Music was in Michael Gudinski’s blood. Often referred to by those in the know as the Godfather of Aussie music, he is widely recognised in his life as the most powerful and influential figure in the Australian music industry.

As Chairman of the Mushroom Group – the largest independent music and entertainment company in Australia and New Zealand, home to Frontier Touring, Chugg Entertainment, eight record labels and over two dozen other specialist divisions – Gudinski’s clout was undeniable. Born and raised in Melbourne, Gudinski’s multi-faceted business and proud advocacy for artists created an empire. His passion for music was legendary. Voted #1 in The Music’s ‘Power 50’ list in 2020, it was his fifth time at the top spot since its inception in 2012… All this, despite not being able to play a single note – music legend Jimmy Barnes once telling his friend to “not even sing in the shower”.

The founding patron of the Australian Music Vault (a free and innovative permanent exhibition celebrating the story of Australian contemporary music) – launched in 2017 in partnership with ARIA, the Victorian Government and located in Arts Centre Melbourne. Michael Gudinski worked with enormous enthusiasm across all facets of his companies and was frequently seen trekking from pub gigs to arena and stadium spectaculars in Australia and abroad, looking for the next big thing to promote – be it through his record labels, touring companies, agencies or publishing arm.

A trailblazer, a pioneer, a true titan. Michael’s achievements are endless, the connections and trust that were garnered of decades of dedication from the industry and the audience were evidence, that he was truly one-of-a-kind. His legacy, and his love and passion for music and people is the very essence and embodiment of Mushroom Group.

Sadly, Michael Solomon Gudinski passed away peacefully in his sleep at home at age 68, on 02 March 2021.

Matt Gudinski is Chief Executive of the Mushroom Group.

Matt is the Chief Executive of the Mushroom Group. He stepped into the role in 2021 after two decades working in various roles within Australia’s leading music and entertainment collective. Matt is committed to driving the Group’s evolution, further diversification and global expansion while remaining true to its roots.

Given Matt’s background, it should come as no surprise that he is also determined to honour the Group’s esteemed history and DNA. Immersed in the industry since birth, Matt is the son of iconic Mushroom Group founder Michael Gudinski, the person often referred to as the most influential figure in Australian music history.

Surrounded by the ongoings of Mushroom since his earliest childhood memories, Matt effectively grew up at Mushroom’s famed Dundas Lane headquarters and out on tour. After years out on his own promoting underage club nights and concerts as a young teenager, he officially joined the family business in 2003 at the age of 17. At this point, Matt carved out his own imprints within the label and live divisions where he spent the following years building his reputation as a savvy operator and boundary-pusher. Matt’s passion helped re-energise the Group, and in the proceeding years Matt surrounded himself with the next generation of team members.

A decade later in 2013, Matt became the Mushroom Group’s Executive Director and was unveiled as Michael’s eventual successor. In that role, Matt really began pushing for the evolution of the Group that he now continues driving as Chief Executive. During his tenure as Executive Director, Matt and Michael worked side-by-side at the helm, overseeing operations of two dozen companies across six key divisions. Matt and Michael shared the same collective passion and values – an artist-first mentality, the importance of great people and owning the position of leaders within the industry. This period was integral in further cementing Mushroom as the region’s leading music and entertainment business, ultimately setting Matt up for his forthcoming new position.

With Mushroom currently in its strongest position to date (no mean feat after 50 years), the future of one of the world’s great entertainment collectives is in safe hands.