Australian talent manager and musician Glenn Wheatley has died at the age of 74. It is understood that the music promoter was ill due to contracting coronavirus and passed away due to complications in Melbourne on Tuesday, 1st of February 2022.
Born on January 23rd 1948, Wheatley started as a musician in Brisbane, as a part of the rock band “The Master Apprentices.” He joined the group as bass guitarist in 1968 and produced hit singles “Turn Up Your Radio” and “Because I Love You” before the band stopped in 1972.
The music industry figure is known for managing "The Little River Band", launching John Farnham’s career and managing Delta Goodrem. In the 1980s, Wheatley mortgaged his home to help raise funds for the recording of Farnham's number one album, “Whispering Jack” which produced the iconic anthem, “You’re the Voice.”
Also known as a radio pioneer, he set up the first commercial FM station in Australia.
In 2007, Wheatley was sentenced to 15 months in prison for tax evasion. He pleaded guilty to avoiding paying tax between 1994-2003 and spent 10 months in jail and the rest of his sentence was served in home detention with electronic surveillance.
"The Master Apprentices" posted a tribute to Wheatley, saying they were deeply saddened by the passing of Glenn. "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Glenn Wheatley..."
John Farnham also took to social media to share his grief writing, "Devastating news… there are no words, our hearts are broken. Our love and thoughts to all who loved Glenn, especially his family... he was one of a kind, special to so many …#glennwheatley".
Devastating news… there are no words, our hearts are broken. 💔 Our love and thoughts to all who loved G lenn, especially his family... he was one of a kind, special to so many …#glennwheatley
— John Farnham (@JacksPlaceJF) February 1, 2022
Gutted … what a man … what a life … what a beautiful family … R.I.P. #glennwheatley
— Richard Wilkins (@RichardWilkins) February 1, 2022
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. May he Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/Obx1tTpnPv
— Marcia Hines (@TheMarciaHines) February 1, 2022
He was married to actress Gaynor Martin and had three children, Tim, Samantha and Kara.
Image Credit: (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
