Quite simply, he was Australia’s Mr Music. Michael Gudinski’s death yesterday at home in Melbourne at 68yo shocked and saddened his friends here and around the world. Long/colourful story short, the much-loved music legend founded Mushroom Records in 1972 at just 20 years old. It flourished into Australia’s largest independent entertainment group covering tour promotion, recording, publishing, film and television production and merch. For 50 years, Gudinski championed emerging artists and launched many careers, including those of Kylie Minogue, Split Enz, Hunters and Collectors, and Vance Joy. He also brought many of the world’s top artists here, with Bruce Springsteen saying he was the world’s best. His close mate Jimmy Barnes said “the heart of Australian music was ripped out” by his death. “Michael Gudinski was not only that heart, but he was my friend. He stood with me through my darkest moments and my most joyous days.”