Richard Wilkins pays emotional tribute to legendary music promoter Michael Gudinski

Kylie Minogue – ‘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’.’

Dannii Minogue –  Michael Gudinski’s love and passion for music and family is like no other. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity he gave me to release my first single and album, and the journey that it took me on for so many years. He was always there cheering me on, and I will never forget that. There are so many beautiful moments to cherish spent with Michael and his family, surrounded by music and the joy it brings. The loss will be felt forever, but his legacy will also live on forever

Bruce Springsteen –  ‘My friend Michael Gudinski was first, last, and always a music man. I’ve toured the world for the last 50 years and I’ve never met a better promoter. Michael always spoke with a deep rumbling voice, and the words would spill out so fast that half the time I needed an interpreter. But I could hear him clear as a bell when he would say, “Bruce, I’ve got you covered.” And he always did. He was always 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 set foot on Australian soil. My deepest condolences to his wife and partner Sue and to the whole Gudinski family, of which he was so proud.’ 

Russell Crowe – ‘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.’

Richard Wilkins – ‘The biggest tree in the forest has fallen. What a devastating loss. Love to Sue,Kate, Matt and all. MG R.I.P. x’

Jimmy Barnes – ‘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.’

David Campbell – ‘This is truly devastating news. Not just for the music industry which he built nearly single handedly, but for his family, who he adored. A giant.’ 

Carrie Bickmore – ‘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.’ 

Myf Warhurst – ‘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.’

Jim Jeffreys –  ‘I just found out my friend Michael Gudinski has just passed. Michael promoted my tours in Australia. I’ve never met a person who walked into any room and filled it like Michael. I will miss his presence. A true maverick a real one of a kind. My heart goes out to his family.’

Sam Neil – ‘The saddest day. #MichaelGudinski, lion of Australasian recorded and live music for as long as anyone can remember , died last night. The loveliest fella; funny, kind and generous . He gave so much , he was tireless . We grieve for you Michael.’ 

Em Rusciano – ‘Thank you for all that you did for live performance. And on a personal note, thank you for getting on board with my ridiculous ideas and allowing me to realise the shows I wanted to make. Go well M.G.’ 

Jon Stevens – ‘Thank you for the music #michaelgudinski.’ 

Marcia Hines – ‘The passing of Michael Gudinski has left me in a state of shock. He was a true pioneer in the music industry and a man who believed in the development of artists like myself & many others. His friendship knew no bounds. He was a genuine original, & not replaceable. May you #RIP.’

Ben Lee – ‘Michael Gudinski was a force of nature. Big love to ya, mate.’ 

Tim Blackwell – ‘RIP Michael Gudinski. A giant of the industry that I was lucky enough to see work in full flight. Love to his family at this incredibly difficult time.’ 

Anthony Albanese – ‘Shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Michael Gudinski. We were both at the Oils gig in Sydney on Thursday. It’s hard to think of anyone who did more for Australian music than Michael. Vale.’

Leigh Sales – ‘I am so very sad to learn of the death of Michael Gudinski. There was never a greater champion for Australian music. He was also a huge supporter of the ABC and a real source of encouragement. A true legend.’

Illy – ‘RIP Michael Gudinski. One of the most influential people in Aus music history. Always supportive of artists (in my case even after leaving his company, which meant a lot), and one of the loudest champions of the local music community. A one of one. Love to his family today.’

Anthony ‘Lehmo’ Lehmann –  ‘Am shocked by the passing of Michael Gudinski. A giant in the industry whose love, support and promotion of Australian music is unsurpassed. It was always a joy to be in his company. Thoughts are with his family and friends #RIP.’ 

Michael Rowland – ‘I am devastated by Michael Gudinsk’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.’  

Hilltop Hoods – ‘Michael Gudinski did a lot for people within the music industry and for the people of Australia, particularly over the last couple of years. Our thoughts are with his friends and family. Very sad news.’