‘I have lost a brother’: Molly Meldrum’s emotional tribute to Michael Gudinski

Australian music icon Molly Meldrum has paid heartfelt tribute to his best friend the late Michael Gudinski, who died suddenly in his sleep this week aged 68.

Meldrum has now opened up about the sudden death of Gudinski in a heartfelt statement, obtained by news.com.au, released this morning.

“I am unable to translate into words what I am feeling right now,” he begins. “Not only have we lost an icon who was the cornerstone of the Australian music industry, I have lost a best friend, a brother. Michael and Sue are family to me. They have been a staple in my life forever. Right now, my love, support and focus are with Sue, Matt, Kate and the grandchildren. The void that is felt is immeasurable; I honestly find his passing very difficult to comprehend.”

Meldrum went on to say the he and Gudinski had been friends for over 50 years, adding the music promoter was a huge influence in his life. The pair’s friendship first kicked off back in Meldrum’s Countdown days, where Gudinski acted a music scout on the popular show. Gudinski was a big help, with Meldrum telling News Corp some time ago that the act The Skyhooks, which the late music promoter managed, have long been hailed as one of the reasons Countdown became so popular.

“Like me, Michael’s passion for music is unwavering,” he continued. “He dreamed big, worked hard, and had the tenacity, energy, and determination to drive all his ambitions home. Failure was never part of his vocabulary.

“He helped place Australian music on the world map. He not only guided aspiring artists into unfathomable stardom, but he also brought the world’s biggest artists to the Australian stage. He was the life force behind live music. He was unstoppable.”

Meldrum said music was the core of their friendship, adding while they were best buds most days, they were both “stubborn as hell” and often challenged each other.

“… as I have said many times before, Michael and I have had more dramas than Shakespeare and more laughs than Seinfeld,” he continued. “We really were like Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon in Grumpy Old Men.”

Meldrum concluded his statement by saying that “Michael’s legacy will echo through the entertainment industry forever”. “He came and he conquered,” he said. “He has left a giant footprint in the heart and soul of the music industry. If there was a song that could sum up how I am feeling, it would have to be the Bee Gee’s 1971 hit, ‘How Can You Mend A Broken Heart’. He will forever be missed.”

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