The Songs Of John Farnham: A Living Legend The Celebration Concert
Minister for Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, together with producers Tony Cochrane AM and Thea Jeanes-Cochrane of Cochrane Entertainment Collective and Paul Dainty AO of TEG Dainty, announce a once-in-a-generation Melbourne only concert event – THE SONGS OF JOHN FARNHAM: A LIVING LEGEND THE CELEBRATION CONCERT to take centre stage at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday 20th September.
Global and Australian stars will lead an extraordinary lineup of 120 artists and musicians on stage for a powerful night of John Farnham’s music celebrating the extraordinary legacy of the icon — while helping to raise vital funds for Head and Neck Cancer Australia.
In a venue that has become synonymous with Farnham’s remarkable career— having set the record performing there an astonishing 94 times to more than 1 million people — this one-night-only celebration concert will unite on stage an unparalleled lineup of talent, all personally invited by John, to perform his extensive catalogue of songs.
A host of the world’s most celebrated performers will come together on stage at Rod Laver Arena, including 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.
Legends Celine Dion and Hugh Jackman will perform via satellite for a spectacular celebration of one of the nation’s most beloved voices — a rare coming together of artists whose own careers have helped shape the soundtrack of generations. More artists will be announced soon!
Adding to the scale and significance of the night, Farnham’s longtime musical director Chong Lim will lead the John Farnham Band, alongside a 38-piece orchestra and choir, delivering a rich, powerful sound befitting the catalogue that has defined generations.
More than just a concert, the event will serve a greater purpose — shining a spotlight on head and neck cancer and helping to raise funds for Head and Neck Cancer Australia.
John Farnham’s music has formed the soundtrack to generations of Australians — from the defiant anthem You’re the Voice, the emotional power of Burn for You, Age of Reason, and A Touch of Paradise.
Alongside classics like Two Strong Hearts, Pressure Down, and Chain Reaction, his songs have filled stadiums, united crowds, and become part of the fabric of Australian life — marking celebrations, milestones and deeply personal moments alike. These songs will be reinterpreted for one extraordinary night — a live musical anthology of a body of work that continues to unite, inspire and resonate across the world.
This special event reflects not only his musical legacy, but also his personal journey — and his desire to give back. Each artist appearing on the night has been personally invited by Farnham, a testament to the deep respect and admiration he commands across the global music community.
This is a single, unrepeatable moment in time — a one-night-only gathering of extraordinary talent to celebrate a living legend and create a piece of Australian music history — all celebrating the power of music to unite, uplift and inspire. The national significance of the event has been recognised by General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd), former Governor-General of Australia, whose support speaks to the profound place John Farnham holds in the Australian story.
Quote attributable to John Farnham:
I’ve been incredibly lucky to spend my life doing what I love, and even luckier to have Australians embrace my music the way they have. This night isn’t about me — it’s about giving something back and supporting a cause that means a great deal to me. The fact that so many extraordinary artists from around the world have so generously agreed to be part of this night is incredibly humbling and says far more about the spirit behind this event than it does about me. I hope everyone has a great night. Just enjoy the music and have a laugh too!
Quote attributable to Celine Dion
John Farnham is truly one of the great voices of the world. I have such beautiful memories of the time we shared on stage together — his generosity, his humour, and that incredible voice that fills your heart the moment you hear it. It’s such an honour and a privilege for me to be included to celebrate the extraordinary legacy John has given to music. He’s an iconic artist, and he’s also a deeply special human being. I know his songs will continue to live in people’s hearts for generations to come.
Quote attributable to Minister for Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos:
It’s going to be an honour for Melbourne to host what will be an unforgettable night paying tribute to an Australian living legend. We’re going to see stars from around the world playing John Farnham classics – so these will be the hottest tickets in town, and the show will be another big boost for our $46.7 billion visitor economy.
Quote attributable to Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements:
Live music is a key part of Melbourne’s identity and we can’t wait to celebrate the life and back catalogue of one of Australia’s most beloved artists. Exclusive live experiences like this strengthen Victoria’s appeal and help drive repeat visitation.
Quote attributable to Producer, Tony Cochrane AM of Cochrane Entertainment Collective (CEC):
I have been honoured to produce shows with John, like The Main Event, and to work with a rare Australian talent. John is both inspiring and highly entertaining – his sense of humour and Australian larrikinism are infectious.
Few artists have connected with audiences across generations the way he has, and this event is designed to honour that legacy in the most powerful way possible. These songs carry enormous emotional weight for so many people, and to hear them reimagined in one extraordinary night at Rod Laver Arena will be something genuinely unforgettable.
Quote attributable to Thea Jeanes-Cochrane of Cochrane Entertainment Collective:
These stars have all ‘stopped their world’ to recognise John, whose music is woven into the fabric of Australia and our nation’s story. John has lent his talent and stardom to so many Australians in need, including performing for the Troops in East Timor and fundraising through Hey Mate and Firefight, to name a few.
We felt it was the right time for Australia to support our living legend, by uniting our best talent to perform at Rod Laver Arena, and to support his charity, Head and Neck Cancer.
Quote attributable to Paul Dainty AO:
In 2020, we produced Firefight — a charity concert that brought 70,000 people together in Sydney at one of the most emotional moments in Australian history. John took the stage that night and delivered what would become his final live performance, closing the show with You’re The Voice – the audience response was electric and a goosebump moment.
It was his gift to the firefighters, to bushfire relief and to all of us. This night at Rod Laver Arena will give every person in the room the same goosebumps. Now it’s our turn to give back to John.
Quote attributable to Nadia Rosin, CEO of Head and Neck Cancer Australia:
John Farnham’s impact on the Head and Neck Cancer community has been profound, by sharing his experience, he has helped raise the voices of thousands of Australians facing a similar battle and helped the broader public better understand what is at stake. Each year, more than 5,500 Aussies are diagnosed with a type of Head and Neck Cancer, and too many still face delays in diagnosis, with these cancers able to have a profound impact on a person’s ability to breathe, speak, eat and smile after treatment. We are honoured that John, and his family chose Head and Neck Cancer Australia as the charity beneficiary of this event.
Quote attributable to General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd), former Governor-General of Australia:
In modern Australia there are so many people we would refer to as iconic. No performing artist in modern times has been more iconic that John Farnham. The fellow that we sit up for when he’s on the television, we listen closely when his music is played. He represents the exuberant sentimental Australian as well as anybody in my lifetime. God bless John Farnham.
Quote attributable to Melbourne Park CEO, John Harden
With 94 shows and more than 1 million fans, John Farnham’s legacy at Melbourne Park is undeniable. We are proud to support this event, celebrating John’s enduring influence on both the global music landscape and at Melbourne Park, Australia’s home of live events.
Quote attributable to Bunnings CEO, Mike Schneider:
John Farnham is a true Australian icon whose music has brought people together and given generations a voice for self-expression. We’re proud to be part of this special moment, celebrating the lasting impact he’s had on communities around the country while supporting an incredibly important cause.
Fundraising appeal runs from 2 June 2026 – 20 September 2026
Season Details
Venue: Rod Laver Arena| Melbourne
Date: 20 Sept 2026
For more information click HERE
