Sheeran shared his memories of Gudinski and his sadness at his sudden passing with his 31 million Instagram followers on Saturday.He also revealed an extraordinary story of Gudinski sending him a life sized bronze statue of himself following a highly successful tour of Australia.“It is so hard to put into words how much Michael meant to me and to all of us who knew him,” Sheeran wrote.“Michael was a tornado of joy.“You would know he arrived in the building just by hearing the chaotic bark of his, and you could feel the room get excited about the arrival of his presence.“He was such a force and would make everyone feel like they were the most important person to him.“He had a way with words that most people couldn’t understand.“We always joked he needed a translator because of the pure speed in which he would talk in a thick growling Aussie accent.“But his passion was always the thing you never needed translating, as you could feel it whenever he spoke.“He was a champion of up and coming artists and would always play me his new signing or even his new favourite unsigned act.“He was as excited and proud about putting out a new release on Mushroom (as) he was about bringing legends of music like McCartney and Springsteen to tour his home country.“His legacy is unmatchable and will live on for hundreds of years.“To me, and many others, he is the heart of Australian music and always will be.“We were first and foremost friends.“He was a father figure and a mentor to me, but also we enjoyed the peaks of our touring career together in 2018, breaking the record for most tickets sold in Australia.“He bought a giant ice sculpture to mark the occasion, which I found a strange thing to do in the Australian summer.“We holidayed many times with our families and together.“We had late night, early morning talks all over the world, from my house to his, from his hotel room to mine, in back of cars, planes, long walks. “Every memory I have of him is so clear and so precise, because every moment was electric.“When we finished the last tour he asked me what I wanted as an end of tour gift.“I said a life sized bronze statue of him so I could always have a drink with him in my house.“A year later this statue turns up.“Me and him have had a drink together with the statue many times and laughed about how ridiculous it is.“The night he passed I was very grateful to be able to share his favourite wine with him and say goodbye.“And (I) will be eternally grateful that I can now do this every night from now on.“Nothing will fill the void he left in our lives, but the memories we all have of him will live on.“He’s everyone’s favourite story, and I will make sure I keep sharing all of my amazing stories I have of him.“I’ve loved hearing everyone else’s this week.“In between the tears there has been laughter and joy remembering this titan of a man.”Sheeran signed the emotional post “number one son.”Gudinski died at his Melbourne home last week aged 68.Victorian Premier Dan Andrews confirmed there would be a state funeral held to celebrate Gudinski’s life and love of Melbourne and music.Stars including Kylie Minogue, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Dannii Minogue, Russell Crowe and Molly Meldrum have shared tributes to the legendary music promoter.fiona.byrne@news.com.au
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