As an Aussie child of the 80s I very much took John Farnham for granted. As an adult I now have a deep and loving respect for this genius of a vocalist.
We were seriously spoilt weren't we ?... when I think of the 20+ concerts that I went to and then the smaller more intimate gigs as well, I am so grateful that we got to share those with him and that we still have him.
The sheer volume of talent that we had over the years that was just normal for us down here. Now to watch the world discover our gems and to appreciate them through fresh eyes - we are very lucky
Mate i couldnt agree more. I'm a kiwi and also grew up in the 80 listening to his music and took it for granted. Legend is a word used to often. It needs to be reserved for people who have earned it. John is one of those people. I'll listen to him until the day I die.
John is always best served LIVE. PS: For all the idiots out there, Auto-tune didn't bloody exist back then. That was Johns natural voice, unlike today.
You mention auto tune like you think it can make people sing like this. Its not a magical fairy box that turns bad singers into supreme vocalists. For auto tune to work, you have to be a good singer. It does not make bad singers good, its just not built like that. It takes a good note, and makes it perfect. It cant make a bad note good. It makes a good note, great. But you first have to be good. Chers song " Believe " was one of the first to prominently use auto tune to the extent you can hear the change, which she did on purpose as an added effect. T-pain also used it for effect, but both are good singers. There are various reasons some use it, if they are under the weather, sick or some sort of other issue. But they all, no matter who it is, are already good singers, auto tune just helps. A good singer is a good singer, and a bad singer, will still be bad even with auto tune.
I worked at this concert in 1989, and this was John's final encore after singing for about 2 hours. Little wonder he sounded a bit tired by the end. PS one of the Beatles commented after hearing this version saying " this is how it should've been sang from the start ! " .
This was an encore after a show of about 3 hours. He did this and 'A Long Way To The Top If You Want To Rock & Roll" as encores.....THIS is the voice...AT THE END OF A CONCERT!! The MAN....The Legend...The Voice. No gimmicks, No Auto tune, No BS...Just PURE TALENT 💛💙❤ I FIRST SAW HIM LIVE IN 1968....and will forever be his number 1 fan. I miss him so much.
While Phelps and Dimash are modern day wonderful "pop" tenors, John Farnham is the original and best IMO. Mainly because he truly feels songs he sings. The passion he emotes while singing ...you just know that singing is his life. It was such a cruel blow for him to have to suffer mouth cancer. Thankfully he has fully recovered now and is now cancer free. But the original 12 hour surgery and all the follow up has taken a toll. And although his family say he still sings at home it is very unlikely we will ever see him perform again. He will always remain a legend in the eyes of evey Aussie ❤❤❤
That is so true, no auto-tuning or voice modulators back then. People then had real talent. not machines doing it for them. People today have no real talent. just an idea and a machine putting into practise.
You're right about the passion he puts into his songs, and that's what makes the difference between a good singer, and an outstandingly great one. I don't know anything about Phelps, but Dimash, altho talented no doubt about it, I find him to be more of a show pony, i.e. it's always about him and his voice and what he can do with it, rather than singing for the song.
This concert was in 1989, called Classic Jack Concert with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra; John's first adult contemporary album was titled Whispering Jack, this rebooted his career(he was formerly known as Johnny Farnham from 1967 to 1970). He is the only Australian artist to have a number-one record album or single in five consecutive decades, Cliff Richard was the first artist to reach that achievement.
Thanks for the reaction to our lovely John! Yes, this is John's arrangement of the song, he originally released it in 1980, and this concert was from 1989 when John was 40. John came up with this arrangement of the song when he was learning to play it on keyboard, as he'd slowed it down to learn. Tina Turner's version of Help! is also John's arrangement - she released it in 1984, and would have heard John's version when she and he both performed in a series of concerts in Europe in the early 80s.
