Thousands sing Farnham songs with love: they were ‘the voice’

15 March 2026

John Farnham fans who attended the We Are the Voice world record singalong in Melbourne on Friday night were moved by the event that paid tribute to the legendary Australian singer. Fans were treated to powerfully emotional performances, like Jack Jones’ moving rendition of Burn for You.

John himself couldn’t make it to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl but his wife Jill spoke warmly to the audience, saying John was feeling truly humbled by the event. Many fans flew in from places like Cairns and Adelaide to join the mass choir of audience members.

The Australian Book of Records confirmed that a world record has been officially set for “the most people singing back to their pop idol together”. John watched by video as 4,370 people sang his songs, backed by the Farnham Band led by Chong Lim.

The event, that was also a fund- and awareness-raiser for Head and Neck Cancer Australia, was the first time the band performed together since Firefight in 2020.

The evening was hosted by Em Rusciano, while acclaimed choir master Jonathon Welch AM conducted the audience. Others on stage included Jack Jones of Southern Sons fame, rising country star Taylor Moss, and the Choir of Hard Knocks. Further details below.

Also on Bang a Gong: Two stunning examples of why John Farnham will always be ‘the voice’

Sadly, John was unable to attend, although his wife Jill and other members of the family were there.

We Are the Voice

Music director:
Chong Lim

Choir Master:
Jonathon Welch AM

Band & singers:
Angus Burchall, Brett Garsed, Craig Newman, Kathleen Halloran, Lisa Edwards, Lindsay Field, Rod Davies & Susie Ahern

Performers:
Jack Jones
Em Rusciano
Taylor Moss
Rachael Bostock & Nerida Mattheai – the Crackup Sisters
Play It Forward choir led by Adam Przewlocki
Choir of Hard Knocks led by Danielle Matthews
Chong Lim and the Farnham Band
Mark Anthony hypnotist

The songs:
Two Strong Hearts
Age of Reason
Burn for You
Hearts on Fire
Pressure Down
Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head
Romeo’s Heart
Sadie (the Cleaning Lady)
Talk of the Town
That’s Freedom
Touch of Paradise
You’re the Voice

The record:
4,370 enthusiastic audience members
The number officially recorded by Australian Book of Records

John Farnham sent this message in the lead-up to Friday night:
“This will be a fun event at one of my favourite venues on the planet, and for a very worthy cause.
“I have benefitted from all the research done by head and neck cancer Australia, and I am very happy to give back with this event.
“Singing my songs for a world record sounds like a challenge, but if they can get the lyrics right to my songs, they will be doing better than me!”

After the event, the Australian Book of Records said:
“A massive thank you to all of John Farnham’s supporters who made it to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl for the world record singalong that he absolutely is an awe of, such a humble human being.”

CEO of Head and Neck Cancer Australia, Nadia Rosin, said:
“John Farnham has become an unexpected but truly powerful voice for Head and Neck Cancer awareness. By sharing his own oral cancer diagnosis, he has shone a national spotlight on a cancer that is often misunderstood, frequently diagnosed too late, and can have a life-changing impact on a person’s ability to eat, breathe, speak, and swallow.
“This unique concert will be a fun and unforgettable celebration of one of Australia’s greatest and most beloved entertainers in an iconic Victorian venue, but it also carries a powerful message. With more than 5,500 Australians diagnosed with a type of Head and Neck Cancer each year, raising awareness of the signs and symptoms and encouraging early detection can save lives.
“We are incredibly grateful to John, his family and team, and everyone involved for choosing to support Head and Neck Cancer Australia, and helping us educate, engage and empower communities across the country.”

Click for video of You’re the Voice at the event: The Australian Book of Records – Facebook