For John Farnham fans who missed Sunday night’s extraordinary celebration of The Voice, there’s some good news: it’s coming back to the big screen.
More than 23,000 people packed HOYTS cinemas around Australia to watch The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend – The Celebration Concert broadcast live from Melbourne’s sold-out Rod Laver Arena.
Such was the response that HOYTS has confirmed a specially re-edited version of the concert will return to cinemas for an encore season.
More than 120 performers and musicians came together to celebrate Farnham’s catalogue, backed by his longtime musical director Chong Lim, the John Farnham Band, a 38-piece orchestra and choir.
Jimmy Barnes, Keith Urban, Tina Arena, Jessica Mauboy, Human Nature, Kate Ceberano, Diesel, Jon Stevens, Vanessa Amorosi and Farnham’s son Rob were among those taking part.
Celine Dion delivered You’re The Voice remotely, while Hugh Jackman and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin also contributed from afar.
The concert revisited favourites including Age of Reason, When the War Is Over, Burn For You, Pressure Down, That’s Freedom and A Touch of Paradise.
Farnham, 77, who was diagnosed with oral cancer in 2022 and underwent extensive surgery, did not attend or perform.
The night also launched the Lend Your Voice campaign, which aims to raise $1 million over 12 months for Head and Neck Cancer Australia.
The cinema broadcast became an event of its own. According to Rolling Stone Australia, it screened across 50 cinema screens, took $1.16 million at the box office and finished third for the weekend.
HOYTS General Manager of Programming and Content Michelle Gater said the response reflected Australians’ enduring connection with Farnham and his music.
“Demand for the live broadcast was incredible, with sessions selling out rapidly,” she said.
Additional screenings were added to accommodate fans.
Now those who missed the celebration, or want to experience it again, will have another chance.
HOYTS says the encore will feature a re-edited version created specifically for cinemas.
Participating locations, screening dates, session times and ticket details will be announced soon.
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