On the 2nd March 2021 the Australian music industry lost a legend and Australian people lost a cultural icon. Michael Gudinski touched all of our lives, shaping our culture, with the unforgettable music released through Mushroom Records and all the mega artists he brought to Australia with the Frontier Touring Company. 

His long-time friend and broadcasting icon, Barry Bissell, fronts the remarkable story of Michael as told in his own words in a 30-minute LiSTNR exclusive – Michael Gudinski: The Ultimate Music Man. 

Sourced from hours of exclusive chats with Michael from over the years, this is a respectful and insightful podcast about the godfather of the Australian music scene, brought together with the help of music journo and close associate of the Mushroom Group family, Jeff Jenkins. 

Michael, with that unmistakable MG voice, shares stories from his early days as a school dance promoter, being an artist manager, the start of Mushroom Records, Frontier Touring and tales from touring across Australia with some of the biggest artists in the world; his recollections interwoven with artist music throughout. 

On the start of his music career Michael Gudinski reflects: “Bon Scott was the first guy I ever went on the road with. I was 16 years old; I was on school holidays and certainly did I have a rock’n’roll experience! Bon was the lead singer of The Valentine’s and let me tell you from that time on it certainly was a long way to the top but a great way to rock’n’roll.” 

SCA Head of Music, Mickey Maher, said: “Michael Gudinski: The Ultimate Music Man is a privilege to listen to. Hearing the great man share in his own words his passion for music, his fierce loyalty to his country and hometown, his ambition for his artists and the work they created and the lessons he learnt working with everyone from Split Enz to Nick Cave is a true treat for music fans and budding entrepreneurs. Michael has left us all with a legacy we must protect and can also learn from.” 

There was no bigger champion of Australian music. This self-made man was a force of nature and equally as passionate about family as he was about music. Barry pointedly ends his tribute with one full track, Sweet Disposition, by Temper Trap. Those who knew Michael well will tell you this was one of his favourite songs of all time, not least because it was written in his beloved Mount Macedon home of 30 years.