Ed Sheeran Pays Emotional Tribute to His Late Friend Michael Gudinski
English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran paid a moving tribute to his now late dear friend Australian music mogul Michael Gudinski at his memorial service.
ABC News Mornings presenter Joe O’Brien took to Twitter and shared a video of Sheeran pouring his heart out through a song he reportedly wrote during quarantine. O'Brien announced that the clip could be live-streamed.
“Ed Sheeran performs a new song he wrote while in quarantine in Australia .. coming to sing at Michael Gudinski’s Memorial Service in Melbourne. Live-streamed on YouTube now," he tweeted.
Ed Sheeran attends special screening of Yesterday on June 21, 2019 in Gorleston-on-Sea, England | Photo: Getty Images
The 1-minute footage showed Sheeran singing on stage playing the guitar. Images of Gudnski appeared in the background, and guests watched on as he performed.
The drum set was visible behind Sheeran as he sang with his eyes closed. The 30-year-old musician wore a black suit with a white shirt and a red and black tie.
Twitter users commented on the performance and praised the 30-year-old for the beautiful tribute to Gudinski. "Awesome, Awesome, Awesome. This is the most incredible memorial,” said one user.
Another said, “Wow, to knock that up in quarantine was just amazing. Beautiful song.” Many others shared the same sentiments about the song and Sheeran’s delivery.
Michael Gudinsk poses for a portrait session on 25th September 2006 in Melbourne, Australia | Photo: Getty Images
The “Shape of You” singer was not the only celebrity to pay tribute to Gudinski. Scottish-Australian singer Jimmy Barnes shared the stage with his daughter Mahalia and performed a rendition of the Cold Chisel hit “When the War Is Over.”
According to People, Gudinski was an entrepreneur and music executive who played a pivotal role in his native country’s music industry. He reportedly died on March 2 at the age of 68.
However, his cause of death is unknown. According to the outlet, many media publications reported that Gudinski died in his sleep at his Melbourne, Australia home.
Sydney radio station 2GB reported otherwise and said he suffered a heart attack. Sheeran's performance came on Wednesday night during the live-streamed memorial held at the Rod Laver Arena, where he debuted his song "Visiting Hours."
More than 7,000 guests were in attendance at the stadium. According to the Guardian, tributes began pouring in on social media Tuesday. Among those tributes was Bruce Springsteen, who reportedly said that Gudinski was "first, last and always a music man" who was deeply soulful.
Gudinksi reportedly championed Australian acts for five decades. He also brought to his native land global artists such as Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, and Sheeran.