Aussie music icon Glenn Wheatley, manager of John Farnham, The Little River Band and more, passes away at age 74
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The entire Aussie music world has been rocked at the passing of Glenn Wheatley who has died at the age of 74, due to complications related to COVID-19.
The renowned music promoter managed high-profile musicians such as John Farnham and Delta Goodrem during his career, and is said to be the man behind Little River Band’s success.
Australian musical industry icon Glenn Wheatley is dead at 74. Credit: AAP.
And even though he was an excellent musician, it was music producing and talent management that timelessly marked his name in the industry.
In 1975, he established the Wheatley Organisation and went on to become the manager of Little River Band, who became one of the world’s biggest rock bands of that decade.
Glenn Shorrrock, one of the founding members of Little River Band, said that Wheatley’s passing brought a very sad day for the Australian music industry.
He recalled how, back then, Wheatley was so passionate about Australian music and how he had to make sure musicians were not being undermined for their talents.
“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,” said Shorrock.
“His goal was similar to mine, to make great music in Australia and take it to the world, he did that in spades.”
Wheatley's partnership with John Farnham during the 1980s established him as a music industry heavyweight. Credit: AAP.
Reports said he even mortgaged his house to finance Farnham's 1986 comeback album Whispering Jack, which went on to become 24-times platinum, selling 1.7 million copies, and became one of the biggest-selling Australian albums of all time.
In September 1986, Farnham’s solo single You're the Voice peaked at No. 1 on the Australian singles charts and held the position for 25 weeks.
Australian rock historian Ian McFarlane described John Farnham as “the most successful solo artist in the history of Australian rock and pop”, a feat that was achieved largely due to Glenn Wheatley, who remained as the singer’s manager until his untimely death this week.
Glenn Wheatley also later worked with Aussie singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem for the release of her 2003 debut album Innocent Eyes, which went on to debut at number one on the Australian Albums Chart, making it the singer’s first number-one album.
The album also became the highest-selling album in Australia of that decade. As of today, Innocent Eyes is the most successful album in Australia in 19 years and is the second-best-selling Australian album of all time.
Glenn Wheatley’s passing made waves all over social media as countless people who worked with him from before expressed their grief and well-wishing to the late music legend’s family.
On their Facebook page, The Masters Apprentices also shared a video tribute for Glenn Wheatley.
Their caption reads: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Glenn Wheatley.
“Glenn joined Masters Apprentices in 1968. Glenn recorded hits such as 'Bridgette', '5:10 Man', 'Think About Tomorrow Today', 'Turn Up Your Radio' and 'Because I Love You'. He recognised that the band should be getting much higher fees for drawing huge crowds and fought for a fairer share of concert revenue.
“After Glenn left The Masters Apprentices in 1972 he went into band management and conquered the world with the likes of Little River Band, Australian Crawl, Moving Pictures, John Farnham and many others. He pioneered FM radio in Australia and organised the Hay Mate fundraiser concert appeals.
“He has 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.”
Credit: Antipodes
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