Frontier Touring legend steps back after 50 years

Australian music industry legend Mary Bainbridge has confirmed that she will be stepping back from her full-time role at Frontier Touring/Mushroom at the close of 2024, after nearly 50 years at the company.

Throughout her career, Bainbridge has been responsible for many areas of the touring business, but most recently has acted as Frontier’s senior ticketing and marketing lead and as a mentor to staff.

Originally hailing from England, she started her career at Mushroom’s Premier Artists in 1977 before moving into a role with the late Michael Gudinski.

From there she began to work across Frontier’s tours, including some of the most iconic and record-breaking tours in Australia and New Zealand’s history such as Kylie, Ed Sheeran, Madonna, Foo Fighters, Bryan Adams, Paul McCartney, The Police, Guns N Roses, Eagles, Taylor Swift, Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, Bruce Springsteen, Leonard Cohen and many, many more.

Bainbridge will consult with Frontier Touring until June 2025.

“With close to 50 years of experience, she has arguably seen and done it all”

“Mary Bainbridge is as legendary as the most iconic of artists that Frontier tours,” says Frontier Touring CEO Dion Brant.

“With close to 50 years of experience, she has arguably seen and done it all. Always reluctant to put herself out there she often refers to herself as Frontier’s chief bottle washer but everyone in the industry knows that Mary has been integral in developing the live music industry in Australia to where it is today and was Michael Gudinski’s right-hand woman up until his passing.

“She’s not quite rid of us yet, but I’d like to take this opportunity to recognise and thank her for everything she has done for Frontier Touring and the broader industry to date.”

Mushroom Group CEO and Frontier Touring director Matt Gudinski, adds: “I’ve known Mary for literally my entire life – she is an icon of our business who has contributed considerably to the cultural identity of both Mushroom and Frontier.

“Mushroom has always been about family and Mary has been a pivotal part of our family for close to five decades. It’s impossible to fully recognise her contribution over the years but on behalf of everyone at Mushroom I would like to thank her and wish her all the best for the future.”

Bainbridge comments: “Frontier and Mushroom have been a major part of my life and while I’m incredibly sad to be leaving, this does feel like the right time. Thank you to everyone for the many memories – some that can never be shared of course!”

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