A celebration of a voice, a legacy and 60 years of music that has lived in the hearts of Australians.

Last night was far more than sitting in a cinema watching a concert on the big screen as could not get to Melbourne like so many. Thank god for Hoyts Cinemas for everyone that got to see it there.


For me, it was a sentimental journey through almost 60 years of being a devoted fan of what I have always affectionately called “His Masters Voice” — John Farnham. John was my first single and yes Sadie, and also picked Touch of Paradise to walk down the Aisle when married in 1987.

To be sitting at Hoyts with so many other fans, all sharing that same connection to the music we have grown up with, was something very special. You could feel it in the room I was in. These were not simply people watching a concert. They were people remembering moments of their own lives through the songs of John Farnham. The lady next to me said I meet him in the 80s on Gold Coast and kissed him on the lips. Loved that!

With that the Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend – The Celebration Concert, performed at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena and streamed live into Hoyts Cinemas around Australia, brought together an extraordinary collection of Australian and international performers to celebrate one of our most loved voices. but stop the press for Rob Farnham. John’s son stepped onto the stage to perform Love To Shine, and I have to say, he almost knocked everyone out of the water. There was something remarkably familiar about his voice and presence. At times it felt like hearing a younger version of his dad, and for fans who have followed John for decades, that was an incredibly emotional moment.

The evening was packed with some of Australia’s finest voices, all bringing their own interpretation to songs that have become part of our musical history. From Jon Stevens, Jessica Mauboy, Jack Jones, Mahalia Barnes and Human Nature in the opening performance of Age of Reason, the night immediately announced that this was going to be something much bigger than an ordinary concert.

There were international surprises too, including Celine Dion, Hugh Jackman and Chris Martin of Coldplay, appearing remotely.

Keith Urban delivered Burn For You, while Tina Arena, Jimmy Barnes, Diesel, Kate Ceberano, Vanessa Amorosi, Richard Marx, Ross Wilson, Mark Vincent, Mitch Tambo and so many others each brought something personal to the music.

And then came Hans from Germany. His performances of Raindrops and Sadie (The Cleaning Lady) brought some wonderful light relief to an evening filled with emotion. With his accordion and cheeky personality, he had the audience laughing and thoroughly entertained. He may not have been the performer anyone expected to steal a little piece of the show — but he certainly did.


Yet there was another emotional layer to the night. News had emerged that John is now receiving 24-hour care and oxygen after his health declined again over recent months. That news was heartbreaking for fans who have watched and supported John’s journey for so many years.
But rather than dampen the evening, it seemed to make the celebration even more meaningful.
Every voice on that stage felt as though it was there for a reason — to celebrate John, his music, his family and the extraordinary contribution he has made to Australian music.

The finale was everything you could hope for. After It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll), the artists came together for the unmistakable opening of You’re The Voice, joined by 24 pipers, choir and musicians.

And sitting there in the cinema, surrounded by people singing along, I realised just how much John Farnham’s music has become part of who we are.

This wasn’t simply a concert about looking back.It was about gratitude.Gratitude for the songs.Gratitude for the memories. Gratitude for the extraordinary artists who came together to honour him. And perhaps most importantly, gratitude for John Farnham himself.

For nearly six decades, his voice has been there through generations, celebrations, heartbreaks, weddings, parties, television, radio and some of the biggest moments in Australian music.

Last night, Australia gave something back. The concert was in aid of neck face cancer and this has raised so much awareness of this brutal cancer.
The love was in the air for John Farnham and this is the reason we all came together
What a night. What a voice. What a legacy. WE LOVE YOU JOHN!

(Photo by Martin Philbey