A star-studded lineup came together to celebrate John Farnham in Melbourne over the weekend.
The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend – The Celebration Concert took over a sold-out Rod Laver Arena on Sunday night, bringing together more than 120 artists and musicians from Australia and around the world.
While Farnham was unable to attend due to his declining health, some of music’s biggest names paid tribute to his career both in person and remotely – including Celine Dion, Chris Martin and Keith Urban.
Dion appeared via a live simulcast from Paris to perform Farnham’s signature hit, “You’re the Voice”, accompanied by four pipers inside Rod Laver Arena. The Canadian superstar previously performed the song alongside Farnham during her Melbourne concert in 2018.
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Coldplay frontman Martin also joined remotely, delivering an original song written especially for Farnham titled “Better Singer Than Me”. The light-hearted track was inspired by Martin’s friendship with the late Shane Warne, who once told him: “He’s a better singer than you.”
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Urban, meanwhile, travelled from Nashville for the concert and performed “Burn For You”, accompanying himself on guitar.
“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,” Rolling Stone AU/NZ wrote in their review.
The night also featured performances from a long list of Australian artists including Jimmy Barnes, Tina Arena, Jessica Mauboy, Kate Ceberano, Jon Stevens, Human Nature, Diesel, Mahalia Barnes, Jack Jones and Farnham’s son Rob.
The concert closed with an all-star rendition of “You’re the Voice”, beginning with Mitch Tambo performing in Gamilaraay language alongside Ezekial Tambo on didgeridoo before the full cast joined them on stage.
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“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,” Rolling Stone AU/NZ‘s review reads.