David HIRSCHFELDER did the arrangement for Help John’s keyboard player he also did all arrangements in John’s concerts in the 80’s and additional arrangements for Jesus Christ Super Star In the 90’s he is recognised globally as a renowned screen composer and was nominated for an Oscar for the movie Elizabeth he has worked on many movies and won numerous awards. John being the best only works with the best,
Graeme goble produced this record in 1980 the same year that he sang it before Queen Elizabeth at the opera house David herschfield did arrangements for him after LRB.@@glenysbrothers6532
Yes John first released his version in 1980 so his fans have been singing along to his version for nearly 10 years by this concert. He first sang it in front of the Queen and Prince Phillip in 1980 and it has been one of his most popular concert staples ever since ❤❤❤
Great reaction and appreciation of our phenomenal Aussie legend, John Farnham! He has just actually turned 75 years old! With 6 decades of hit songs, concerts, amazing performances and Albums, John Farnham is The GOAT!!! xo
That is our John. Yes, he did his own cover that he always makes his own. All except for one that he never intended to record. He is 75 as of July 1st.
John Farnham’s sons Rob and James have spoken about their father’s cancer battle, as the Australian music icon continues to recover from throat cancer following a devastating 2022 diagnosis. The 75-year-old underwent 12-hour surgery after being diagnosed with throat cancer, with doctors removing a tumour from his mouth and reconstructing his jaw. He has since received an “all clear” regarding the cancer. The boys’ update comes ahead of their attendance at the Logies on Sunday on behalf of their father with the John Farnham: Finding The Voice documentary up for the Best Factual or Documentary Program award. “He’s doing really well,” Rob said. “Every day is another step forward, as it is for everyone with cancer. He’s just gotta keep moving forward and keeping positive, and you know, keep driving forward. That’s what it’s about.” The boys went on to praise their mother, saying she had held the family together for the past two years, and also reflected on comments from global superstar Celine Dion, who paid tribute to Farnham in her own documentary I Am: Celine Dion, calling him one of the greatest singers of all time.
It should be noted that this was his last song for the night on his second encore. Still being able to belt out a song like this after singing all night is incredible
Thank for for this lovely and respectful reaction to The Voice ❤ John is know for his crazy high belts at full voice and that ability to start a note ridiculously high out of nowhere that blows you away 👍 Others would have to build up to notes like that if they could even reach them at all. He is an absolute alien of a singer 😊 It was cool to see a fellow singer be so impressed with John, shows just how good he really is 😊 I hope you listen to more. Thank you ❤
Yes, John Lennon said he wrote it as a cry for help. He wasn’t happy with what he described as the ‘preppy’ way the Beatles were pressured into recording his song. He loved John Farnham’s version. John Farnham’s probably the greatest and most versatile singer on the planet. He can sing any genre. Do yourself a favour and check out Gethsemane, Live, the last night performance in Sydney.
Yes, this exactly. Lennon said to Farnham that this is what the song was meant to be. Coming from Lennon, that's possibly the greatest compliment imaginable.
Dimash is a soulless robot. Not really comparable. Technically impressive but every ‘emotion’ is choreographed, every step is choreographed, every note is choreographed. John just does whatever the hell he wants and enjoys the ride as much as the audience.
That's a bit harsh on Dimash (even though I completely agree). I approach his songs with fear as I suffer from misophonia and so can't stand mic chewers. No such problem with John. And you're right about his honest performance enjoyment. I especially like his mic stand gymnastics in 'You're The Voice', the best bit often missed by reviewers.
I agree about Dimash. It's always about what he can do and how good is me, rather than singing for the song. I don't think your comment is harsh, it's pretty close to what he is. I don't watch his singing for this reason.
This was an encore after a nearly 3 hour performance in 1989. John is now 75 years old and is recovering from mouth cancer. Sadly, he wont be singing again. Farnsey is our Aussie legend. Dont be afraid to venture down the John Farnham rabbit hole. His live performances are the ultimate!
This is John's own arrangement. The story I've heard is that he was teaching himself piano and playing the notes slowly. He realised that the ballad like version suited the lyrics and recorded it, and made it his own. Several others, including Tina Turner, heard his version and included it in their own repertoire.
