Known to many as GODinski, Michael Gudinski is unquestionably the most powerful and influential figure in the Australian rock'n'roll music business - and has been for the last four decades.
Often referred to as 'the father of the Australian music industry', he has nurtured the careers of many artists - Kylie Minogue, Jimmy Barnes, Paul Kelly, Skyhooks, Split Enz, Yothu Yindi, to name just a few. But his reach isn't limited to Australian artists. With his Frontier Touring Company, Gudinski has toured The Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Sting ... pretty much a who's who of the arena level international music scene.
A self-made multi-millionaire, Gudinski is the Australian equivalent of Richard Branson or David Geffen, but who is this tough, inspired, flamboyant and impassioned businessman who has shaped Australian popular culture? Where did he come from, and how has he stayed relevant for so long in an industry notorious for its fickleness? Rock journalist Stuart Coupe delves into Gudinski's life to find the answers - and in doing so gives us a backstage pass to forty years of Australian rock.
Industry Reviews
Review * Northern Rivers Echo * Article * Esperance Express * Review * Sydney Unleashed * Review * Sunshine Coast Sunday * 10 Book Giveaway + Review * The Road Ahead * a comprehensive insight into Gudinski, the man who started on the road to his career by organising dances while still at Melbourne High School and culminated with the recent Australian $50 million tour of the Rolling Stones. * Australian Jewish News * compelling reading * The Brag * Review -- Sunil Badami * Lunch with Myf - Double J * Review * The Music (Melbourne) * Review * Rhythms Magazine * well researched, with Coupe getting to many past associates who dished the dirt. It is compelling reading * Beat Magazine * Coupe delves into the compelling life of the music mogul, and gives us insight into 40 years of Australian rock. * Canberra Weekly * interesting anecdotes and honest appraisals and is a must-read for music lovers. * Newcastle Herald * The self-made millionaire's corporate manoeuvres and explosive confrontations with industry figures are outlined with skill, but what really shines through is survivor Gudinski's total passion for the music * Adelaide Advertiser, Daily Telegraph * a bold portrait -- Michael Dwyer * Spectrum - Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday Age, Daily Advertiser, Bendigo Advertiser, Ballarat Courier, Border Mail, Wimmera Mail Times, Esperance Express, North West Star * Coupe is reverential towards his subject and, you sense, there are juicier stories still to be told. But as a guide to the life of a true titan of the music industry it's as colourful as its subject * Rolling Stone Australia Magazine * Included in 'Pages to turn in 2015' -- Jane Sullivan * Saturday Age *
