Hunters & Collectors’ classic ballad “Throw Your Arms Around Me” has had a life of its own since it was released into the world back in 1984. In the four decades since, Crowded House, Pearl Jam, Missy Higgins and many others have thrown their arms around the song.
Enter Ed Sheeran, who contributes his own cover of the Hunters’ signature song, the leadoff track on Mushroom: 50 Years of Making Noise (Reimagined).
The climax of a year-long slate of activities to celebrate Mushroom Group’s milestone anniversary, 50 Years of Making Noise is a star-studded project that celebrates the independent music company’s iconic artists and standout songs.
Vance Joy, Amy Shark, Jimmy Barnes, The Temper Trap and Paul Kelly are among the Mushroom Group artists who deliver reimagined cuts to the 50 Years of Making Noise, out today (Nov. 24). Many will back-up for a special, one-off Mushroom concert later this weekend.
Founded in 1972 by a then 21-year-old Michael Gudinski, the Mushroom brand has shaped Australia’s music culture ever since.
Today, the group is a two-dozen-strong collection of affiliates active in every conceivable area of the music and entertainment industries, from touring to booking agencies, publishing, merch and marketing services, venues, exhibition and events production, neighboring rights, branding, labels, talent management and more.
Matt Gudinski is now at the helm of the group, following the passing of his father Michael in 2021.
“What a remarkable collective of artists to reimagine some of the greatest Mushroom songs throughout our 50 years,” comments Mushroom Group CEO Matt Gudinski. “To complete the series with the release of Ed Sheeran singing one of Australia’s greatest songs ‘Throw Your Arms Around Me’ is a reflection of the relationships we hold with artists all over the world. A truly special moment for a special song.”
Sheeran is a fully-fledged member of the Mushroom Group family. He was besties with MG, and counts the younger Gudinski as a brother. When Sheeran tours Australia (and breaks records), he does it with Frontier Touring, a division of Mushroom Group. In March 2021, during the height of the pandemic, the British singer and songwriter made the long haul to perform at a state memorial for Gudinski at Rod Laver Arena, in the late Australian music industry legend’s hometown, Melbourne. On the night, Sheeran premiered “Visiting Hours,” a song he wrote for Gudinski in quarantine, awaiting entry into the country.
Rod Laver Arena is the setting for the Mushroom 50 Live concert this Sunday, Nov. 26, the culmination of the Mushroom 50 festivities. Billed as a landmark event featuring “50 Songs for 50 Years”, the celebration is a partnership with Telstra and ALWAYS LIVE, the state-wide celebration of contemporary live music supported by the Victoria Government through Visit Victoria, and the brainchild of the late Mushroom Group founder and chairman, Michael Gudinski.
Mushroom 50 Live will be broadcast on free-to-air Channel 7 and available to stream on 7plus. Performers on the night will include Amy Shark, The Teskey Brothers, DMA’S, Frente and more.
International stars alt-J, Garbage and, of course, Sheeran will share exclusive recorded performances to air during the broadcast and on screen.
Stream Mushroom: 50 Years of Making Noise (Reimagined) below.
Mushroom: 50 Years Of Making Noise (Reimagined) tracklisting:
Ed Sheeran – Throw Your Arms Around Me
Amy Shark – Can’t Get You Out Of My Head
Jimmy Barnes – Black and Blue
Vance Joy – Rock It
The Temper Trap – Under The Milky Way
Mia Wray – Delete
Magic Dirt – (I’m) Stranded
Alex Lahey – Ego Is Not A Dirty Word
Vika & Linda – Heading In The Right Direction
The Rubens – One Step Ahead
Mark Seymour – Even When I’m Sleeping
Budjerah & WILSN – Better Be Home Soon
Dan Sultan – Took The Children Away
Gordi – Covered In Chrome
Paul Kelly – Alone With You
Bliss n Eso – Hoops
Missy Higgins – Wide Open Road
FIDLAR – Get Free
