One of the pioneers of the Australian music industry, Glenn Wheatley has died at the age of 74.
Wheatley, who managed entertainers such as John Farnham and Delta Goodrem during his career, reportedly died after being hospitalised with COVID-19. Wheatley, who was double vaccinated, passed away after fighting for several weeks.
The Queensland-born Wheatley was bassist for The Masters Apprentices in the 1960s, playing on the hits Turn Up Your Radio and Because I Love You.
He established the Wheatley Organisation in 1975 and became manager of Little River Band.
Little River Band founding member Glenn Shorrock told ABC Breakfast it was a sad day for Australian music.
“We first met back in the mid ’60s, he came from Brisbane and I came from Adelaide with the Twilights. The Masters Apprentices, he played bass for them, not very well I might add,” he said.
Shorrock said his old friend was passionate about Australian music and thought musicians were getting a raw deal.
“He fought for better royalty rates and more money for struggling musicians and because of people like him, we have what they call an industry now, rather than a hobby.”
Wheatley famously mortgaged his house to bankroll Farnham’s 1986 comeback Whispering Jack, which went on to become one of Australia’s biggest-selling albums.
It would revitalise Farnham’s career and the last song added to it – You’re The Voice – became an Australian pop anthem.
Farnham said Wheatley was one of a kind and special to many people.
“Devastating news. Our hearts are broken, our love and thoughts to all who love Glenn, especially his family,” he said in a statement on ABC radio.
Shorrock also described Wheatley as a generous man who negotiated some great deals for musicians.
“His goal was similar to mine, to make great music in Australia and take it to the world, he did that in spades,” he said.
Wheatley also managed Goodrem, helping launch her 2003 debut Innocent Eyes.
But his life was a rollercoaster of extraordinary ups and downs and he “lost everything” after investing in a nightclub just before the global financial crisis, leading him to living in his in-laws’ house.
He also spent about 10 months in jail in 2007 after pleading guilty to charges of tax evasion.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said it would be a difficult time for Wheatley’s family, but they should be proud of his contribution to the music industry.
“What I’ll offer today is obviously the sincere condolences of all Victorians particularly those who are fans of Aussie music,” he said.
“To him we say thank you and to those who loved him and were close to him we say how sorry we are that he was gone too soon.”
The Masters Apprentices said on Facebook that Wheatley had “left his mark forever on Australian Music”.
“We will miss him greatly. Our deepest sympathies to his wife Gaynor, son Tim and daughters Samantha and Kara.
“Always a Masters Apprentice! With thoughts, memories and love – Brian, Mick, Gavin, Rick, Craig and Bill.”
Kate Ceberano paid tribute to Wheatley on Twitter.
“Glenn the rock’n’roller, the rascal, the dreamer, the hustler, the optimist, the manager, the visionary. Deepest condolences to the Wheatley family, Glenn the great!”
Singer Marcia Hines also posted her condolences.
“I woke to the sad news that Glenn Wheatley has passed away. My condolences to his wife Gaynor, and all of his family, during this ever so sad time,” she wrote.
“May he Rest In Peace.”
AAP
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