Gudinski the music 'Godfather' dies at 68

Kylie and Dannii Minogue have led tributes for Australian music legend Michael Gudinski, who has died suddenly at the age of 68.

Gudinski founded Mushroom Records in 1972, launching dozens of high profile Australian acts, including Skyhooks, Paul Kelly, and the Minogue sisters.

"Legend. Legacy. LOVE," Kylie Minogue posted on Tuesday.

"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 said Gudinski was "Australia's music legend, and a dear friend."

International artists that have toured with Gudinski's outfit Frontier Touring, which he founded in 1979 and built into one of the biggest tour promoters in Australasia, have also posted tributes.

Bruce Springsteen described Gudinski as "first, last and always a music man."

"I've toured the world for the last fifty years and never met a better promoter.

"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 set foot on Australian soil,."

The Gudinski juggernaut brought countless headline international acts to Australia, such as Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and Springsteen.

And as Mushroom expanded into touring, publishing and film and TV production, Gudinski became a towering figure in Australian entertainment.

A 2015 biography was titled "The Godfather Of Australian Rock 'N Roll".

Rock star Jimmy Barnes paid a heartfelt tribute on Tuesday, saying he loved Michael and always would.

"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," Barnes said.

"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."

Barnes added Gudinski had always been there for anyone who needed him, describing him as a staunch friend, a loving father and grandfather, and an adoring husband.

"The music business turned, grew and moved forward in Australia because of Michael. He was a force of nature, a giant of a man. His boundless enthusiasm breathed life into our music scene," he said.

Gudinski signed the early Finn brothers band Split Enz, which became a hit act for Mushroom in the 1980s.

On Tuesday Neil Finn said Gudinski was one of a kind.

"He was a titan of Australian music with an energy and commitment that was exhilarating to watch," Finn said.

"So many pivotal and historic moments of Australian music rotated around his passions and strong will to succeed."

A statement from Mushroom said Gudinski was larger than life, with an unwavering passion for music, especially Australian acts.

"His ability to achieve the unachievable against unsurmountable odds was proven time and again and spoke to his absolute passion for his career and life," the company said.

"Michael's legacy will live on through his family and the enormously successful Mushroom Group."

Most recently, Gudinski advocated for the local music industry as it struggled through the coronavirus pandemic.

Among his efforts was the Music From The Home Front TV concert, featuring more than 50 Australian and New Zealand artists.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said he would soon have news on a public celebration of his life.

Michael Gudinski is survived by his wife Sue, son Matt, daughter Kate and two grandchildren.