Ed Sheeran tribute song Visiting Hours to late mentor Michael Gudinski set to be released

Ed Sheeran made headlines last month when he performed touching tribute song to the late Michael Gudinski at his state memorial. 

Now, it’s been confirmed that Ed’s song, titled Visiting Hours, will be released by the late music legend’s label Mushroom Records. 

Michael’s son Matt Gudinsk, who has taken over as Mushroom Records’ new CEO following his father’s passing, told d News Corp on Sunday: ‘I believe there’s plans for [Ed’s song] to be released in due course. 

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‘Father figure’: Ed Sheeran (left) is set to release his touching tribute song to late mentor Michael Gudinski (right) titled Visiting Hours 

Ed penned Visiting Hours while he was self-isolating in a hotel quarantine.  

In the song’s lyrics, Ed speaks of his desire to visit Michael in the afterlife, wishing that ‘heaven had visiting hours so I could just swing by and ask your advice’. 

Speaking of the song, Matt told News Corp: ‘It meant a lot to myself and our family that Ed made the journey out here and created a song in Dad’s honour.’  

Big plans: 'I believe there¿s plans for it to be released in due course,' the label's new CEO Matt Gudinski, 36 [pictured], told News Corp on Sunday

Big plans: ‘I believe there’s plans for it to be released in due course,’ the label’s new CEO Matt Gudinski, 36 [pictured], told News Corp on Sunday

The song: In Visiting Hours' lyrics, Sheeran says he wishes 'that heaven had visiting hours¿ so I could just swing by and ask your advice'. Sheeran seen performing the song during the state memorial for Gudinski in March

The song: In Visiting Hours’ lyrics, Sheeran says he wishes ‘that heaven had visiting hours… so I could just swing by and ask your advice’. Sheeran seen performing the song during the state memorial for Gudinski in March

Matt assumed the role of CEO of the Mushroom Group following the sudden death of his father Michael on March 2.

And he has also revealed plans to continue his father’s passion project, a live concert featuring Australian and New Zealand music artists called Music From the Home Front.

Last year’s COVID-safe virtual concert, which was held on Anzac Day, was viewed by over 1.1 million people, and Matt said he will take up the baton in 2021.

Big roster: And he has also revealed plans to continue his father's passion project, Music From the Home Front. Pictured: The Kid LAROI

Big roster: And he has also revealed plans to continue his father’s passion project, Music From the Home Front. Pictured: The Kid LAROI

Icons: Streamed performances will come courtesy of The Kid LAROI, Jimmy Barnes [pictured], Tina Arena, Dean Lewis, You Am I, Sam Fischer and Hayley Mary

Icons: Streamed performances will come courtesy of The Kid LAROI, Jimmy Barnes [pictured], Tina Arena, Dean Lewis, You Am I, Sam Fischer and Hayley Mary

‘Dad was busy working on it up until the end,’ said the music exec, adding that the concert is ‘something that’s extremely important to me.’

This year’s concert will feature a live audience at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, as well as a virtual component.

Live acts will include Amy Shark, Vance Joy, The Rubens, Tash Sultana, Mia Wray, Jerome Farah and Lime Cordiale.

Another big name: Ben Lee [pictured] will perform his pandemic anthem We¿re All In This Together

Another big name: Ben Lee [pictured] will perform his pandemic anthem We’re All In This Together

Streamed performances will come courtesy of The Kid LAROI, Jimmy Barnes, Tina Arena, Dean Lewis, You Am I, Sam Fischer and Hayley Mary. 

Gudinski Sr., who was widely regarded as the ‘father of the Australian music industry’, died in Melbourne at the age of 68.

Soon after his passing, there was speculation his son, Matt, the executive director of the group since 2013, would take over the reins completely.

At the time, a Mushroom Group spokesperson said there would be no comment on the future of the company yet, but confirmed Matt’s then-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.

Famous friends: Gudinski Sr., who was widely regarded as the 'father of the Australian music industry', died in Melbourne at the age of 68. Ed Sheeran and Kylie Minogue perform at Gudinski's memorial last month

Famous friends: Gudinski Sr., who was widely regarded as the ‘father of the Australian music industry’, died in Melbourne at the age of 68. Ed Sheeran and Kylie Minogue perform at Gudinski’s memorial last month