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Farnham Tribute: Aussie Icon Celebrated Without Him
21 Sep
Summary
- Hundreds gathered at Sydney's shopping center for a cinema concert.
- John Farnham's tribute concert raised money for Head and Neck Cancer Australia.
- Céline Dion and Hugh Jackman appeared via live telecasts.
Hundreds of fans gathered in Sydney shopping centers and cinemas nationwide to experience a tribute concert celebrating Australian music legend John Farnham. The event, held at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, was also livestreamed to cinemas, aiming to set a new record for Australian cinema broadcasts.
Farnham's family confirmed his absence, stating he requires 24-hour nursing care and continuous oxygen support, using a wheelchair for mobility. His health has deteriorated, preventing him from attending the tribute concert, titled "the celebration concert" for a "living legend." The event aimed to raise money for Head and Neck Cancer Australia, supporting Farnham's recovery from oral cancer in 2022.
Despite Farnham's absence, the concert featured over 120 artists and musicians. International stars like Céline Dion and Hugh Jackman made appearances via live telecasts, while Australian artists such as Keith Urban, Tina Arena, and Jessica Mauboy performed Farnham's iconic songs on stage.
The 77-year-old's surgeries mean he can no longer sing in public; his last performance was in February 2020. Farnham was named Australian of the Year in 1987 following the immense success of "Whispering Jack," which remains Australia's highest-selling album by a domestic artist. He holds a record for having a No. 1 record on local charts across five consecutive decades.
Attendees in Sydney experienced the concert in cinema seats, some reclining, while watching performances that evoked emotional responses. Celebrities like Céline Dion, who is currently touring in Paris and recovering from stiff person syndrome, beamed in to perform "You're the Voice." The concert also highlighted Australia's diverse culture, with acts like queer cabaret star Hans and Hugh Jackman participating.
The tribute concluded with a rendition of "You're the Voice," featuring Mitch Tambo singing in Gamilaraay and other performers joining on stage. The event served as a poignant celebration of Farnham's enduring musical legacy, with Chris Martin noting in a song that "One day we'll all be gone but the thing about John Farnham songs is they'll be living on."
