Ian 'Molly' Meldrum has released a statement mourning the death of his lifelong friend Michael Gudinski, founder of Mushroom Group, who died in his sleep on Monday at age 68. Meldrum described Gudinski as 'the cornerstone of the Australian music industry' and said he finds 'his passing very difficult to comprehend'.
Meldrum and Gudinski's friendship began in the mid-1970s when Mushroom-signed band Skyhooks appeared on Meldrum's music television show Countdown. 'Not only have we lost an icon... I have lost a best friend, a brother,' Meldrum said. He added that Gudinski 'helped place Australian music on the world map' and was 'the life force behind live music'.
Reflecting on their 50-year bond, Meldrum noted their stubbornness and frequent arguments, likening their relationship to the characters Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon in Grumpy Old Men. His most treasured recent memory was Christmas Day 2020, which they spent together without a single disagreement.
Meldrum concluded his statement with a line from the Bee Gees' 1971 hit 'How Can You Mend a Broken Heart', saying it sums up his feelings. He will not participate in interviews as he supports Gudinski's family. Gudinski was also executive producer of the 2016 mini-series Molly, which depicted his friendship with Meldrum.
