Stars Shine Bright in Tribute to John Farnham

A star-studded concert has paid tribute to music legend John Farnham, with thousands filling Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena and many more watching around the country as the concert was beamed to select cinemas live.

The sold-out show marked the beginning of the Lend Your Voice campaign to raise $1 million for Head and Neck Cancer Australia over the next year, with Farnham partnering with the organisation that helped support him through his own journey with cancer.

A Night of Music and Tribute

Richard Wilkins served as MC for the evening, introducing what he described as a "cavalcade of supreme talent". Wilkins said Farnham had sold out 94 shows at Rod Laver Arena over the years, the most of any performer ever.

"So I guess tonight makes it 95, an unbelievable 95," he said.

John Farnham was unable to attend the concert personally, with his family reporting his health has declined in recent months.

"John's health has deteriorated in recent months. He now requires continuous oxygen support and uses a wheelchair for mobility," the Farnham family said in a statement.

"It has also become necessary for John to receive 24-hour nursing care at home, ensuring trained support is always available when he needs it."

A Cavalcade of Talent

The concert began with an all-star opening line-up of Jessica Mauboy, John Stevens, Jack Jones, Mahalia Barnes and Human Nature singing a medley of Farnham songs.

Rob Farnham, John's son, took the stage to sing Love To Shine from the album Whispering Jack.

"We all know he's a little bit too humble for his own good sometimes," he said.

"To see all these people here would just absolutely warm his heart."

The concert also paid tribute to Farnham's theatre career, including his 1992 turn in the title role of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Kate Ceberano and Jon Stevens performed Everything's Alright from the hit musical before sharing a hug onstage.

International guests Keith Urban and Celine Dion also performed, with Dion beaming in from a stage in Paris to sing You're The Voice.

"John, you've always been such a deep inspiration to me; I always loved to hear you sing," Dion said.

"The way you sang one song in particular is one of my very, very favourite performances ever."

A Personal Tribute

Leanne, who travelled to Melbourne from Tasmania for the concert, said she had plenty of tissues ready for an emotional evening.

"Years back I was in a coma, and my family said that the only thing I actually responded to the whole time was John Farnham music, so I'd kick my leg and tip my hand," Leanne said.

"He is our voice, he's always been my voice and he'll never walk alone."

Raising Awareness

Head and Neck Cancer chief executive Nadia Rosin said the organisation was incredibly grateful to Farnham and his family for shining a spotlight on the disease.

"They're cancers that affect the very essence of a person, it's obviously affected John's voice," she said.