Their is only One John Farnham ❤ Never ever get sick of hearing his voice. He is Amazing and such fun he has with his Audience and always credit other musicians. He is such a Humble guy 💖💖💖💯😎
John Lennon always said this was the tempo he would have preferred to record this song. But, the producers wanted it up tempo, to fit their image at the time.
Another aspect is the respect and love for his fans and the gracious attitude he has toward them. He knows they are wh he is successful and has never forgotten it. He is a beautiful and humble man.
He released this, his own version of Help in 1980. This concert is in 1987, so yes, all Aussies knew the words and tempo by them. This whole concert was phenomenal, any song you react to from this concert will blow you away.
Hi Brad sending love to you from Australia.... One of the reasons the 'piano' was featured so heavily is because this is how John decided to do this slow version (the best version I agree with you lol) is because he was teaching himself to play it on his piano and liked it so much as he could bring all the emotional 'angst' etc to it. It is said that John Lennon heard it and said this was the way The Beatles wanted to do it...but management said no they should stick to their 'boppy' sound. Loved your praise and enjoyment of John's work. You have a truly gorgeous voice as well my friend.
@@stephenanthony6508 It was said, but people were unsure if it was John or Paul. However John Farnham did perform this officially for the first time in 1980 in front of HM Queen Elizabeth II but he had performed it earlier. John Lennon tragically died in 1980. Such a great loss to the world.
I saw every Melbourne concert John performed. . Sometimes I was able to get tickets forup to 6 shows of what ever he was touring. I loved John's voice but the whole band including the amazing back up singers put on a great show. My body vibrated for days after a concert of his. As much as I am a huge Cold Chisel fan and saw all their performances the Whispering Jacl concerts can never be equalled.
Great Request thank you so much for helping the world hear the special talent that is John Farnham !! Great Reaction!!!! Thank You so Much ✌ Subbed and Thumbed ✌✌✌ 🇦🇺 🔥🔥🔥
I'm a child of the 50s & have been to everyone of John's concerts He is the best a remarkable singer & we wish him all the best for the future We love you John they'll never be another like him❤
❤When you consider that John sang Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog” as a back stage vocal warmup is it any wonder that he could finish a concert like that. There is a copy on You Tube because a technician just decided to turn the tape on, otherwise we would not have heard it, someone said that he once did it in a concert live in Brisbane.
Uuhhmm, righto, so I came to see a reaction to our Aussie legend💪, but then stayed and heard your song and voice, but all I have is 😳😲👌👏👏👏👏. Well played Sir 👏. I'm off to add you to my playlist 😃🇦🇺
I really, really love watching these reaction videos to all our Aussie talent that we've known and loved for decades that the world somehow managed to not hear about until 30 plus years too late.. But John Farnham, probably every kid of the 80's and even the 90's had a cassette with all his greatest hits..
Just what I needed after a double shift today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm happy you appreciate John's talent. I could listen to him all day. I listened to all of your song as well. I liked it...😊
@@Jojomac-ix7oiI've been watching so much of John lately - I think I'm addicted 😊😊😊 At least he's a good drug 😂😂😂 I watched the whole of the 1971 King of Pop Awards - OMG it was so good seeing all those Aussie icons. John and Alison Durbin - King and Queen of Pop - sooo cool 😍🇦🇺👏❤️
@AussieDebb where did you watch that? I would have been 10 years old way back then. I agree about John being a good drug. I'm always on a high after watching or listening to John. He is so addictive like you say. So much so, that sometimes, not much gets done around the house...lol. ❤️
@Jojomac-ix7oi So was I LOL! Born at the end of 1960 - I'm the youngest of 8, and the house was full of music and 100s of 45s and LPs. My oldest brother (who passed recently RIP Clive ❤❤) was The Chain's first Roadie - he's even in a couple of their video clips 🥰 Its on UA-cam in 2 parts. Just search King of Pop 1971, and they should come up 😍 Yes, I know what you mean about the house. Once I start working on my series, that's it 😀
Americans are just starting to hear about John over the last few years but he's been known around the rest of the world for over 40 years and even when he was with LRB he didn't like to be far from his family so he chose not to go to the states and stayed mainly in Australia and a few European tours
We love our John. He’s very loved here in Oz and an icon and a legend. I was lucky to see his 50th concert live. Totally amazing. He’s so engaging. His voice is incredible. Sadly he doesn’t sing much now dopiest to a battle with cancer. He’s recovered thank goodness. Amazing likeable man.
