Vale Michael Gudinski: industry legend dies aged 68

The Australian entertainment industry is in shock following the unexpected death of Michael Gudinski at his Melbourne home on Monday night.

Michael Gudinski, one of the most significant figures in Australian popular music, has died aged 68.

The founder of the Mushroom Group, Gudinski died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Melbourne on Monday night.

A larger-than-life figure, Gudinski was widely respected for his unwavering passion for all music – in particular Australian music. He was also a significant supporter of Australian film and television.

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Richard Watts is ArtsHub's National Performing Arts Editor; he also presents the weekly program SmartArts on Three Triple R FM, and serves as the Chair of La Mama Theatre's volunteer Committee of Management. Richard is a life member of the Melbourne Queer Film Festival, and was awarded the status of Melbourne Fringe Living Legend in 2017. In 2020 he was awarded the Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards' Facilitator's Prize. Most recently, Richard was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Green Room Awards Association in June 2021. Follow him on Twitter: @richardthewatts