The death of Australian music pioneer Michael Gudinski has raised questions about the future of the Mushroom Group entertainment empire he founded in 1972.
Gudinski, who was widely regarded as the ‘father of the Australian music industry’, died in Melbourne earlier this week at the age of 68. His cause of death is unknown at this point.
Following his passing, speculation is growing that his son, Matt, who has been executive director of the group since 2013, will take over the reins completely.
Family business: The death of Australian music pioneer Michael Gudinski (right) has raised questions about the future of the Mushroom Group entertainment empire he founded in 1972. Following his passing, speculation is growing that his son, Matt (left), who has been executive director of the group since 2013, will take over the reins completely
A Mushroom Group spokesperson said there would be no comment on the future of the company yet, but confirmed Matt’s current position as executive director.
Mushroom Group is the largest independent music and entertainment company in Australia and New Zealand, and is home to Frontier Touring, Chugg Entertainment, eight record labels and at least a dozen other specialist divisions.
Gudinski had reportedly told guests at Mushroom’s 40th anniversary party in 2013: ‘If any other p***k asks me if I’m retiring tonight they can f**k off.’
Today, Mushroom Group has an enviable roster of artists, including Jimmy Barnes, Faith No More, CHVRCHES and The Temper Trap.
Like father, like son: The Mushroom Group website states that Matt was sitting ‘aside his father at the helm’ of the empire, having joined the family business straight out of school in 2003. Matt is pictured with Molly Meldrum in 2013 at Mushroom Group’s 40th anniversary party
The Mushroom Group website states that Matt was sitting ‘aside his father at the helm’ of the empire, having joined the family business straight out of school in 2003.
He has promoted countless Australasian tours for major artists such as Drake, Bruno Mars and A$AP Rocky.
Three years after he was promoted to executive director in 2013, he launched the group’s first management arm, Role Model Artists.
Family: Gudinski is pictured with his wife, Sue, and children, Matt and Kate, in July 2005
Michael’s death shook the nation when it was announced on Tuesday morning. He leaves behind wife Sue, children Matt and Kate, and two grandchildren.
Mushroom Group said in a statement: ‘It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Gudinski AM overnight.
‘The much-loved Australian music legend died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Melbourne, Australia. Michael Gudinski was a key figure in shaping the Australian music industry.
Legend: Gudinski (centre, with Kylie and Dannii Minogue in 2009) died in Melbourne earlier this week at the age of 68. His cause of death is unknown at this point
Final image: Gudinski was pictured last Thursday at a Midnight Oil concert, where he was acting like his ‘typical boisterous, funny self’. Pictured with Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett (centre) and ABC News Breakfast presenter Michael Rowland (left)
‘He founded the Mushroom Group in 1972 at just 20 years old, which flourished into 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.’
The statement continued: ‘His touring company Frontier Touring is Australia’s leading promoter, touring the biggest names in global music since its inception in 1979.
‘A larger-than-life figure, Michael was widely respected for his unwavering passion for all music – in particular Australian music.’
Legend: Gudinski is pictured with Ed Sheeran at Optus Stadium in Perth on March 1, 2018