A must is "When something is wrong with my baby" by the Aussie legends John Farnham, Jimmy Barnes and Diesel. Their voices, chemistry and passion are amazing.
When Help was released by The Beatles, it was in the midst of the 'pop' era; and it was a the insistence of the record producers, that it be sung as a pop tune. John Farnham released his version in 1980, performing it at Royal Charity Concert in front of Queen Elizabeth II at the Sydney Opera House; and when John Lennon was given a copy of Farnham's performance, he stated " This is how the song was meant to be sung". Shortly before his death later that year, John Lennon had intended to release his own ballad version of the song; so unfortunately for Beatles fans, Farnham's version was the legendary ballad performance(which was covered by the likes of Tina Turner, Howie Day, and Punk rock band The Damned).
Tina Turner was spending a fair bit of time in Australia during this time. She loved Johns reconfiguration of the song so she did her own version with her own vocal twists. It is on UA-cam and done Live somewhere.
Nice review Brad ❤... thank you for your time, listening to and reviewing John... from an Aussie who grew up listening to him. .... one of my personal all time favourite artists ❤❤❤ ... just something so very special about John ( for me 😊 )
John's performance of his signature song You're The Voice from this concert, is sensational; and the bagpipe interlude is classic, which was at John's insistence on the original recording of the song. It is sacrilege to use any other instrument there!
This concert was advertised as John and his Big Band in typical Aussie understatement, it's a 100+ piece orchestra for crying out loud. lol This song is one of the last songs that he would sing at the end of the night after he had already sung his heart out for nearly 3 hours. Some have pointed out that this particular recording of the concert was closer to 2 hours of actual singing during the TV special, but it was also on the 4th or 5th night that he had sung like this. Either way, it was one of multiple nights that he did this on January 4-10, 1989, so his voice is still worthy of the accolades. Not many other singers can belt like that for even 2 or 3 nights without a rest. And besides picking at the exact details or this exact performance, Farnsey also has a way of getting deep into the emotions of your soul. A couple of songs worth checking have been mentioned below, plus these are worth a look also. The reason you haven't heard of him is because the US music industry is a closed little club. When John Farnham went to the US they didn't know which genre to put him in so his US promotions manager got him a couple of gigs in a little jazz club, where the MC introduced him as Jack Phantom. Couldn't even be bothered getting his name correct, so being a bit disheartened he wandered home to concentrate on his loyal fan base. The experience did give him inspiration to write a couple of good songs about missing his family, like this one. -Burn For You.. ua-cam.com/video/4PPvOhPspEA/v-deo.html -Angels.. Notice how he holds the mike below his chest, both mikes are a metre away, which he does all the time to not drown out the other singers. JF with Lisa Edwards, a top singer in her own right, and one of John's back up singers for 20+ years. ua-cam.com/video/5_2NJRIdBO8/v-deo.html -Amazing Grace.. To show the calibre of his other back up Singers, showing you have to be good in your own right, just like Lisa. This is Vanetta Fields and Lindsey Field. ua-cam.com/video/_x6N94OEkZQ/v-deo.html -Please Don't Ask Me.. This one with Olivia Newton John, who we have recently lost. John has also had major cancer surgery including removal of part of his jaw and we may not hear him sing again. So let's enjoy this one as well.. Edit- JF has announced he is free of cancer, but has not mentioned anything about singing again. ua-cam.com/video/2uV_tZODfK8/v-deo.html -When Something Is Wrong With My Baby.... And even when he is singing with one of the most powerful voices on the planet, Jimmy Barnes, he still put the mike away from his face and closer to Jonny Diesel on guitar. ua-cam.com/video/AU_bCchDWF4/v-deo.html Or this version. ua-cam.com/video/RAlFHSPLHpo/v-deo.html -When The War Is Over… Possibly one of his greatest vocals. ua-cam.com/video/lfWrXc5eN8g/v-deo.html -Or is the greatest. Gethsemane.. ua-cam.com/video/k5woMZtClhI/v-deo.html -How about a mike test. He has the power and ability to distort microphones, amps, and get speaker stacks jumping. So this sort of setting up the venue test is a must. Lol Black Dog. ua-cam.com/video/F2Yi6TVi-sU/v-deo.html Besides having the best voice ever, JF can adjust his tone, pitch, volume, to match the person he is singing with to either match them or sing just under them depending on who's the head line act, he will even back himself down when he is the head line to give others their moment to shine, and if my ears were sensitive enough, I wouldn't be surprised if he could vary his vibrato, timbre and all of those other things that voices can do so he could accentuate the other singers.
