Ed Sheeran breaks down while performing at memorial concert for promoter and ‘father figure’ Michael Gudinski
Mushroom Records founder died earlier this month aged 68
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ed Sheeran struggled to hold back tears while performing at a tribute concert for Australian tour promoter Michael Gudinski.
Gudinski, a leading figure in the Australian music industry, died in his sleep aged 68 on 1 March.
Sheeran was among the musicians to pay tribute to him at the time, sharing a picture on Instagram of the pair walking along a beach at sunset captioned: “I’ll miss you mate.”
On Wednesday (24 March), the British singer took part in a star-studded concert for Gudinski’s state memorial at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena.
Describing the Mushroom Records founder as “a father figure and mentor”, the singer performed his hit song “Castle on the Hill”, which he said was Gudinski’s personal favourite even though he had learnt the lyrics wrong.
Read more:
- Paparazzi agency files for bankruptcy following Meghan Markle lawsuit
- Judge Rinder ‘in shock’ after being robbed by ‘three boys in balaclavas’
- The heartbreaking detail you may have missed in The Falcon and The Winter’s first episode
- From Britney Spears to Nina Simone: The 10 most outrageous sexual innuendos in music
Later performing the song “Visiting Hours”, Sheeran choked up, taking a step back from the microphone to collect himself before resuming playing his acoustic guitar.
As the song ended, the singer broke down in tears and walked off stage crying.
Opening his set, Sheeran told the audience: “I never get this nervous, I’m really f***ing nervous. So apologies if I mess up the lyrics or anything.”
Later, the “Shape of You” singer joined Kylie Minogue on stage for a rendition of the “The Loco-motion”.
Sheeran had been granted an exemption to travel from the UK to Australia with his family.
Other international stars including Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift sent video tributes to Gudinski, which played to the 15,000 person audience during the ceremony.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments