He established the Wheatley Organisation in 1975 and have become supervisor of Little River Band.
Supply: AAP
Little River Band founding member Glenn Shorrock instructed ABC Breakfast it was a tragic day for Australian music.
“We first met again within the mid ’60s, he got here from Brisbane and I got here from Adelaide with the Twilights. The Masters Apprentices, he performed bass for them, not very effectively I’d add,” he stated.
Shorrock stated his previous good friend was enthusiastic about Australian music and thought musicians have been getting a uncooked deal.
“He fought for higher royalty charges and extra money for struggling musicians and due to folks like him, now we have what they name an business now, fairly than a interest.”
Supply: AAP/Dean Lewins
Wheatley famously mortgaged his home to bankroll Farnham’s 1986 comeback album Whispering Jack, which went on to turn into one of many biggest-selling Australian albums of all time.
The album would revitalise Farnham’s profession and the final tune added to it – You are The Voice – turned an Australian pop anthem.
After mixing the preliminary model of the tune, Wheatley was left flat so Farnham jumped again within the recording sales space.
“He sang the livin’ bejesus out of it,” Wheatley stated in an oral historical past revealed in 2014.
Shorrock stated Wheatley was a beneficiant man who negotiated some nice offers for musicians.
“His purpose was just like mine, to make nice music in Australia and take it to the world, he did that in spades,” he stated.
Leisure reporter Richard Wilkins stated Wheatley was one in all three key Australian music business pioneers who had died within the final 12 months, together with INXS supervisor Chris Murphy and Mushroom document founder Michael Gudinski.
“He was one of many founding fathers of the Australian music business,” he instructed Sydney radio 2GB.
Wheatley additionally managed Goodrem, serving to launch her 2003 debut Harmless Eyes.
He spent about 10 months in jail in 2007 after pleading responsible to fees of tax evasion.
His life was a rollercoaster of extraordinary ups and downs and he “misplaced every thing” after investing in a nightclub simply earlier than the worldwide monetary disaster, main him to residing in his in-laws’ home.
Nonetheless, Wheatley was at all times optimistic and the final word deal maker.
“He at all times had a deal occurring – it was at all times going to be the following largest factor,” Wilkins stated.
I woke to the unhappy information that Glenn Wheatley has handed away,. My condolences to his spouse Gaynor, and all of his household, throughout this ever so unhappy time.
Might he Relaxation In Peace. pic.twitter.com/Obx1tTpnPv
The Masters Apprentices stated on Fb that Wheatley had “left his mark perpetually on Australian Music”.
“We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Glenn Wheatley,” the band posted on Fb.
“We are going to miss him vastly. Our deepest sympathies to his spouse Gaynor, son Tim and daughters Samantha and Kara.
“At all times a Masters Apprentice! With ideas, reminiscences and love – Brian, Mick, Gavin, Rick, Craig and Invoice.”
Glenn Wheatley was simply the nicest, most humorous, loyal good man. A cherished good friend, husband and father. His was a life lived effectively and totally however means too quick. I’m pondering of Gaynor and the household and the Farnhams at this time. Too quickly. #RIP
Kate Ceberano paid tribute to Wheatley on Twitter.
“Glenn the rock n curler, the rascal, the dreamer, the hustler, the optimist, the supervisor, the visionary. Deepest condolences to the Wheatley household, Glenn the nice!”
Singer Marcia Hines additionally posted her condolences.
“I woke to the unhappy information that Glenn Wheatley has handed away. My condolences to his spouse Gaynor, and all of his household, throughout this ever so unhappy time,” she wrote.
“Might he Relaxation In Peace.”