John Farnham Rules Out Public Singing Due to Cancer Treatment Effects; Tribute Concert Planned
John Farnham, the Australian singer known for "You're The Voice," has stated he will not sing in public again due to the effects of treatment for oral cancer.
A tribute concert in his honor, "The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend," has been announced for September 20 at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, with proceeds benefiting Head and Neck Cancer Australia.
Health Update
Farnham, 76, was diagnosed with oral cancer in August 2022. He underwent a 12-hour surgery and was declared cancer-free one year later, in August 2023.
According to multiple reports, Farnham stated he is unable to sing on stage due to the effects of the surgery and treatment, including multiple facial reconstructive surgeries.
Farnham 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."
Tribute Concert Details
Detail Information Event Name "The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend" Date September 20 Venue Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Beneficiary Head and Neck Cancer AustraliaAccording to reports, the event was organized by Paul Dainty. Farnham initially felt uncomfortable with the tribute but agreed when the focus shifted to fundraising for head and neck cancer charities.
Performer Lineup
The event will feature 120 artists. The announced lineup includes:
- Celine Dion (via satellite from Paris)
- Hugh Jackman (via satellite from Los Angeles)
- Keith Urban
- Jimmy Barnes
- Tina Arena
- Human Nature
- Jessica Mauboy
- Kate Ceberano
- Richard Marx
- Ross Wilson
- Others
Farnham personally invited the artists to participate.
Background
Farnham's last public performance was at the Fire Fight concert in Sydney in February 2020. He is best known for the 1986 album Whispering Jack, which sold over 1.6 million copies. He has won 21 ARIA awards. His memoir, The Voice Inside, was released in 2024.
Ticket Information
Tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 2.
Related Event
The musical "Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical" is scheduled to premiere at Sydney's Roslyn Packer Theatre in November, with Michael Paynter in the lead role.