John Farnham to Miss Melbourne Tribute as Family Shares Health Update

John Farnham will not attend the sold-out concert staged in his honour in Melbourne.

His wife Jill and sons Robert and James confirmed the news in a statement shared on social media ahead of the event on 20 September at Rod Laver Arena. They said his health has deteriorated in recent months and that travel to the venue was not possible.

The family said Farnham now needs continuous oxygen support and 24-hour nursing care at home. He uses a wheelchair for mobility. He will stay at home.

They said they had kept details private while adjusting to his changing needs. They decided it was best for him to remain where he can be safe and comfortable, according to the statement reported by Billboard.

The concert is titled The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend. It sold out in advance and features 120 performers personally selected by Farnham.

The lineup includes Jimmy Barnes, Tina Arena, Keith Urban, Jessica Mauboy and Kate Ceberano. Celine Dion and Hugh Jackman will appear via satellite. Proceeds from the show will benefit Head and Neck Cancer Australia.

Farnham, 77, was diagnosed with oral cancer in 2022. Treatment required a 12-hour operation involving 26 surgeons. He was declared cancer-free in 2023.

He has since said that singing again is "just not possible". In May he announced that he would never perform live again, as reported by news.com.au.

His sons had given a brief update on his recovery in August while raising funds for Daffodil Day, the Cancer Council's annual appeal. The new statement is the first detailed account of his current care needs.

For fans attending in Melbourne, this means the tribute will go ahead without its guest of honour in the room.