The singer was diagnosed with oral cancer in August 2022 and stepped out of the spotlight as a result.
John Farnham said he will never again sing in public.
(Getty)
Iconic Australian singer John Farnham has confirmed that he will never sing in public again.
The You’re The Voice singer was diagnosed with oral cancer in August 2022 and stepped out of the spotlight as a result.
He needed a 12-hour surgery the day he revealed his diagnosis to the public.
He was declared cancer-free a year later but the gruelling impact of his treatment has led him to confirm he will never perform in public again.
“We can rule that out,” he told the Herald Sun.
“Because of the surgeries to my mouth and face over the past few years, singing on stage is not something I can consider again. It’s just not possible.”
The impact of his cancer treatment was gruelling, with the singer revealing that he needed several facial reconstructive surgeries as a result.
He was left struggling to speak, eat and sing.
It took two years following the shock diagnosis for anybody to hear the singer’s voice again, and it was only to narrate his audiobook The Voice Inside, news.com.au reported.
Since stepping out of the spotlight, John’s sons, Rob and James, and his wife Jill have appeared on his behalf.
Massive John Farnham concert announced
The news that John will never sing in public again comes as a massive concert to honour him was announced.
The show at the Rod Laver Arena will feature a lineup of 120 artists to raise money for Head and Neck Cancer Australia.
It will feature stars such as Keith Urban, Jessica Mauboy and Kate Ceberano.
Hugh Jackman and Celine Dion will perform via satellite.
John said he was initially “uncomfortable” when he was approached by promoters Paul Dainty and Tony Cochrane about the idea.
“No one needs to come and do this for me. I’m not dead yet, remember,” he told the Herald Sun.
But things changed when they suggested it be a fundraiser.
He said he has been “gobsmacked” by the response.
The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend concert will be held on September 20.