John Lennon heard this and saw the concert I think and said he loved John's version and it was what the Beatles actually wanted to do but management wouldn't allow it. Management wanted an upbeat pop song.
INXS were known for their awesome sax solos. I feel so blessed to have seen all of these Aussie icons regularly during my youth. We were so lucky in the late 70’s and 80’s. So much talent ❤
Now you want to see he's rock voice and performance look these two up AC/DC cover along way to the top with Melbourne symphony orchestra Led zeppelin black dog cover only get audio as warm up song Luckily sound guy managed to record it during warming up otherwise no one would've herd it These will amaze you He does ballards theatre blue gospel as good then for fun opera plays around with a Australian opera singer Anthony Warlow Who played phantom of the opera Lots of other variations from John to come If your interested go to Dr Cap who has a vast collection front his teen years in black and white to 73 yrs old She has some digitally done to get the quality of sound from them they sound amazing Love your site been watching you on and off for year's now John lives the words of he's songs and it shows Great song by you as well mate Cheers mate 🦘🇦🇺👍
Yes this was John’s arrangement of this classic song and this I believe is the best version ever of it. John is the greatest and most versatile male vocalist of all time. Anything John sings is gold and there’s so much music of John’s out there you need to check out. Also if you haven’t already, you should check out a guy named Brian Justin crumb who performed on aft in 2016, I think and did an amazing version of the classic Radio head song “creep” which was incredible and so emotional and powerful and probably the best version of that song.
Hey Brad, great reaction to Australia's GOAT. John has a phenomenal voice and can sing anything as you will find out when you go down his rabbit hole!! Also love your song anfld your fabulous voice 😊😊😊
Brad, spot on reaction to John Farnham's awesome version of Help; and then, as a bonus you share your stunning music with us. And so I subscribed. Thanks. Cheers from Sydney.
The melody is the same as the Beatles’ but slow. Please watch John do “The Voice” from the same show. He’s known as The Voice in Oz. He’s recently recovered from jaw cancer. He had a career from teenage and every genre.
He's 74 now and doesn't sing because he had oral cancer about the same time his good friend Olivia Newton John died and had massive surgery. But before her death, yes he was singing a little.
To quote some family and friend statements - "vocal cords not affected, sjnging round the house" . To quite John's statement "cancer free". ! Last public concert was, a charity event (Hay Mate?), I think - February 2020? before pandemic lockdown. Aug'24. UK. E ❤
I appreciate you bro for reacting to John, Iv'e viewed many reaction's to John's Help and yet no one has picked up on the spiritual reaction that John had during the the performance. Check again at 7:21 sec, I don't believe that was part of the act.
I actually agree. He's technically great, and I can really appreciate the skill, but his performances leave me cold. Whereas John's performances most often literally give me the chills (physically, as in goosebumps) but warm and fuzzy emotionally. ❤
As an Aussie child of the 80s I very much took John Farnham for granted. As an adult I now have a deep and loving respect for this genius of a vocalist.
We were seriously spoilt weren't we ?... when I think of the 20+ concerts that I went to and then the smaller more intimate gigs as well, I am so grateful that we got to share those with him and that we still have him.
