John FarnhamJohn Farnham has confirmed that you’ll never see him perform on stage or in a public forum again, citing his experience with mouth cancer and subsequent surgeries, making the task “impossible.”
The Whispering Jack icon shared the fact in a new interview with the Herald Sun – his first interview in four years.
“We can rule that out,” Farnham said of returning to the stage. He explained, “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.”
In August 2022, Farnham was hospitalised after a cancerous growth was found in his mouth. A few weeks later, he was discharged from the hospital and moved to a rehabilitation facility to continue his treatment. Nine News reports that the surgery took 12 hours and required 26 surgeons.
In July 2023, Farnham was declared “cancer-free.” In June 2024, the first public photos of the singer were shared from his son Rob’s wedding.
During the interview with the Herald Sun, Farnham also revealed that he was initially opposed to having a tribute concert held in his honour, declining the idea from promoters Paul Dainty and Tony Cochrane twice.
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However, the idea of a concert raising funds for Head and Neck Cancer Australia – a foundation that supported him during his cancer battle – changed his tune.
This morning, it was announced that Celine Dion, Richard Marx, Jimmy Barnes, Kate Ceberano, and many others would perform at a concert called John Farnham: A Living Legend.
Hugh Jackman and Celine Dion will have their performances broadcast via satellite. For the performers in the room, they’ll be backed by Farnham’s legendary band, led by Chong Lim, as well as a 38-piece orchestra.
“It made me feel terribly uncomfortable, to be honest,” Farnham said of when he was first approached about a tribute concert.
Adding that Dainty and Cochrane came up with the idea last year, and he said no, Farnham explained that he felt a tribute concert “sounded too much like a big, crazy idea and frankly, a lot of fuss and work for everyone.”
He added, “No one needs to come and do this for me. I’m not dead yet, remember. 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.”
When he was presented with the idea that the concert would raise essential funds for Head and Neck Cancer Australia, Farnham changed his tune. “That changed my mind. I had to look at this a different way,” Farnham shared.
He continued, “So, here we are. 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.”
