Michael McMartin, the manager of classic Australian rock band Hoodoo Guru, has died aged 79.
The Canadian-born music industry professional, who led the band’s operations for more than 40 years, died on Sunday after a long illness.
In a statement from his family, Michael had been undergoing treatment for cancer for a number of years, but “succumbed peacefully to his disease around noon on Easter Sunday, surrounded by his beloved family.”
The Hoodoo Gurus paid their heartfelt tribute to their long-time manager, comparing his passing to a great loss within their own families.
“We are deeply grateful for everything we have shared and built together,” read a statement on the band’s Instagram.
Michael McMartin, the manager of classic Australian rock band Hoodoo Guru, has died aged 79. Pictured
The Hoodoo Gurus paid their heartfelt tribute to McMartin, comparing his passing to a deep loss within their own families. “We are deeply grateful for everything we have shared and built together,” read a statement on the band’s Instagram, alongside a throwback photo of their beloved manager
“More like a close family member than a friend or business partner, the history we share and the connection we have will always be present in our lives,” the band wrote alongside a throwback photo of their beloved manager.
Born on Vancouver Island and educated in Montreal, the Canadian moved to Australia in 1971, where he helped establish the independent recording and publishing company Trafalgar Records.
But in 1985, McMartin founded Melody Management and his first clients were the Hoodoo Gurus, which he managed until earlier this year.
“More like a close family member than a friend or business partner, the history we share and the connection we have will always be present in our lives,” the band wrote in their statement. Pictured in 1987
The four-decade collaboration with the band produced numerous hit singles, such as Leilani, What’s My Scene? and My Girl, as well as the gurus who were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2007.
But in February this year, the music manager announced he would be resigning from his position with the pop rock icons due to ill health.
“I really can’t find the words to express my feelings right now, but respect, love and gratitude would be part of it,” he wrote in a statement at the time.
The four-decade collaboration with the band produced numerous hit singles, such as Leilani, What’s My Scene? and My Girl, as well as the gurus who were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2007. The band pictured in 2007
‘Thanks to the Hoodoo Gurus, I have lived a life that I otherwise could only have dreamed of.’
The esteemed artist manager was honored with the APRA Ted Albert Award in 2007 for his significant and lasting contributions to Australian music, and in 2015 he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his distinguished services to the performing arts.
McMartin is survived by his wife Saskia, his son Hamish and his two grandchildren, Kiara and Koby.
“Thanks to the Hoodoo Gurus, I have lived a life that I otherwise could only have dreamed of,” the artist manager wrote in a statement earlier this year, when he was forced to step down from his duties due to ill health.
