AN UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT AT ROD LAVER ARENA
There are concerts you enjoy, and then there are nights you know you will never forget.
The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend — The Celebration Concert was exactly that.
Rod Laver Arena became the centre of Australian music for an emotional, nostalgic and at times wonderfully funny celebration of John Farnham, bringing together more than 120 artists and musicians to honour the man generations simply know as The Voice.
Host Richard Wilkins set the tone early, revealing Farnham had played an extraordinary 94 sold-out shows at Rod Laver Arena during his career.
“And tonight makes 95,” Wilkins said.
There was also a poignant acknowledgement of Farnham’s late manager and lifelong friend Glenn Wheatley.
“And sadly, John’s lifetime friend and manager Glenn Wheatley won’t be here for this one.”
But in true Farnham fashion, Wilkins quickly brought back the humour.
“Let’s get on with the show. And as John would say, the dunnies are out the back and you’re not allowed to smoke.”
And with that, we were off.
Under the musical direction of Farnham’s longtime collaborator Chong Lim AM, a 38-piece orchestra and The John Farnham Band provided the backbone for a huge line-up including Tina Arena, Jimmy Barnes, Kate Ceberano, Vanessa Amorosi, Mahalia Barnes, Diesel, Jack Jones, Richard Marx, Jessica Mauboy, Jon Stevens, Keith Urban and Rob Farnham.
For me, Jack Jones was a clear standout. His vocals soared, with extraordinary power and tones at times reminiscent of Farnham himself.
Tina Arena, Kate Ceberano, Vanessa Amorosi and Mahalia Barnes were powerhouses, each taking on Farnham’s catalogue with their own unmistakable voices.
Chris Martin delivered one of the most touching surprises, performing a song he had written paying tribute to Farnham and the late Shane Warne. Heart-wrenching one moment and wonderfully funny the next, its message ultimately came back to one thing — Farnham is the best. He is The Voice.
Keith Urban delivered a magical Burn for You with his guitar, while Richard Marx had the crowd on its feet.
Jimmy Barnes and Diesel were incredible, while Jon Stevens gave everything he had and was one of the most present performers on stage throughout the night.
Then came one of the evening’s most personal moments.
Farnham’s son Rob Farnham paid a beautiful tribute to his father before performing himself. Like father, like son — his vocals soared, and watching him carry his father’s music on that stage was incredibly moving.
International tributes added another dimension. Celine Dion, appearing remotely from Paris, delivered a performance that left us breathless, while Hugh Jackman spoke beautifully about Farnham’s influence, describing John as a mentor who helped shape the performer he became.
But perhaps the greatest nostalgia came from seeing Farnham’s band members from across the years reunited.
These were the musicians who had lived the journey with him, and seeing them together again made the night feel like Australian music history unfolding in front of us.
The finale could only ever be You’re The Voice.
With the artists together on stage, joined by 24 pipers, thousands inside Rod Laver Arena rose and sang.
It was huge. It was emotional. And it was unmistakably Australian.
The concert also supported Head and Neck Cancer Australia, providing a national platform for awareness and fundraising.
Walking out of Rod Laver Arena, it was impossible not to feel we had witnessed the closing of an extraordinary chapter.
Not the end of John Farnham’s legacy — that will live forever — but a celebration that brought decades of music, friendship and memories together one more time.
Ninety-five sold-out nights at Rod Laver Arena.
On this one, John didn’t need to be standing centre stage.
His music did it for him.
I will never forget this concert.
There is only one John Farnham.
And there will only ever be one The Voice.
Please donate to Head and Neck Cancer here, and help make a difference https://www.headandneckcancer.org.au/
By Melinda Sullivan in association with KOBPR.