The sheer volume of talent that we had over the years that was just normal for us down here. Now to watch the world discover our gems and to appreciate them through fresh eyes - we are very lucky
@@spacechickenawareness Facts ^^^^
Mate i couldnt agree more. I'm a kiwi and also grew up in the 80 listening to his music and took it for granted. Legend is a word used to often. It needs to be reserved for people who have earned it. John is one of those people. I'll listen to him until the day I die.
As an oldie we took him for granted too.
This performance was an encore after a 2 hour live concert. What a voice.
With another encore after this!
Yep and I was there as an 18 year old
I was there that evening. Simply, a powerhouse performance from one of the greats.
I was there ❤❤❤❤
That’s why we call John Farnham The Voice down under. He is no ordinary singer but a powerful vocalist and one of the greatest ever entertainers
John is always best served LIVE.
PS: For all the idiots out there, Auto-tune didn't bloody exist back then. That was Johns natural voice, unlike today.
Nice reply!
You mention auto tune like you think it can make people sing like this. Its not a magical fairy box that turns bad singers into supreme vocalists. For auto tune to work, you have to be a good singer. It does not make bad singers good, its just not built like that. It takes a good note, and makes it perfect. It cant make a bad note good. It makes a good note, great. But you first have to be good.
Chers song " Believe " was one of the first to prominently use auto tune to the extent you can hear the change, which she did on purpose as an added effect. T-pain also used it for effect, but both are good singers. There are various reasons some use it, if they are under the weather, sick or some sort of other issue. But they all, no matter who it is, are already good singers, auto tune just helps. A good singer is a good singer, and a bad singer, will still be bad even with auto tune.
@@AgunziLFC you obviously haven't heard Kanye West "sing?" live...
@@suefraser3611 Haven't heard him " sing " ever.
That’s the best thing about Johnny…Live, his voice was even better than the recorded version
I love it when a reaction channel KNOWS just how great Jon is.
I worked at this concert in 1989, and this was John's final encore after singing for about 2 hours. Little wonder he sounded a bit tired by the end.
PS one of the Beatles commented after hearing this version saying " this is how it should've been sang from the start ! " .
That would be John Lenon.
This was an encore after a show of about 3 hours. He did this and 'A Long Way To The Top If You Want To Rock & Roll" as encores.....THIS is the voice...AT THE END OF A CONCERT!!
The MAN....The Legend...The Voice. No gimmicks, No Auto tune, No BS...Just PURE TALENT
💛💙❤ I FIRST SAW HIM LIVE IN 1968....and will forever be his number 1 fan. I miss him so much.
While Phelps and Dimash are modern day wonderful "pop" tenors, John Farnham is the original and best IMO. Mainly because he truly feels songs he sings. The passion he emotes while singing ...you just know that singing is his life.
It was such a cruel blow for him to have to suffer mouth cancer. Thankfully he has fully recovered now and is now cancer free. But the original 12 hour surgery and all the follow up has taken a toll. And although his family say he still sings at home it is very unlikely we will ever see him perform again. He will always remain a legend in the eyes of evey Aussie ❤❤❤
❤❤❤
That is so true, no auto-tuning or voice modulators back then. People then had real talent. not machines doing it for them. People today have no real talent. just an idea and a machine putting into practise.
You're right about the passion he puts into his songs, and that's what makes the difference between a good singer, and an outstandingly great one. I don't know anything about Phelps, but Dimash, altho talented no doubt about it, I find him to be more of a show pony, i.e. it's always about him and his voice and what he can do with it, rather than singing for the song.
The greatest singer of all time. Proud to be Australian. Love John.
This concert was in 1989, called Classic Jack Concert with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra; John's first adult contemporary album was titled Whispering Jack, this rebooted his career(he was formerly known as Johnny Farnham from 1967 to 1970). He is the only Australian artist to have a number-one record album or single in five consecutive decades, Cliff Richard was the first artist to reach that achievement.
Never get sick of this version of the song
The voice that's what we Aussies call John Farnham , a true blue Aussie legend
Thanks for the reaction to our lovely John!
