski for the second day in a row, following the music promotor’s tragic death at age 68 on Monday night.
The Cold Chisel singer, 64, was seen arriving at Gudinski’s Toorak home on Wednesday alongside his wife Jane and other mourners, as he continued his support for Michael’s wife Sue and their children Matt and Kate.
Looking downcast, the crooner wore a black T-shirt and ripped denim jeans, while shielding his eyes behind a pair of dark sunglasses.
Showing his support: Jimmy Barnes, 64, (pictured) paid a visit to the grieving family of Michael Gudinski on Wednesday for the second day in a row, following the music promotor’s tragic death at age 68 on Monday night
Jimmy, who had worked with Michael for decades, said he would always ‘stand by his family just like he stood by ours’ after news broke Gudinski had died from a heart attack in his sleep.
‘Today the heart of Australian music was ripped out,’ Barnes Tweeted on Tuesday.
‘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.
Grieving: The Cold Chisel singer was seen arriving at Gudinski’s Toorak home on Wednesday alongside his wife Jane (left) and other mourners, as he continued his support for Michael’s wife Sue and their children Matt and Kate
‘He stood with me through my darkest moments and my most joyous days. Michael was the rock I reached for when life tried to wash me away. He never closed his door or his heart to me and my family.’
He continued: ‘His boundless enthusiasm breathed life into our music scene. But that was just one side of Michael. He was a staunch friend, a loving father and grandfather and an adoring husband to Sue.
‘Jane and I are shocked at the loss of our friend but we will try to be strong and keep the music flowing from our hearts. We will stand by his family just like he stood by ours. I loved Michael, always will.’
Tribute: Jimmy, who had worked with Michael for decades, said he would always ‘stand by his family just like he stood by ours’ after news broke Gudinski had died from a heart attack in his sleep/ Pictured: Michael, Sue and Jimmy in 2006
Meanwhile on Wednesday, Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed that Gudinski will be farewelled with a Victorian state funeral.
Mr Andrews said he visited Gudinski’s widow Sue on Tuesday night and that she had accepted the offer.
‘We will be able to come together in an iconic venue and celebrate his life, the mark he made and the legacy he leaves,’ Mr Andrews said.
‘Melbourne and Victoria loved him as well and we miss him terribly’: On Wednesday, Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews (pictured) confirmed that Gudinski will be farewelled with a Victorian state funeral
Legend: Gudinski (centre, with Kylie and Dannii Minogue in 2009) died at the age of 68 in Melbourne. Just a month ago, Kylie released a statement about Gudinski in which she described him as a ‘legend of the Australian music industry’
‘I don’t know many people who loved Melbourne more than Michael did – Melbourne and Victoria loved him as well and we miss him terribly.’
The Premier said he learned of Gudinski’s death from a text message on Tuesday morning, as he arrived at the Exhibition Buildings for the mental health royal commission report.
‘He kind of got his act together over the last 12 months, he lost a lot of weight, he was much fitter and healthier,’ he said.
Loved ones: Gudinski is survived by wife Sue (right), children Matt and Kate, and two grandchildren
‘It was a great shock, but you have to push on … I just extend my deepest sympathies to Sue and the kids.
‘He was a good friend of mine, a great Victorian and he will be missed.’
During his illustrious career, Gudinski was arguably one of the most powerful and influential figures in the music industry.
Past: Gudinski signed New Zealand band Split Enz in the ’70s, and after several years with his record label they scored huge success in 1980 with the release of their album True Colours
After forming Mushroom Records in 1972, the label worked with artists such as Madonna, Abba, Jason Donovan and Nelly Furtado.
Gudinski also enjoyed international success with artists such as Peter Andre and Garbage, and promoted tours for major acts worldwide.
Most recently, Frontier Touring promoted Elton John’s farewell tour in 2020.
Last seen: Gudinski’s last major public appearance was when he introduced Kylie Minogue at the Sounds Better Together concert in Mallacoota on January 30
In June 2006, Gudinski was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia medal (AM) for his service to the entertainment industry through his work in promoting Australian recording artists.
During the Covid-19 lockdown last year, Gudinski recruited the likes of Jimmy Barnes and Crowded House to perform at the Music From the Home Front television concert, organising the event in just nine days.
The tragic news comes just weeks before Gudinski was slated to announce a major government project to support Victoria’s music industry.