John Farnham will not perform live again

John Farnham has confirmed he will not perform live again, saying ongoing impacts from mouth cancer treatment have made singing in public impossible.

In a recent interview with the Herald Sun, his first in four years, the Australian music legend said surgeries to his mouth and face mean a stage comeback isn’t an option.

Farnham was diagnosed with oral cancer in August 2022 and underwent a lengthy operation involving a large surgical team. After months of treatment and rehabilitation, he was declared cancer-free in July 2023.

The singer also revealed he initially declined plans for a tribute concert in his honour. However, he agreed after learning the event would raise funds for Head and Neck Cancer Australia, which supported him during his recovery.

The upcoming concert, John Farnham: A Living Legend, will feature performances from artists including Celine Dion, Jimmy Barnes, Kate Ceberano and Richard Marx, celebrating Farnham’s legacy while supporting a cause close to him.