SUNDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER AT ROD LAVER ARENA, MELBOURNE TICKETS ON SALE AT 10AM ON TUESDAY 2ND JUNE FROM TICKETEK.
120 Artists Live On Stage Including a 38 Piece Orchestra, Choir & The John Farnham Band.
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 • Ross Wilson
With Celine Dion (from Paris) & Hugh Jackman (from Los Angeles) performing via satellite
More artists to be announced soon!
Melbourne to Celebrate John Farnham in One-Night-Only Tribute Concert at Rod Laver Arena
Rod Laver Arena will become the centre of Australian music history this September as an extraordinary lineup of artists gather to celebrate the songs and legacy of John Farnham in a once-in-a-generation tribute concert.
Announced today at a media call in Melbourne, The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend – The Celebration Concert will take place on Sunday 20 September at the iconic venue synonymous with Farnham’s remarkable career. Across decades, Farnham performed at Rod Laver Arena an astonishing 94 times, playing to more than one million fans.
The Melbourne-only event will unite over 120 artists and musicians for a spectacular evening celebrating one of Australia’s most beloved voices while raising funds and awareness for Head and Neck Cancer Australia.
Personally invited by Farnham himself, the lineup reflects both the immense respect he commands within the music industry and the emotional connection generations of Australians have with his music. Artists confirmed include Tina Arena, Jimmy Barnes, Kate Ceberano, Diesel, Human Nature, Jessica Mauboy, Jon Stevens, Keith Urban and Richard Marx, alongside appearances via satellite from Celine Dion and Hugh Jackman.
Longtime musical director Chong Lim will lead the John Farnham Band alongside a 38-piece orchestra and choir, promising a powerful reimagining of songs that have become embedded in Australian culture. From You’re the Voice and Burn For You to Age of Reason and Two Strong Hearts, Farnham’s catalogue has long provided the soundtrack to milestones, memories and defining moments for audiences across the country.
Speaking about the event, Farnham reflected on both gratitude and giving back.
“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.”
The concert also carries deep personal significance following Farnham’s public battle with head and neck cancer. Funds raised from the event will support Head and Neck Cancer Australia, helping raise awareness of cancers that affect thousands of Australians each year.
Producer Tony Cochrane described the event as a celebration worthy of Farnham’s enduring influence on Australian music and culture.
“These songs carry enormous emotional weight for so many people, and to hear them reimagined in one extraordinary night at Rod Laver Arena will be something genuinely unforgettable,” he said.
Paul Dainty AO, whose company TEG Dainty co-produces the event, reflected on Farnham’s final live performance during the 2020 Fire Fight Australia concert in Sydney.
“John took the stage that night and delivered what would become his final live performance,” Dainty said. “Now it’s our turn to give back to John.”
The announcement drew strong support from government and industry leaders, with Minister for Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos calling the concert “an unforgettable night paying tribute to an Australian living legend.”
For Melbourne music fans, the event promises far more than nostalgia. It stands as a rare celebration of an artist whose songs have united generations, while also shining a spotlight on resilience, community and the enduring power of live music.
Tickets go on sale via Ticketek at 10am on Tuesday 2 June.
FUNDRAISING INFORMATION
Charitable purpose
Funds raised will support Head and Neck Cancer Australia to provide free information and specialist support for the more than 5,300 Australians diagnosed with a type of Head and Neck Cancer each year, while raising awareness to increase early diagnosis, encourage prevention and drive national advocacy to improve patient outcomes.
Fundraising appeal runs from 2 June 2026 – 20 September 2026
Fundraising complaints process
Head and Neck Cancer Australia welcomes questions, feedback or concerns about this fundraising appeal. Please contact us on 1300 424 848, email contact@headandneckcancer.org.au, or visit the Head and Neck Cancer Australia website.
TEG Dainty Pty Ltd (ACN 612 291 899) of Level 3, 175 Liverpool Street, Sydney NSW 2000, 03 9242 1000, info@tegdainty.com.au (TEG CAV fundraiser registration number FR0018088)
Head and Neck Cancer Australia Limited ABN 44 600 709 733 of Level 3, 55 Pyrmont Bridge Road, Pyrmont NSW 2009 + 1300 424 848”
