More than 120 music acts, including Céline Dion, Chris Martin, and Hugh Jackman, honored John Farnham during a sold-out tribute concert at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on Sunday. Farnham, 77, watched from home as family confirmed his health has deteriorated, requiring 24-hour nursing care and continuous oxygen support.
Hundreds of fans gathered at a Sydney shopping centre cinema on a balmy Sunday evening to watch a livestream of The Songs of John Farnham, an event that offered a poignant celebration of an Australian music icon who could not be present (The Guardian). The sold-out tribute brought together more than 120 artists and musicians at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, featuring a mix of remote performances and live stage appearances that spanned generations of the country’s music industry.
Family Health Update and Absence at Rod Laver Arena
Farnham’s absence from the arena loomed large over the evening. On Saturday evening, his family confirmed that the singer required 24-hour nursing care and would watch the event from home (The Guardian).
John’s health has deteriorated in recent months. He now requires continuous oxygen support and uses a wheelchair for mobility.
We have kept these matters private while our family has adjusted to John’s changing needs. However, we now feel it is important that John’s fans and supporters understand his circumstances and why he cannot be there this weekend.
Farnham’s family, via The Guardian
The 77-year-old artist’s surgeries mean he can no longer sing in public, with his last live performance occurring at a bushfire benefit concert in February 2020 (The Guardian). Sunday’s event also served to raise funds for Head and Neck Cancer Australia, the charity that supported Farnham during his oral cancer battle in 2022 (The Guardian).
Global Stars and Local Icons Pay Tribute to Whispering Jack
The concert’s massive lineup featured international heavyweights alongside pillars of Australian music. Céline Dion appeared live from Paris to perform You’re The Voice
accompanied by four bagpipers inside the arena. Dion previously sang the anthem with Farnham during her 2018 Melbourne show, calling him a deep inspiration
. Chris Martin delivered a surprise remote appearance, performing a new song written especially for Farnham titled Better Singer Than Me
—a humorous nod to a remark once made by the late Shane Warne.
Keith Urban flew in from Nashville to perform Burn For You
while accompanying himself on guitar, and Hugh Jackman appeared via simulcast to perform Talk Of The Town
after detailing Farnham’s profound influence on his own performance career.
- Jon Stevens, Jessica Mauboy, Jack Jones, Mahalia Barnes, and Human Nature opened the night with a rousing rendition of
Age of Reason
(Happy Mag). - Kate Ceberano and Jon Stevens performed
Everything’s Alright
from Jesus Christ Superstar, referencing the 1992 musical where Farnham played the title role (Happy Mag). - Jimmy Barnes and daughter Mahalia Barnes tackled
When Something Is Wrong With My Baby
, a track Jimmy and Farnham recorded together in 1991 (Happy Mag). - Farnham’s son Rob performed
Love To Shine
, a deeper cut from the landmark album Whispering Jack (Happy Mag).
Cinemas Sell Out as Fans Flock to Livestream Event
While the arena in Melbourne filled with fans, alternative venues saw similar enthusiasm. Hoyts warned ticket-holders to arrive early to manage delays for the expected large number of guests
(The Guardian). Audiences in cinema recliners purchased $35 programs and sported Farnham T-shirts while watching the broadcast (The Guardian).
Farnham was named Australian of the Year in 1987 following the astronomical success of Whispering Jack, which remains the highest-selling album by a domestic artist in Australia (The Guardian). He holds the record as the only Australian artist to secure a No. 1 record on local charts across five consecutive decades, alongside 21 ARIA awards (The Guardian).
An Emotional Grand Finale With 24 Bagpipers
The night concluded with the entire cast returning to the stage alongside 24 bagpipers for a final rendition of You’re The Voice
. Mitch Tambo performed the opening lines in Gamilaraay alongside Ezekial Tambo, blending traditional language and didgeridoo into the anthem before Jimmy Barnes, Vanessa Amorosi, Tina Arena, and Farnham’s son Rob crowded the stage for a final embrace (The Guardian, Happy Mag).
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