John Farnham celebrated his 77th birthday surrounded by family on Wednesday, with his son James sharing a photo of the music icon as he continues his recovery from oral cancer. The image shows Farnham holding his one-year-old grandson, Jett.
This celebration follows Farnham's confirmation that he will not return to performing live due to the lasting effects of surgeries on his mouth and jaw. "Because of the surgeries to my mouth and face over the past few years, singing on stage is not something I can consider again. It's just not possible," Farnham stated earlier this year.
A major tribute concert, "Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend - The Celebration Concert," is scheduled for September 20 at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena. The event aims to raise funds for Head and Neck Cancer Australia. The concert will feature performances from a lineup including Celine Dion, Hugh Jackman, Keith Urban, and Tina Arena, among others. Tickets sold out rapidly after going on sale.
Farnham initially hesitated to agree to the tribute concert but was persuaded when organizers explained its fundraising potential for head and neck cancer patients. The event has been described by Farnham as "truly humbling."
Farnham's health battle began when his wife, Jill, urged him to have a persistent mouth ulcer examined. Doctors discovered a cancerous tumor, leading to a 12-hour surgery to remove part of his jaw and reconstruct his face, followed by eight weeks of radiation treatment. He was later declared cancer-free.
His memoir, "The Voice Inside," details the impact of these surgeries on his voice, noting that the reconstruction affected his ability to open his mouth properly and produce the sounds needed for singing. He described the experience as painful and confronting.
Additionally, "Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical" is set to premiere in Sydney later this year. The musical, developed by the Sydney Theatre Company and others, commemorates the 40th anniversary of Farnham's album "Whispering Jack."