Minister for Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, together with producers Tony Cochrane AM and Thea Jeanes-Cochrane of Cochrane Entertainment Collective and Paul Dainty AO of TEG Dainty, announce a once-in-a-generation Melbourne only concert event – The Songs Of John Farnham: A Living Legend The Celebration Concert to take centre stage at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday 20th September.
Global and Australian stars will lead an extraordinary lineup of 120 artists and musicians on stage for a powerful night of John Farnham’s music celebrating the extraordinary legacy of the icon — while helping to raise vital funds for Head and Neck Cancer Australia.
In a venue that has become synonymous with Farnham’s remarkable career— having set the record performing there an astonishing 94 times to more than 1 million people — this one-night-only celebration concert will unite on stage an unparalleled lineup of talent, all personally invited by John, to perform his extensive catalogue of songs.
A host of the world’s most celebrated performers will come together on stage at Rod Laver Arena, including Tina Arena, Jimmy Barnes, Mahalia Barnes, Kate Ceberano, Diesel, Hans, Human Nature, Jack Jones, Richard Marx, Jessica Mauboy, Ruby Rodgers, Jon Stevens, Mitch Tambo, Keith Urban, Mark Vincent and Ross Wilson.
Legends Celine Dion and Hugh Jackman will perform via satellite for a spectacular celebration of one of the nation’s most beloved voices — a rare coming together of artists whose own careers have helped shape the soundtrack of generations.
Dion said:
“John Farnham is truly one of the great voices of the world. I have such beautiful memories of the time we shared on stage together — his generosity, his humour, and that incredible voice that fills your heart the moment you hear it.
It’s such an honour and a privilege for me to be included to celebrate the extraordinary legacy John has given to music. He’s an iconic artist, and he’s also a deeply special human being. I know his songs will continue to live in people’s hearts for generations to come.”
More artists will be announced soon!
Farnham said:
“I’ve been incredibly lucky to spend my life doing what I love, and even luckier to have Australians embrace my music the way they have. This night isn’t about me — it’s about giving something back and supporting a cause that means a great deal to me.
The fact that so many extraordinary artists from around the world have so generously agreed to be part of this night is incredibly humbling and says far more about the spirit behind this event than it does about me. I hope everyone has a great night. Just enjoy the music and have a laugh too!”
Adding to the scale and significance of the night, Farnham’s longtime musical director Chong Lim will lead the John Farnham Band, alongside a 38-piece orchestra and choir, delivering a rich, powerful sound befitting the catalogue that has defined generations.
More than just a concert, the event will serve a greater purpose — shining a spotlight on head and neck cancer and helping to raise funds for Head and Neck Cancer Australia.
Nadia Rosin, CEO of Head and Neck Cancer Australia said:
“John Farnham’s impact on the Head and Neck Cancer community has been profound, by sharing his experience, he has helped raise the voices of thousands of Australians facing a similar battle and helped the broader public better understand what is at stake.
Each year, more than 5,500 Aussies are diagnosed with a type of Head and Neck Cancer, and too many still face delays in diagnosis, with these cancers able to have a profound impact on a person’s ability to breathe, speak, eat and smile after treatment.
We are honoured that John, and his family chose Head and Neck Cancer Australia as the charity beneficiary of this event.”
The fundraising appeal runs from 2 June 2026 – 20 September 2026.
Farnham’s music has formed the soundtrack to generations of Australians — from the defiant anthem You’re the Voice, the emotional power of Burn for You, Age of Reason, and A Touch of Paradise. Alongside classics like Two Strong Hearts, Pressure Down, and Chain Reaction, his songs have filled stadiums, united crowds, and become part of the fabric of Australian life — marking celebrations, milestones and deeply personal moments alike. These songs will be reinterpreted for one extraordinary night — a live musical anthology of a body of work that continues to unite, inspire and resonate across the world.
This special event reflects not only his musical legacy, but also his personal journey — and his desire to give back. Each artist appearing on the night has been personally invited by Farnham, a testament to the deep respect and admiration he commands across the global music community.
This is a single, unrepeatable moment in time — a one-night-only gathering of extraordinary talent to celebrate a living legend and create a piece of Australian music history — all celebrating the power of music to unite, uplift and inspire.
The national significance of the event has been recognised by General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd), former Governor-General of Australia, whose support speaks to the profound place John Farnham holds in the Australian story.
THE SONGS OF JOHN FARNHAM:
A LIVING LEGEND THE CELEBRATION CONCERT
Date: Sunday 20th September, 2026
Venue: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Tickets: On sale at 10am on Tuesday 2nd June from Ticketek
This show is a tribute to John Farnham, he will not be performing.
TINSEL and TAP SHOES 