John Farnham's 'Whispering Jack' Gets 40th Anniversary Edition with First-Ever Vinyl of Live Concert
John Farnham's Whispering Jack, the highest-selling album by an Australian artist in the country's history, is getting a 40th anniversary expanded edition that pairs the original 1986 LP with a live recording never before pressed on vinyl.
Sony Music Australia announced the reissue, with shipping expected on 18 September. The limited-edition vinyl is pressed on black and white wax, individually numbered from one to 2,500, and features cover art that reimagines the original sleeve through an inverted design. A two-CD set is also available, and Farnham has rolled out a merchandise line — apparel, mugs, accessories and more — to mark the occasion (Billboard).
The headline addition is Whispering Jack Live In Concert, recorded in Melbourne in 1987. The live set was originally distributed on DVD only and had never been available on vinyl before this release. For collectors who have waited decades, that alone is the draw.
Whispering Jack was released through Sony Music and spent 25 weeks at No. 1 on the Australian albums chart. It sold more than one million copies, becoming the first homegrown Australian LP to reach that mark — a record it still holds as the highest-selling album by a local artist in Australia. The album houses the hits 'Pressure Down,' 'A Touch Of Paradise,' and 'You're The Voice,' the latter a top 10 hit in the United Kingdom and widely called the unofficial anthem of Australia.
Farnham, now 76, underwent major surgery in August 2022 to remove a cancerous growth and entered a lengthy rehabilitation process. The anniversary edition arrives as fans continue to follow his recovery, with no suggestion of new touring or live appearances tied to the release.
For a record that defined a chapter of Australian pop, the 40th anniversary package is straightforward in its appeal: the original album, a live companion making its vinyl debut, and a collectible run small enough to matter to the people who want one.