Yes, this is John's arrangement of the song, he originally released it in 1980, and this concert was from 1989 when John was 40. John came up with this arrangement of the song when he was learning to play it on keyboard, as he'd slowed it down to learn.
Tina Turner's version of Help! is also John's arrangement - she released it in 1984, and would have heard John's version when she and he both performed in a series of concerts in Europe in the early 80s.
David HIRSCHFELDER did the arrangement for Help John’s keyboard player he also did all arrangements in John’s concerts in the 80’s and additional arrangements for Jesus Christ Super Star In the 90’s he is recognised globally as a renowned screen composer and was nominated for an Oscar for the movie Elizabeth he has worked on many movies and won numerous awards. John being the best only works with the best,
Graeme goble produced this record in 1980 the same year that he sang it before Queen Elizabeth at the opera house David herschfield did arrangements for him after LRB.@@glenysbrothers6532
Yes John first released his version in 1980 so his fans have been singing along to his version for nearly 10 years by this concert. He first sang it in front of the Queen and Prince Phillip in 1980 and it has been one of his most popular concert staples ever since ❤❤❤
I used town this very show on video years ago. Proably find it on DVD and Bluray too.
John was 40 when this concert was recorded.
Listened to the end for your song. Impressive!
One of the greats. Farnham at his very best.
Great reaction and appreciation of our phenomenal Aussie legend, John Farnham! He has just actually turned 75 years old! With 6 decades of hit songs, concerts, amazing performances and Albums, John Farnham is The GOAT!!! xo
That is our John. Yes, he did his own cover that he always makes his own. All except for one that he never intended to record. He is 75 as of July 1st.
John Farnham’s sons Rob and James have spoken about their father’s cancer battle, as the Australian music icon continues to recover from throat cancer following a devastating 2022 diagnosis.
The 75-year-old underwent 12-hour surgery after being diagnosed with throat cancer, with doctors removing a tumour from his mouth and reconstructing his jaw.
He has since received an “all clear” regarding the cancer.
The boys’ update comes ahead of their attendance at the Logies on Sunday on behalf of their father with the John Farnham: Finding The Voice documentary up for the Best Factual or Documentary Program award.
“He’s doing really well,” Rob said.
“Every day is another step forward, as it is for everyone with cancer. He’s just gotta keep moving forward and keeping positive, and you know, keep driving forward. That’s what it’s about.”
The boys went on to praise their mother, saying she had held the family together for the past two years, and also reflected on comments from global superstar Celine Dion, who paid tribute to Farnham in her own documentary I Am: Celine Dion, calling him one of the greatest singers of all time.
I have heard him singing this 100s of times since 1980 when he first sung it and I still get goosebumps. ❤😂🎉
Ditto.
Beautiful voice....watching from montreal canada 🇨🇦.. God bless you ❤❤❤
Yep! He can sing any genre.
We adore our wonderful John here in Australia. I have been lucky enough to have seen him live many times over the years, truly amazing.
The absolute GOAT!
It should be noted that this was his last song for the night on his second encore. Still being able to belt out a song like this after singing all night is incredible
Sadie and long way to the top after this.
Remember it well.😍
John is incredible, but ypur voice is great too
Thank for for this lovely and respectful reaction to The Voice ❤
John is know for his crazy high belts at full voice and that ability to start a note ridiculously high out of nowhere that blows you away 👍 Others would have to build up to notes like that if they could even reach them at all. He is an absolute alien of a singer 😊
It was cool to see a fellow singer be so impressed with John, shows just how good he really is 😊
I hope you listen to more. Thank you ❤
Another singer who is a fan of John’s voice is Celine Dion!
Yep 👍I love the performance they did together of You're The Voice. Just beautiful 😊 @@magpiegirl3783
Thank the lord we Australians got him for ourselves...he is an Aussie icon
Yes, John Lennon said he wrote it as a cry for help. He wasn’t happy with what he described as the ‘preppy’ way the Beatles were pressured into recording his song. He loved John Farnham’s version. John Farnham’s probably the greatest and most versatile singer on the planet. He can sing any genre. Do yourself a favour and check out Gethsemane, Live, the last night performance in Sydney.
