Vidostream | News, sport and opinion from the Vidostream's US edition

https://vidostream.com

Michael Gudinski state memorial: Ed Sheeran cries on stage, pays tribute to Australian icon

An emotional Ed Sheeran cried on stage as he joined a long list of celebrities to remember Australian music icon Michael Gudinski at a state memorial.

English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran cried on stage as he remembered his friend Australian music titan Michael Gudinski as “a barrel of laughs”.

The ‘Thinking Out Loud’ singer was one of a long list of superstars to pay tribute to the godfather of Australian music at a state memorial attended by thousands at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday night.

Gudinski, the founder and chairman of the Mushroom Group, died peacefully in his sleep earlier this month, aged 68.
 

Ed Sheeran cried while he played a newly written song, Visiting Hours at Michael Gudinski's State Memorial Service.
Ed Sheeran cried while he played a newly written song,
Visiting Hours at Michael Gudinski's State Memorial Service.
Source:Supplied

 

Speaking at the Aussie music promoter and manager’s state memorial, Sheeran said Gudinski would be “absolutely buzzed” it was held in Rod Laver Arena.

Dressed in a black suit with a red, black and white striped tie, Sheeran first sang a laid back version of Castle on the Hill which he said was one of Gudinski’s favourite songs.

The British singer-songwriter retold the story of how he met Gudinski in Melbourne and thought he was “very professional”.

“We did our first tour with him and soon after that I quickly realized that he was just a barrel of laughs.

“Everywhere he went he lifted the room and then f..ked off.”
 

Ed Sheeran performed ‘Castle On The Hill’, ‘A-Team’ and an original song he wrote in lockdown at Michael Gudinski's State Memorial Service.
Ed Sheeran performed ‘Castle On The Hill’, ‘A-Team’ and an original
song he wrote in lockdown at Michael Gudinski's State Memorial Service.
Source:News Limited Network

 

An emotional Sheeran cried during his final song which he wrote last week while in lockdown.

He told the crowd he wrote songs to process his feelings.

After news of Gudinski’s death, Sheeran posted an emotional message on social media, describing his friend, mentor and “father figure” as a “tornado of joy”.

“Nothing will fill the void he left in our lives, but the memories we all have of him will live on,” the post read.

“In between the tears there has been laughter and joy remembering this Titan of a man.”
 

Earlier at the memorial, superstar Taylor Swift said her family was sending their condolences and love to Gudinski’s family and friends.

“I met Michael through work but it became very apparent to me that he cared about me as a person and this was a friendship and he had my back,” she said.

“I had spent birthdays with Michael and Sue. They’ve opened up their home to me.

“I will never forget the wonderful times in my life that came about because of Michael, because he believed in me.”
 

Taylor Swift paid tribute to Michael Gudinski.
Taylor Swift paid tribute to Michael Gudinski.Source:Supplied

 

Elton John, who also gave a message at the memorial, said he was a “legend” for Australian music.

“Musicians from all over the world wanted to come to Australia so that they could work for him because he loved music so much,” he said.

“He took care of his artists. He became their friends and their confidants.

“Not many people in the business can do that.”

The ‘Rocket Man’ singer said he felt honoured to work with Gudinski because people like him “don‘t come along” often.

“We will cherish his memory and we will miss him.”
Billy Joel, one of the most successful singer-songwriters of all time, said Gudinski loved music, musicians and Australia.

“I’m gonna miss that energy and I’m going to miss Michael,” he said.

Other international stars that shared kind words were Bruce Springsteen, Sam Smith and Bryan Adams.

Australian artists, like Kate Ceberano, Kasey Chambers, Missy Higgins and Amy Shark, also spoke of their memories of the music promoter.

Many celebrities and Australian icons attended the memorial, including Red Simons, Shane Jacobson, Brian Mannix, and Daryl Braithwaite.
 

Band members from Sheppard arrived at Rod Laver Arena for the State Memorial service. Picture: David Geraghty
Band members from Sheppard arrived at Rod Laver Arena for the State Memorial service.
Picture: David GeraghtySource:News Corp Australia

 

 

Sports presenter Hamish McLachlan also attended. Picture: David Geraghty
Sports presenter Hamish McLachlan
also attended.
Picture: David Geraghty
Source:News Corp Australia
Asher Keddie and her husband Vincent Fantauzzo arrive at Rod Laver Arena for the State Memorial service for music industry icon Michael Gudinski. Picture: David Geraghty
Asher Keddie and her husband Vincent Fantauzzo
arrive at Rod Laver Arena for the State Memorial service
for music industry icon Michael Gudinski.
Picture: David GeraghtySource:News Corp Australia



Australian icons Jimmy Barnes and Paul Kelly were some of the other artists that performed at the memorial.

Sting also paid an acoustic tribute and said: “I miss you” when he finished singing.

Barnes, who made music with Gudinski for 40 years, said he was his “friend” and “brother” and they “did everything together”.

“He was my hero. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t been to Mike,” he said.

“Michael was one of a kind and Australian music would not be what it is today without his support, his laugh, his nurturing.”
 

Jimmy Barnes pays tribute to his best friend Michael Gudinski by singing Flesh and Blood at the State Memorial Service.
Jimmy Barnes pays tribute to his best friend Michael
Gudinski by singing Flesh and Blood at the State Memorial Service.
Source:Supplied

 

Posters from Gudinski’s touring company Frontier Touring were displayed outside of the arena.

The memorial opened with a Welcome to Country, followed by the national anthem sung by his goddaughter, Mahalia Barnes.

Melbourne radio broadcaster Lee Simon, who hosted the memorial, said he “just clicked” when he first met Gudinski and they had a lifelong friendship.

“He cared about his artists,” he said.

“He left no stone unturned, and made sure there were plenty of crew for everything to run smoothly.”
 

Posters from Gudinski’s touring company Frontier Touring were displayed outside of the arena. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie
Posters from Gudinski’s touring company Frontier Touring were displayed outside of the arena.
Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian CurrieSource:News Corp Australia

 

Source: News Corp Australia Network:

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy.
You did not use the site, Click here to remain logged. Timeout: 60 second