Michael Gudinski hailed as a genuine music man at state memorial in Melbourne

Music stars including Kylie Minogue,  Paul Kelly, Jimmy Barnes, Sting and Ed Sheeran have taken part in an emotional state farewell to Michael Gudinski at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena.

Mr Gudinski died in his sleep at the age of 68 earlier this month, sending shockwaves through the music industry.

In a moving tribute, Sheeran became emotional as he told the audience he processed bad news by writing songs.

He performed a new song and appeared to be overcome with emotion, walking off as soon as it ended.

Minogue, whose debut album was released by Mr Gudinski’s Mushroom Records, thanked him for taking a “scrawny girl from Melbourne to the world and back home again.”