Aussie music icon confirms he’ll never sing again as tribute concert details revealed
The music legend has confirmed he will never sing live again as a tribute concert starring Celine Dion and Hugh Jackman is announced.
Aussie music icon John Farnham has made the devastating confession that he will never sing live again.
The 76-year-old, who has been out of the public eye since 2022 after undergoing several surgeries for oral cancer, has opened up about what life looks like since his diagnosis and sadly for many, it doesn’t involve belting out his classic ballads on stage anymore.
“We can rule that out,” he told The Herald Sun.
“Because of the surgeries to my mouth and face over the past few years, singing on stage is not something I can consider again. It’s just not possible.”
Affectionately known as The Voice, Farnham has gained a huge following of supporters, all hopeful to one day hear the music legend’s classic tracks live again.
Now, thanks to a handful of A-list musicians from around the globe, and a huge push from music promoters Paul Dainty and Tony Cochrane, it‘s happening.
A massive tribute concert honouring the Australian music icon has been confirmed for the end of the year.
Superstars including Hugh Jackman, Celine Dion, Keith Urban, Jimmy Barnes and Richard Marx will headline the concert set to take place at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on September 20th, with funds raised going to head and neck cancer charities.
During the interview, Farnham revealed that he had initially rejected the idea from the promoters, admitting the thought of a tribute show while he was still alive made him feel “terribly uncomfortable”.
He rejected their offers twice.
“When Paul and Tony first spoke with me about this idea late last year, I said no. I didn’t want it to happen at all. It sounded too much like a big, crazy idea and frankly, a lot of fuss and work for everyone. No one needs to come and do this for me. I’m not dead yet, remember,” he told the publication.
“But Tony and Paul were very patient and just left it with me to think about some more. When they came back to me again I still said no, for the same reasons.”
The suggestion of raising money for charities that assisted him through his own cancer journey helped move things along.
“That changed my mind. I had to look at this a different way,” he said.
“I’m gobsmacked and truly grateful that everyone has said yes. It is truly humbling and I can’t thank them enough for what they will be doing for this cause, which is very special and personal for me.”
John Farnham (left) pictured with the late Olivia Newton-John in 2015. Picture: David Anderson
Farnham was diagnosed with mouth cancer in August 2024, forcing him to retire from his multi-platinum music career and benching the thought of yet another “farewell tour”.
He underwent a lifesaving 12-hour surgery to remove the cancer, which was followed up by facial and jaw reconstructions, leaving him with significant physical and emotional challenges, including speaking, eating and of course, singing.
“There is still a long road of recovery and healing ahead of us,” but we know John is up for the task,” wife Jill said in a statement at the time.
Proving he was still putting up a good fight, the legendary singer was seen for the first time in months in a family photo shared in December 2024, during a family Christmas celebration.
Dressed in a blue checkered shirt with a sleeveless vest over the top and reading glasses casually placed over the collar, the You’re The Voice rocker appeared to be in good spirits sitting at the end of the dining table smiling.
Farnham told The Herald Sun that his family has kept him strong during his toughest years.
“It’s a simple answer – Jill. I honestly don’t think I’d be here if it wasn’t for her. She has been through everything with me,” he shared.
“Throughout it all, Jilly kept reminding me why I needed to keep pushing through. And it wasn’t just me – she was supporting the boys and the whole family at the same time. Everyone needs to know, Jill is the rock for all of us.”
Tickets for The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend tribute concert will go on sale June 2 via Ticketek.