John Farnham to skip the concert in his honour as ‘health has deteriorated’

A tribute concert event at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on Sunday night dedicated to John Farnham will be without its main man in the crowd.

The music icon’s family issued a statement on Saturday night confirming he won’t be able to attend The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend — The Celebration Concert, saying his “health has deteriorated in recent months”.

In a long statement, issued by wife Jill and the couple’s sons Robert and James, Farnham’s family said they wanted to be transparent about the singer’s condition.

“John has been deeply moved by everything happening this weekend around the tribute concert at Rod Laver Arena,” they began.

“Many people have been asking whether John will be involved in the concert or attending tomorrow night to watch it all happen. Unfortunately, he will not be able to attend and, as a family, we feel it is important to provide an update on John’s health to help explain why.

“John’s health has deteriorated in recent months. He now requires continuous oxygen support and uses a wheelchair for mobility. It has also become necessary for John to receive 24-hour nursing care at home, ensuring trained support is always available when he needs it.“

The family said as they’ve “adjusted to John’s changing needs”, they’ve kept the matter of his health private. But ahead of the concert event, they wanted “fans and supporters understand his circumstances and why he cannot be there this weekend”.

“If things were different, John would have loved nothing more than to attend the concert,” they said.

“He would undoubtedly have been a little overwhelmed by all the fuss, but he would also have wanted to thank everyone involved in person.

“As a family, we have decided that it is best for John to remain at home, where he can be safe and comfortable.”

The Australian music legend is rarely seen publicly since his 2022 oral cancer diagnosis and subsequent health battle. The most recent photos of him, released by the family, were to mark his 77th birthday in July.

Farnham was never meant to perform on stage during Sunday’s concert, so there are no changes to the line-up, which includes some of Australian music’s biggest names.

Set to take to the stage includes: Tina Arena, Jimmy Barnes, Mahalia Barnes, Kate Ceberano, Diesel, Hans, Human Nature, Jack Jones, Richard Marx, Jessica Mauboy, Ruby Rodgers, Jon Stevens, Mitch Tambo, Keith Urban, Mark Vincent and Ross Wilson.

Celine Dion and Hugh Jackman are also set to perform via satellite during the living tribute, which is raising money for Head and Neck Cancer Australia.

Adding a nostalgic element to the evening, Farnham’s longtime musical director Chong Lim will lead the John Farnham Band, alongside a 38-piece orchestra and choir.

Statement in Full

“John has been deeply moved by everything happening this weekend around the tribute concert at Rod Laver Arena.

“The extraordinary work of the producers over these past few months, the generosity of all the artists giving their time, and the dedication of the crew and production teams working so hard to deliver this special concert — none of it is taken for granted by John or any of us, as a family. On John’s behalf, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

“Many people have been asking whether John will be involved in the concert or attending tomorrow night to watch it all happen. Unfortunately, he will not be able to attend and, as a family, we feel it is important to provide an update on John’s health to help explain why.

“John’s health has deteriorated in recent months. He now requires continuous oxygen support and uses a wheelchair for mobility. It has also become necessary for John to receive 24-hour nursing care at home, ensuring trained support is always available when he needs it.

“We have kept these matters private while our family has adjusted to John’s changing needs. However, we now feel it is important that John’s fans and supporters understand his circumstances and why he cannot be there this weekend.

“If things were different, John would have loved nothing more than to attend the concert. He would undoubtedly have been a little overwhelmed by all the fuss, but he would also have wanted to thank everyone involved in person.

“As a family, we have decided that it is best for John to remain at home, where he can be safe and comfortable.

“Thank you for your understanding and for the many messages of love and support John continues to receive.

“And to everyone involved in this weekend’s celebration concert: chookas!

“Much love, Jill, Robert and James Farnham.”