John Farnham’s music will take centre stage at Rod Laver Arena this September, with an international lineup of artists set to perform a tribute concert celebrating one of Australia’s most recognised performers.
The one-night event on 20 September will feature performances from Jimmy Barnes, Keith Urban, Ross Wilson and Richard Marx, alongside Jessica Mauboy, Jon Stevens, Mitch Tambo, Diesel and Human Nature. Celine Dion and Hugh Jackman are expected to appear remotely from Paris and Los Angeles through satellite performances.
Organisers say the concert will focus heavily on Whispering Jack, marking 40 years since the release of the album that helped cement Farnham’s place in Australian music history.
The show is being staged in partnership with Head & Neck Cancer Australia, following Farnham’s diagnosis with oral cancer in 2022. Proceeds and awareness efforts linked to the event are expected to support the organisation’s work in advocacy and patient support.
Farnham has long been tied to Melbourne Park, where he performed 94 shows across his career and attracted more than one million fans. The September concert will include a 38-piece orchestra and a 16-piece choir performing songs from his catalogue.
The event arrives during a busy period for Victoria’s events calendar, with the state also hosting the AFL Finals Series, the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces: Cartier exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria, the NFL Melbourne Game and the Australian Open golf tournament featuring Rory McIlroy.
Victorian Minister for Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos described the concert as a major drawcard for music fans and visitors.
“This is going to be an unforgettable night, with stars from around the world paying tribute to an Australian living legend,” he said.
Visit Victoria chief executive Brendan McClements said live music continued to play a central role in Melbourne’s cultural identity and visitor appeal.
“Exclusive live experiences like this strengthen Victoria’s appeal and help drive repeat visitation,” he said.
Farnham said the event had been shaped around giving back to a cause that had become deeply personal.
“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,” he said.
“This night isn’t about me. It’s about giving something back and supporting a cause that means a great deal to me.”
Promoter Paul Dainty AO linked the upcoming concert to the Fire Fight Australia bushfire relief concert in 2020, which featured Farnham’s final live performance of You’re The Voice.
“At Rod Laver Arena, every person in the room will feel that same emotion again,” Dainty said.
Melbourne Park chief executive John Harden said Farnham’s history with the venue made the tribute fitting.
“With 94 shows and more than one million fans, John Farnham’s legacy at Melbourne Park is undeniable,” he said.
Tickets for the concert go on sale through Ticketek on 2 June 2026.
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