Mullet-wig-wearing punters queue at the Bunnings sausage sizzle outside Gate 4 of Rod Laver Arena, which is raising additional funds for Head and Neck Cancer Australia’s Lend Your Voice campaign.
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. “He now requires continuous oxygen support and uses a wheelchair for mobility.”
When Farnsy’s image appears on the screen throughout, it’s hard not to feel sad he isn’t well enough to feel the love IRL.
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.
Wilkins informs us that “You’re The Voice” was released this week exactly 40 years ago and that Farnham has performed 94 sold-out shows on this very stage – “more than anyone else in history”.
A sizzle reel of classic Farnham performances and candid moments that demonstrate his generosity and charisma starts the concert proper. The scale of the production registers as soon as we clap eyes on the 38-piece orchestra and choir, led by Farnsy’s long-time musical director Chong Lim. The John Farnham Band is also on stage, including backing vocalists Lisa Edwards, Susie A’Hern and Gary Pinto.
Photo by Martin Philbey
Footage of Farnsy performing “Reasons” immediately reminds us why he was dubbed ‘The Voice’. Then enter Jon Stevens, Jack Jones, Jessica Mauboy, Mahalia Barnes, Human Nature and the Australian Girls Choir for a medley that includes “Age Of Reason”.
Love Music?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in Australian/New Zealand music and globally.
Steve Williams (The John Farnham Band) introduces “Chain Reaction” with one of the finest harmonica solos we’ve ever witnessed, and the crowd roars approvingly. Dannielle Gaha takes vocals on this one, which is further enhanced by a 14-member drumline.
The Steve Prestwich-penned “When The War Is Over” appeared on Cold Chisel’s Circus Animals album (1982), before Prestwich re-recorded the song when he was in the Little River Band (together with Farnham). Then Farnham recorded it as a bonus track for the re-released Age Of Reason record. Mahalia and Jimmy Barnes interpret this highlight masterpiece with aplomb tonight.
Coldplay’s Chris Martin scores the most LOLs this evening – via live-stream – with his custom song written just for John titled “Better Singer Than Me”. The story goes that Martin’s friend Shane Warne once told him, “My favourite is John Farnham/ He’s a better singer than you.” Martin prefaces his performance by hilariously suggesting that now would be a good time for a toilet break, because he won’t be able to see us leaving our seats.
View this post on Instagram
The concert also paid tribute to Farnham’s star turn as Jesus in the 1992 Jesus Christ Superstar arena production, which ran for 84 performances across Australia. This Australian Cast Recording debuted at #1, where it remained for ten weeks. Stevens and Kate Ceberano – his then co-stars: Judas and Mary Magdalene respectively – perform “Everything’s Alright” flawlessly, backed by a 16-piece adult choir. Ceberano commences on the B-stage at the end of the catwalk while Stevens performs from the top of the main-stage staircase before travelling down to join her. They look really chuffed with themselves after this one, and rightly so.
Note to self: listen to Farnham’s goosebump-inducing rendition of “Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say)” from this rock opera on the way home – it’s the GOAT.
Live via simulcast from Paris, Celine Dion nails “You’re The Voice” (as one would expect), augmented by four pipers spread evenly across the front of Rod Laver Arena’s stage. Dion reminds us she sang this song on stage with Farnham when she was in Melbourne eight years ago.
View this post on Instagram
Having travelled all the way from Nashville, Keith Urban performs “Burn For You” on the B-stage. Seated on a stool and accompanying himself on guitar, he basically wins the night. Urban’s performance is heartfelt and sincere, elevated by his gently weeping guitar solo. Close-ups of his furrowed brow, interpreting the song’s long-distance longing theme, suggest he’s got some lived experience to pull from. Already rated Urban, now completely obsessed.
More standout moments: John’s son Rob performing “Love To Shine” and showing off the vocal chops he inherited from his old man; Jack Jones reminding us “No One Comes Close” to sounding like Farnham (but he probably comes the closest); Diesel’s untouchable guitar solo during “When Something Is Wrong With My Baby”; Ceberano acing “Help”; Hans accompanying himself on accordion while singing “Sadie”, then quipping, “Beat that, Celine!”; Tina Arena owning “Angels” as a powerful prayer for John; and Barnesy and his wife Jane playing the bagpipes during “Long Way To The Top”!
View this post on Instagram
Mitch Tambo takes his position on the B-stage, together with Ezekial Tambo (on didgeridoo), to commence the “You’re The Voice” finale in the Gamilaraay language. Then the entire a-list cast returns to the stage, alternating lines. The deafening crowd sing-along drowns out not only the vocalists, but also the two dozen bagpipers on stage at this point.
View this post on Instagram
What a legacy! It’s safe to say Farnham would’ve been bursting with pride and crying happy tears while viewing this all-star tribute concert from the comfort of his own home.
