John Farnham will not attend the Melbourne tribute concert held in his honour on Sunday after his family revealed that his health has deteriorated significantly in recent months.
The Australian music legend had been expected to join the celebration at Rod Laver Arena, which will raise funds for Head and Neck Cancer Australia. His family said he now requires continuous oxygen, a wheelchair and round-the-clock nursing care at home.
More than 120 artists are due to appear at The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend, including Keith Urban, Jimmy Barnes, Tina Arena and Kate Ceberano. Celine Dion and Hugh Jackman are also set to take part via satellite.
In a statement issued on Saturday night, Farnham’s wife Jill and sons Robert and James said he had been “deeply moved” by the preparations for the concert and the generosity of those involved.
“Many people have been asking whether John will be involved in the concert or attending tomorrow night to watch it all happen,” they said. “Unfortunately, he will not be able to attend.”
The family said they had kept his changing medical needs private while they adjusted to his condition, but wanted supporters to understand why he would not be present.
John Farnham’s health has deteriorated
“John’s health has deteriorated in recent months,” the statement said. “He now requires continuous oxygen support and uses a wheelchair for mobility.”
It added that 24-hour nursing care had become necessary to ensure trained support was available whenever he needed it. The family said they had decided it was safest and most comfortable for him to remain at home.
“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.”
Farnham, who initially felt uneasy about the attention surrounding the event, agreed to the concert after it was suggested that it could support head and neck cancer charities. In May, he said he was “gobsmacked and truly grateful” that so many performers had agreed to take part.
“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,” he said at the time.
Farnham was diagnosed with oral cancer in 2022 and underwent a 12-hour operation in Victoria to remove and reconstruct part of his jaw. The treatment left him facing difficulties with speaking, eating and singing.
A year after the surgery, he said he was cancer-free. He has since remained largely out of the spotlight, with his wife Jill supporting him throughout his health battles.
His family thanked fans for their messages of love and support, as well as the producers, artists, crew and production teams involved in Sunday’s tribute.
