John Farnham has confirmed it is “just not possible” for him to sing or perform in public again after his recovery from mouth cancer.
“We can rule that out,” the Aussie music legend, who left the spotlight in 2022 following his cancer diagnosis, told the Herald Sun.
“Because of the surgeries to my mouth and face over the past few years, singing on stage is not something I can consider again.”
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The You’re The Voice singer’s comments – marking his first interview in four years – come alongside the announcement of a star-studded tribute show in his honour.
Megastars including Celine Dion, Hugh Jackman, Richard Marx, Jimmy Barnes and Keith Urban will unite for The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend, to be held in Melbourne in September.
The concert, staged at Rod Laver Arena, will raise funds for Head and Neck Cancer Australia, which has supported Farnham through his cancer fight.
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Farnham said the prospect of raising money for charity is what prompted him to finally greenlight the tribute show, having previously knocked back two proposals.
The singer admitted he felt “terribly uncomfortable” with the idea when it was first pitched to him by promoters Paul Dainty and Tony Cochrane.
“It sounded too much like a big, crazy idea and frankly, a lot of fuss and work for everyone,” he told the Herald Sun.
“No one needs to come and do this for me. I’m not dead yet, remember.”
Following his cancer diagnosis, Farnham underwent a 12-hour surgery in 2022 and later had facial and jaw reconstructions.
He confirmed he was cancer-free in August 2023, exactly one year after the surgery.
The singer credited his wife and “rock” Jill with keeping him strong throughout his health ordeal.
“I honestly don’t think I’d be here if it wasn’t for her,” he said.
“Throughout it all, Jilly kept reminding me why I needed to keep pushing through.
“And it wasn’t just me – she was supporting the boys [sons Robert and James] and the whole family at the same time.
“Everyone needs to know, Jill is the rock for all of us.”
