Michael Gudinski: Kylie Minogue and Bruce Springsteen lead tributes to Australian music industry icon

Gudinski was responsible for bringing artists from Springsteen to Ed Sheeran to Australia

Kylie Minogue and Bruce Springsteen are among the musicians to pay tribute to Michael Gudinski, a leading figure in the Australian music industry.

The 68-year-old tour promoter died in his sleep at his home in Melbourne on Monday (1 March) night, his family confirmed.

After founding the label Mushroom Records in 1972, at the age of 20, Gudinski went on to be the owner of Australia’s biggest independent entertainment group.

He helped launch the careers of Kylie and Dannii Minogue and was responsible for bringing artists to Australia, among them Springsteen and Ed Sheeran.

Kylie Minogue led tributes to the music industry icon on Tuesday (2 March), writing on social media: “MICHAEL GUDINSKI - Legend. Legacy. LOVE. A Titan of the music industry. One of a kind and forever family to me.

“My heart is broken and I can’t believe he’s gone. Irreplaceable and unforgettable, I’ll always love you ‘The Big G’.”

“Torn” singer Natalie Imbruglia also wrote on Instagram: “We have lost a legend... a pioneer in the Australian Music Industry. So sad to hear this news. Thinking of your family and friends at this time. One in a million.”

Bruce Springsteen shared a lengthy statement about the promoter, writing: “My friend Michael Gudinski was first, last, and always a music man… He was loud, always in motion, intentionally (and unintentionally) hilarious, and deeply soulful.

“He will be remembered by artists, including this one, from all over the world every time they step foot on Australian soil.”

Actor Russell Crowe also paid tribute, describing Gudinski as “a towering figure on the Australian cultural landscape”.

“I’m not sure we ever agreed on anything, except maybe @edsheeran,” Crowe wrote. “Still didn’t stop us from being mates for 30 years. I’m going to miss him deeply. My love to his family.”

Sheeran also shared a tribute to Gudinski, captioning a picture of the pair walking along the beach at sunset: “I’ll miss you mate.”