Music, Melbourne & Me: 40 years of Mushroom and Melbourne’s Popular Music Culture

Michael Gudinski and Graham 'Shirley' Strachan circa 1970s courtesy of Peter Green hiresMusic, Melbourne & Me: 40 years of Mushroom and Melbourne’s Popular Music Culture is a celebration of the last four decades of popular music represented through music, songs, posters, photographs, costumes, memorabilia and iconic rock venues.

A visually and aurally rich exhibition, Music, Melbourne & Me encapsulates the story behind the growth of the city’s music industry. It celebrates the success of Melbourne recording artists both nationally and internationally and highlights in particular the commencement and success of Australia’s biggest independent record label, Melbourne’s own Mushroom Records, founded by Michael Gudinski in 1972.

The exhibition has been curated by Suzanne Davies, RMIT Gallery Director and Chief Curator, and Dr Kipps Horn, Program Director of RMIT’s Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry), with curatorial input from Michael Gudinski AM, CEO of The Mushroom Group of Companies.

Ms Davies said the exhibition developed from research by RMIT’s School of Media and Communication into aspects of celebrity, nostalgia and popular music culture.

“Melbourne is Australia’s home of live music and over the past 40 years, live music venues, fashion and all other aspects of fandom and celebrity have become integral to the lives of many Melburnians – something this exhibition will celebrate.”

The exhibition features many items from the Mushroom Groups extensive memorabilia collection, plus items never before seen in public exhibition from the personal collections of Michael Gudinski, Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum, Kylie Minogue, Skyhooks, Split Enz and Crowded House.

Mr Gudinski said he was thrilled to be working together with RMIT Gallery to co-present Music, Melbourne & Me: 40 years of Mushroom and Melbourne’s Popular Music Culture.

“I’m very proud of the many achievements and huge success of the Mushroom Group artists and companies,” said Mr Gudinski.

“I’m equally as excited that so many Melbourne artists have also achieved success both nationally and internationally, many of whom you will see represented in this exhibition at RMIT Gallery.”

“Melbourne is certainly one of the greatest cities in the world to enjoy music and this exhibition is a great way to celebrate the past and preview the future.”

Music, Melbourne & Me: 40 years of Mushroom and Melbourne’s Popular Music Culture
RMIT Gallery, 344 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Exhibition continues to 22 February 2014
Free entry

For more information, visit: www.musicmelbourneandme.com for details.

Image: Michael Gudinski and the late Graham ‘Shirley’ Strachan – circa 1970s (courtesy of Peter Green hires)