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Celine Dion, Keith Urban, Chris Martin Lead All-Star John Farnham Tribute Concert
Confirmed
In Short: An all-star lineup performed at a tribute concert in Melbourne to honor Australian music icon John Farnham.
An all-star lineup of Australian and international artists gathered in Melbourne on Sunday to honor John Farnham, the Australian music icon behind 'You're the Voice,' at a star-studded tribute concert at Rod Laver Arena.
The concert, billed as The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend – The Celebration Concert, drew more than 120 performers, a 38-piece orchestra, and the John Farnham Band before a capacity crowd.
Proceeds from the event went to Head and Neck Cancer Australia, the charity that supported Farnham through his own cancer treatment since 2022.
The concert also marked the 40th anniversary of 'You're the Voice,' released in September 1986.
Emcee Richard Wilkins noted that Farnham has played the venue in a record 94 sold-out shows over his career, making the tribute concert his 95th.
Celine Dion performed the anthem via satellite from Paris, recalling that she had once sung it as a duet with Farnham during a Melbourne visit.
Keith Urban flew in from Nashville to perform 'Burn for You,' while Hugh Jackman appeared via satellite with 'Talk of the Town,' calling Farnham the reason 'the entertainer I am' exists.
The night also revisited Farnham’s celebrated turn as Jesus in the 1992 Australian arena production of Jesus Christ Superstar, with Stevens and Ceberano reuniting on 'Everything’s Alright.
Farnham, 77, did not attend the concert due to his health.
A sizzle reel of classic Farnham performances and candid moments that demonstrate his generosity and charisma started the concert proper.
The John Farnham Band was also on stage, including backing vocalists Lisa Edwards, Susie A’Hern, and Gary Pinto.
What this adds
The concert doubled as a celebration of the 40th anniversary of 'You're the Voice,' released in September 1986.
Farnham's family issued a statement via social media confirming he wasn’t well enough to attend due to his health deteriorating in recent months.
What's confirmed
- An all-star lineup of Australian and international artists gathered in Melbourne on Sunday to honor John Farnham, the Australian music icon behind 'You're the Voice,' at a star-studded tribute concert at Rod Laver Arena.
- The concert, billed as The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend – The Celebration Concert, drew more than 120 performers, a 38-piece orchestra, and the John Farnham Band before a capacity crowd.
- Proceeds from the event went to Head and Neck Cancer Australia, the charity that supported Farnham through his own cancer treatment since 2022.
- The concert also marked the 40th anniversary of 'You're the Voice,' released in September 1986.
- Emcee Richard Wilkins noted that Farnham has played the venue in a record 94 sold-out shows over his career, making the tribute concert his 95th.
- Celine Dion performed the anthem via satellite from Paris, recalling that she had once sung it as a duet with Farnham during a Melbourne visit.
- Keith Urban flew in from Nashville to perform 'Burn for You,' while Hugh Jackman appeared via satellite with 'Talk of the Town,' calling Farnham the reason 'the entertainer I am' exists.
- The night also revisited Farnham’s celebrated turn as Jesus in the 1992 Australian arena production of Jesus Christ Superstar, with Stevens and Ceberano reuniting on 'Everything’s Alright.
- Farnham, 77, did not attend the concert due to his health.
- A sizzle reel of classic Farnham performances and candid moments that demonstrate his generosity and charisma started the concert proper.
- The John Farnham Band was also on stage, including backing vocalists Lisa Edwards, Susie A’Hern, and Gary Pinto.
What's still developing
- “John, you’ve always been such a deep inspiration to me; I always loved to hear you sing,” she said.
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- The homegrown bill was equally deep, co-headlined by Jimmy Barnes, Tina Arena, Kate Ceberano, Jon Stevens, Jessica Mauboy, Vanessa Amorosi and Richard Marx, working through a catalog of Farnham hits.
- Although we’d hoped Farnsy himself would make an appearance at this celebration concert, his family issued a statement via social media to confirm he wasn’t well enough to attend.
- “John’s health has deteriorated in recent months,” the statement read.
- Emcee Richard Wilkins kicks off proceedings, explaining we’ll be entertained by “a cavalcade of supreme talent” – homegrown and international – all paying tribute to one of the finest voices Australia has ever produced.