The Australian music scene is in the present day mourning the lack of Glenn Wheatley who died on the age of 74 from COVID-19-related problems.
The music promoter had been sick with coronavirus for the previous few weeks, and is believed to have handed away in Melbourne yesterday.
Wheatley turned a serious behind-the-scenes determine within the music business after launching the profession of legendary singer John Farnham and later oversaw Delta Goodrem's profession.
Brisbane-born Wheatley performed bass within the Masters Apprentices in the course of the Nineteen Sixties.
He then quickly moved to administration, overseeing the Little River Band within the Seventies and launching them within the US.
Nevertheless it was Wheatley's partnership with John Farnham in the course of the Nineteen Eighties that established him as a music business heavyweight.
Wheatley even mortgaged his own residence, placing all the things on the road to assist pay for the recording of the hit album 'Whispering Jack'.
It was one among music's best gambles however paid off as Farnham catapulted to international success.
The album, which included the well-known anthem You are The Voice, offered greater than 1.6 million copies.
Later, Wheatley managed Delta Goodrem after discovering the pop singer as a teenager. He additionally labored with rock musician James Reyne.
However there have been additionally low factors for Wheatley.
In 2007, he was sentenced to fifteen months in jail for tax evasion following an inquiry by the Australian Taxation Workplace into offshore tax havens.
It's understood that Wheatley contracted COVID-19 round Christmas time and has spent latest weeks in a Melbourne hospital in ICU, battling the sickness.
Figures within the Australian music business in the present day paid tribute to Wheatley.
9 Leisure Editor Richard Wilkins stated he was "gutted" to listen to of Wheatley's demise.
Talking to Right now, Wilkins described the music icon as a household man who cherished spending time along with his spouse Gaynor and kids.
"He and Gaynor had been by means of thick and skinny collectively and she or he's such an exquisite individual," he stated.
"Everyone's hearts are along with her and the three beautiful kids.
Wilkins stated Wheatley was one of many founding fathers of the Australian music business and FM radio.
"It isn't overstating to say that Glenn was one of many founding members of the Australian music business," he stated.
"He opened the door, actually, for different acts like INXS and Air Provide. He was one of many founding fathers - FM Radio in Melbourne I believe, was the primary business FM station in Australia.
"He cherished his Swannies or the South Melbourne Soccer Membership."
Wilkins stated he was "actually, actually unhappy" when he obtained the information about his expensive pal's demise.
"I do not assume anybody within the Australian music enterprise has had any sleep," he stated.
"Glenn leaves an enormous gap."
Music journalist and pal Glenn A. Baker additionally echoed Wilkins' sentiments, saying he left a large mark on the Australian business.