John Farnham ProfileThe family of John Farnham have taken to social media today to thank fans for their support ahead of the massive tribute concert at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne to provide an update on his current health.
In a heartfelt message, his wife Jill and sons Robert and James explained to fans that Farnham’s health has deteriorated to a stage where he will be unable to attend the concert.
“Unfortunately, he will be unable to attend and, as a family, we feel it is important to provide an update on John’s health to help explain why,” they said.
“John’s health has deteriorated in recent months. He now requires continuous oxygen support and uses a wheelchair for mobility. It has also become necessary for John to receive 24-hour nursing care at home, ensuring trained support is always available when he needs it.”
“As a family, we have decided that it’s best for John to remain at home, where he can be safe and comfortable.”
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. In February this year, the John Farnham Band re-formed to set a world record for the number of people singing his iconic hit You’re The Voice, before the announcement in May of this weekend’s The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend.
The one-night-only celebration at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, which sold out quickly, will feature an extraordinary line-up of 120 performers on stage, all showcasing John Farnham’s music and legacy. The tribute concert will raise funds for Head and Neck Cancer Australia, which supported the homegrown music icon with his two-year battle with mouth cancer.
Farnham’s longtime Musical Director, Chong Lim, is set to lead the musical direction and arrangements of the evening, which will feature a star-studded line-up of performers including Jimmy Barnes, Tina Arena, Vanessa Amorosi, Mahalia Barnes, Kate Ceberano, Diesel, Human Nature, Richard Marx, Jessica Mauboy, Jon Stevens, Keith Urban, Ross Wilson, and more.
Plus, global music icon Celine Dion and Australian actor and performer Hugh Jackman will appear on screens via satellite. For those who missed out on tickets, HOYTS cinemas will also be broadcasting live onto big screens around Australia.
Put together by Tony Cochrane (Cochrane Entertainment) and Paul Dainty (TEG Dainty), the concert will include 120 artists appearing on stage alongside a 38-piece orchestra, choir, and The John Farnham Band.
John’s health casts a sadness over the show that he will be unable to witness the outpouring of love that Australians have for the musical gift he has given us over more than five decades.
“John has been deeply moved by everything happening this weekend around the tribute concert at Rod Laver Arena,” the family said.
“The extraordinary work of the producers over these past few months, the generosity of all the artists giving their time and the dedication of the crew and production teams working so hard to deliver this special concert - none of it is taken for granted by John or any of us as a family. On John’s behalf, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
“If things were different, John would have loved nothing more than to attend the concert. He would undoubtedly have been a little overwhelmed by all the fuss, but he would also have wanted to thank everyone involved in person.”
“Thank you for your understanding and for the many messages of love and support John continues to receive. And to everyone involved in this weekend’s celebration concert: chookas!”.
