If Mushroom Records’ 50th anniversary concert proved anything, it was that the legacy of the late, great Michael Gudinski lives on.
Over the weekend, five generations of esteemed Aussie acts paid tribute with 50 songs to the platform that launched their careers.
Mushroom Records has an unmatched catalogue, and the lineup at the anniversary event lived up to the hype.
From Cold Chisel’s Jimmy Barnes opening with electrifying hits to Vika and Linda’s Skyhooks cover, each act showcased the label’s diverse influence.
Jimmy Barnes. Credit: Tim Lambert, Mushroom Creative House.
The night featured a range of performances, from Missy Higgins‘ rendition of The Triffids’ 1986 classic, ‘Wide Open Road’ to The Rubens rocking their hit ‘Hoops’. Iconic artists like Ian Moss, Kate Ceberano, and Paul Kelly graced the stage, delivering unforgettable moments and covers.
Kate Ceberano. Credit: Tim Lambert, Mushroom Creative House.
Yothu Yindi brought a powerful set, emphasising First Nations representation with tracks like ‘Djapana’ and the influential ‘Treaty’. The show continued with Bliss N’ Eso‘s hip-hop collaboration and an intimate acoustic performance by Leonardo’s Bride.
Yothu Yindi. Credit: ZENNIESHIA Mushroom Creative House.
DMA’S brought a heavier moment with indie-rock hits ‘Silver’ and ‘Lay Down’. Dan Sultan’s emotional cover of Archie Roach’s ‘Took The Children Away’ left a lasting impact, setting the stage for Missy Higgins‘ beautiful duet and the Teskey Brothers’ soulful performance.
Ross Wilson and Red Symons surprised the audience with a Skyhooks classic, while Amy Shark’s rendition of Kylie Minogue’s ‘Can’t Get You Out Of My Head’ while Birds Of Tokyo’s performance received mixed reviews.
Ross Wilson & Red Symons. Credit: Mitch Lowe, Mushroom Creative House.
The night showcased the next generation of talent, with Logan’s energetic performance, WILSN’s delicate rendition of Renée Geyer’s ‘Heading In The Right Direction’, and Gordi’s cover of Split Enz’s ‘Message To My Girl.’
Mark Seymour of Hunters & Collectors brought the evening to a close with ‘Holy Grail’ and, during ‘Throw Your Arms Around Me’, a special cameo appearance by Ed Sheeran.
Despite the UK superstar delivering his performance prerecorded from the other side of the world, Seymour delivered his live, and kept mostly in-sync.
Hunters & Collectors. Credit: MitchLowe, Mushroom Creative House.
The event, a journey through Mushroom Records’ history, was a fitting celebration of 50 years in the music industry.
Here’s to another 50!
If you missed it, or want to catch it again, you can stream it now on 7Play.
