OBSERVER: The Songs of John Farnham
Terms such as ‘icon’ and ‘legend’ are overused these days. However both epithets fittingly apply when describing the Australian singer John Farnham.
Timely then that a benefit concert The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend has been announced.
A launch announcing the September 20 concert event was held in the foyer of Rod Laver Arena where the concert will be held.
Compered by TV personality Myf Warhurst, six people spoke about Farnham and the forthcoming tribute concert.
First up was General Sir Peter Cosgrove. The former head of Australia’s defence forces and former Governor-General of Australia, Cosgrove spoke highly of Farnham in relation to his entertaining Australian troops on a peacekeeping mission in East Timor.
Cosgrove was followed by the two co-producers of the concert, Paul Dainty and Tony Cochrane. That these two giants of the Australian music industry were there in-person to speak so warmly of Farnham and the planned concert spoke volumes as to the high regard and respect in which the singer is held.
The softly-spoken Dainty, a dignified presence, thanked several people and organisations vital to making the concert a reality. In contrast, Cochrane gave a bit of history and background to the event, all told with some good-natured larrikin humour.
Then Nadia Rosin, CEO of Head and Neck Cancer Australia, spoke as that organisation will be the major beneficiary of the concert.
To conclude the launch, video recordings were played of two of the high-profile performers performing at the concert, Hugh Jackman and Keith Urban.
Both spoke glowingly of the impact Farnham had had on their own careers and of his massive contribution to the Australian music industry.
The love and respect for Farnham was palpable at the launch and bodes well for the September 20 celebration of one of Australia’s best-known and most popular singers.
It promises to be a wonderful evening for celebrating a great artist and supporting a worthwhile cause.
Venue: Rod Laver Arena, 200 Batman Avenue, Melbourne
For further information about the event: rodlaverarena.com.au/event/the-songs-of-john-farnham-the-celebration-concert-melbourne-2026/
Peter Murphy

