Australian music legend John Farnham has confirmed that he will never perform live again following his recovery from oral cancer. Speaking to the Herald Sun, the 76-year-old singer cited the devastating effects of his cancer surgeries as the reason for his decision.
Farnham's Statement on Live Performances
'We can rule that out,' Farnham said. '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.'
The You're The Voice hitmaker shared the sad news shortly before a tribute show, The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend, was announced on Friday. The concert will take place on September 20th at Rod Laver Arena and will feature performances by stars including Keith Urban, Celine Dion, and Hugh Jackman.
Funds raised from the event will go to Head and Neck Cancer Australia, an organization that supported Farnham during his cancer journey.
Initial Reluctance to the Tribute Concert
In his interview, Farnham revealed that he initially rejected the concert proposal twice when approached by promoters Paul Dainty and Tony Cochrane. 'It made me feel terribly uncomfortable, to be honest,' he admitted. He initially said no because the concert seemed like 'too much fuss' for everyone. 'No one needs to come and do this for me. I'm not dead yet, remember,' he added with a laugh.
Farnham explained that the promoters left him to consider the concert before approaching him a second time, but he again shut down the idea. The concept only gained his support after the pair suggested that the concert could help raise money for head and neck cancer charities.
'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 said.
Details of the Tribute Concert
Tickets for the concert go on sale at 10am on June 2 via Ticketek. Australian stars including Tina Arena, Jimmy Barnes, Jon Stevens, Kate Ceberano, and Jessica Mauboy will also perform.
In 2022, Farnham discovered a cancerous growth in his mouth after his wife Jill insisted he have a persistent mouth ulcer checked. The resulting operation removed parts of his mouth and jaw and lasted nearly 12 hours. He then underwent eight weeks of radiation and was declared cancer-free 12 months later.
In his memoir The Voice Inside, Farnham detailed his cancer ordeal. 'My facial disfigurement from the surgery means I can't open my mouth wide enough for a strip of spaghetti, let alone to sing,' he wrote. 'I can't get the movement to make the sounds I want to make, that's where the vibrations and my voice come from. It's a very disconcerting thing. And trying hurts.'
