John Farnham's Band To Attempt To Smash Australian Book Of Records With 'We Are The Voice'

Thousands of people are expected to gather and sing John Farnham classics for a good cause – and to enter the Australian Book Of Records.

On Friday, 13 March, Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl will be transformed into a utopia for those who love a singalong, as event director Chong Lim and the legendary Farnham Band will be joined by special guests to collectively attempt a world record for the most people singing John Farnham songs. A portion of the proceeds will go towards the Head and Neck Cancer Foundation.

Tickets to the event are available now via the Arts Centre Melbourne website.

“This will be a fun event at one of my favourite venues on the planet, and for a very worthy cause,” John Farnham said in a statement. “I have benefited from all the research done by Head and Neck Cancer Australia, and I am very happy to give back with this event.

“Singing my songs for a world record sounds like a challenge, but if they can get the lyrics right to my songs, they will be doing better than me! I can’t be there, but you will have Chong and the band, and some fine singers all doing their best.”

The Farnham Band will be performing together for the first time since taking to the stage for Firefight in 2020. A representative for the talented group of musicians commented, “The band and I can’t wait to perform together again for our wonderful fans.

“We are especially thrilled to be supporting The Head and Neck Cancer Foundation in honour of John’s support. See you all at the Bowl in this ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ special event.”

Nadia Rosin, CEO of Head and Neck Cancer Australia, explained that Farnham has become a “powerful” voice in spreading awareness of head and neck cancers, and that the concert carries an equally important message.

“John Farnham has become an unexpected but truly powerful voice for Head and Neck Cancer awareness,” Rosin said. “By sharing his own oral cancer diagnosis, he has shone a national spotlight on a cancer that is often misunderstood, frequently diagnosed too late, and can have a life-changing impact on a person’s ability to eat, breathe, speak, and swallow.”

Rosin continued, “This unique concert will be a fun and unforgettable celebration of one of Australia's greatest and most beloved entertainers in an iconic Victorian venue, but it also carries a powerful message.

“With more than 5,500 Australians diagnosed with a type of Head and Neck Cancer each year, raising awareness of the signs and symptoms and encouraging early detection can save lives.

“We are incredibly grateful to John, his family and team, and everyone involved for choosing to support Head and Neck Cancer Australia, and helping us educate, engage and empower communities across the country.”

Helen Taylor, co-founder of The Australian Book Of Records, added, “We are honoured to be able to come together with like-minded Australians and give back to our music icon, John Farnham. It is a small way of thanking him for everything he has done for Australians of different ages throughout the decades, with his wonderful music, charisma and talent.”

Moments such as 374 bagpipers coming together to pay tribute to AC/DC at Melbourne’s Federation Square last week and 6,779 people dancing to The Nutbush at the Mundi Mundi Bash have broken previous world records and have a uniquely Australian spirit.

FRIDAY 13 MARCH | WE ARE THE VOICE – JOHN FARNHAM WORLD RECORD SINGALONG | SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL | ALL AGES