Ryan “Fitzy” Fitzgerald shares chance encounter with Michael Gudinski – following shock death at 68

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Nova radio host Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald shares his chance encounter with ‘extremely generous’ Michael Gudinski – following the music legend’s shock death at age 68

By Marta Jary For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald has paid tribute to Michael Gudinski, who died aged 68 on Monday. 

The Nova Radio host, 44, revealed in an Instagram post that he’d fallen asleep on a plane when he was woken by the Australian music industry legend – with a luxury gift on hand. 

Alongside a photo of the pair together on a plane, Fitzy wrote:  ‘I fell asleep on a plane once and was woken by the flight attendant who had a full bottle of champagne for me. 

Sweet: Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald (left) has paid tribute to Michael Gudinski (right), who died aged 68 on Monday. The Nova Radio host revealed in an Instagram post that he’d fallen asleep on a plane when he was woken by the Australian music industry legend – with a luxury gift on hand

‘I replied “I didn’t order that” and she then pointed to Gudinski in First Class and said “That man told me to wake you up, tell you to harden up and have a drink on him”. 

An extremely generous man who’s commitment and loyalty is legendary. The amount of lives he influenced on and off the stage is staggering. 

‘You are and always will be a powerhouse Michael, i could listen to your stories forever. Watch over us MG,’ Fitzy concluded. 

News broke on Monday that Gudinski died overnight aged 68. 

Kind: Fitzy wrote that he fell asleep on a plane once and was woken by the flight attendant who had a full bottle of champagne for him, sent by Gudinski in First Class, who told him to 'harden up and have a drink'. Gudinski is pictured with Kylie Minogue

Kind: Fitzy wrote that he fell asleep on a plane once and was woken by the flight attendant who had a full bottle of champagne for him, sent by Gudinski in First Class, who told him to ‘harden up and have a drink’. Gudinski is pictured with Kylie Minogue 

A flood of celebrity tributes poured in, including from Jimmy Barnes, 64,  who is mourning his friend of 50 years. 

‘Today the heart of Australian music was ripped out,’ Barnes shared earlier on Tuesday.

I felt it, my family felt it, the music business felt it, the world felt it. Michael Gudinski was not only that heart but he was my friend.’ 

Heartbreak: A flood of celebrity tributes poured in, including from Jimmy Barnes, 64, (right) who is mourning his friend of 50 years. 'Today the heart of Australian music was ripped out,' Barnes shared on Tuesday. Pictured together

Heartbreak: A flood of celebrity tributes poured in, including from Jimmy Barnes, 64, (right) who is mourning his friend of 50 years. ‘Today the heart of Australian music was ripped out,’ Barnes shared on Tuesday. Pictured together 

Meanwhile, Kylie Minogue – who Gudinski catapulted to international stardom – wrote her own heartbreaking tribute on Instagram.

‘MICHAEL GUDINSKI – Legend. Legacy. LOVE, ‘ Kylie, who alongside her sister Dannii had worked with Gudinski for decades, tweeted on Tuesday afternoon.

‘A titan of the music industry. One of a kind and forever family to me.

‘My heart is broken and I can’t believe he’s gone. Irreplaceable and unforgettable, I’ll always love you “The Big G”.’ 

Moved: Meanwhile, Kylie Minogue (centre) who Gudinski catapulted to international stardom - wrote her own tribute. 'My heart is broken and I can't believe he's gone. Irreplaceable and unforgettable, I'll always love you,' she wrote. Pictured with Molly Meldrum

Moved: Meanwhile, Kylie Minogue (centre) who Gudinski catapulted to international stardom – wrote her own tribute. ‘My heart is broken and I can’t believe he’s gone. Irreplaceable and unforgettable, I’ll always love you,’ she wrote. Pictured with Molly Meldrum