Mega-stars unite as Farnham shares sad news
Aussie singing legend John Farnham has confirmed fans’ fears as music superstars join forces to raise money for Head and Neck Cancer Australia in his honour.
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Music legend John Farnham has revealed he will never sing or perform in public again despite recovering from mouth cancer.
The You’re the Voice singer told News Corp that “we can rule that out”.
“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,” he said.
Farnham made the comments ahead of the announcement of a tribute show on Friday. It will be headlined by stars such as Keith Urban, Celine Dion, Hugh Jackman and Richard Marx.
News Corp reports that the concert — The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend — will be staged at Rod Laver Arena on September 20.
It will raise money for Head and Neck Cancer Australia, which supported Farnham through a two-year battle with the disease.
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Farnham said he initially rejected the proposal from promoters Paul Dainty and Tony Cochrane for a tribute show — twice.
“It made me feel terribly uncomfortable, to be honest,” Farnham said in his first interview since leaving the spotlight to fight cancer in 2022.
“When Paul and Tony first spoke with me about this idea late last year, I said no.
“I didn’t want it to happen at all. It sounded too much like a big, crazy idea and frankly, a lot of fuss and work for everyone.
“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.”
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Farnham changed his mind when Cochrane and Dainty suggested the event could raise money for head and neck cancer charities.
“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.”
Farnham endured a marathon 12-hour operation in August 2022 to remove a cancerous growth from his mouth.
Part of his jaw was removed and he also had reconstructive surgery.
Months later in March 2023, Farnham caught a chest infection and was rushed back to hospital.
Then in August 2023, Farnham celebrated doctors giving him the “all clear” from cancer.
“I am the luckiest man I know right now. It’s been a year since my first surgery and to be honest I’ve lost count as to how many other procedures there’s been since then,” he said.
“I’m sure someone’s kept track of them all – let’s just say, there’s been a few.”
Farnham said he would mark the “special day” by enjoying a pizza – “because I can”.
“I can’t wait to see what might be next on the menu. Bring on 2024.”
In February 2024 he made his first public appearance at his son Robert’s wedding, posing alongside the bride and groom and standing next to his own wife, Jillian.
Tickets will go on sale through Ticketek on June 2.
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