Yes, this exactly. Lennon said to Farnham that this is what the song was meant to be. Coming from Lennon, that's possibly the greatest compliment imaginable.
Watch John from the same concert singing “your the voice”
Yes indeed! And Live. One of our best ever. luv from Australia ❤️🎼❤️🎼
Dimash is a soulless robot. Not really comparable. Technically impressive but every ‘emotion’ is choreographed, every step is choreographed, every note is choreographed.
John just does whatever the hell he wants and enjoys the ride as much as the audience.
That's a bit harsh on Dimash (even though I completely agree). I approach his songs with fear as I suffer from misophonia and so can't stand mic chewers. No such problem with John. And you're right about his honest performance enjoyment. I especially like his mic stand gymnastics in 'You're The Voice', the best bit often missed by reviewers.
I agree about Dimash. It's always about what he can do and how good is me, rather than singing for the song. I don't think your comment is harsh, it's pretty close to what he is. I don't watch his singing for this reason.
This was an encore after a nearly 3 hour performance in 1989. John is now 75 years old and is recovering from mouth cancer. Sadly, he wont be singing again. Farnsey is our Aussie legend. Dont be afraid to venture down the John Farnham rabbit hole. His live performances are the ultimate!
This is John's own arrangement. The story I've heard is that he was teaching himself piano and playing the notes slowly. He realised that the ballad like version suited the lyrics and recorded it, and made it his own. Several others, including Tina Turner, heard his version and included it in their own repertoire.
Their is only One John Farnham ❤
Never ever get sick of hearing his voice. He is Amazing and such fun he has with his Audience and always credit other musicians. He is such a Humble guy 💖💖💖💯😎
John Lennon always said this was the tempo he would have preferred to record this song. But, the producers wanted it up tempo, to fit their image at the time.
John.. his band and back up singers.. they all mesh so freaking well. Legends!
Another aspect is the respect and love for his fans and the gracious attitude he has toward them. He knows they are wh he is successful and has never forgotten it. He is a beautiful and humble man.
He released this, his own version of Help in 1980. This concert is in 1987, so yes, all Aussies knew the words and tempo by them. This whole concert was phenomenal, any song you react to from this concert will blow you away.
1989
@@maretteschulz8898 Sorry my mistake. Out by 2 years, guess the memory starts to fade a bit after turning 70.
@@Maureen-g2c - haaa - I'm only a year behind you and I had to look it up 🤣Happy belated birthday🥰
@@maretteschulz8898 Happy belated Birthday to you too.❤🩹
Every time I hear his voice I get chills. I don't know how many times I've seen this video but every single time it hits me in the feels. Love him.
Hi Brad sending love to you from Australia.... One of the reasons the 'piano' was featured so heavily is because this is how John decided to do this slow version (the best version I agree with you lol) is because he was teaching himself to play it on his piano and liked it so much as he could bring all the emotional 'angst' etc to it. It is said that John Lennon heard it and said this was the way The Beatles wanted to do it...but management said no they should stick to their 'boppy' sound. Loved your praise and enjoyment of John's work. You have a truly gorgeous voice as well my friend.
Lennon was dead before this version was recorded.
@@stephenanthony6508 It was said, but people were unsure if it was John or Paul. However John Farnham did perform this officially for the first time in 1980 in front of HM Queen Elizabeth II but he had performed it earlier. John Lennon tragically died in 1980. Such a great loss to the world.
Arguably one of the greatest voices ever absolutely brilliant I believe
Vocal masterclass right there - John’s version whilst learning piano ❤❤❤
I saw every Melbourne concert John performed. . Sometimes I was able to get tickets forup to 6 shows of what ever he was touring. I loved John's voice but the whole band including the amazing back up singers put on a great show. My body vibrated for days after a concert of his. As much as I am a huge Cold Chisel fan and saw all their performances the Whispering Jacl concerts can never be equalled.
I think this was the second encore after a 2 hour performance. Effortlessly brilliant! A great Aussie legend
WOW Brad, I LOVE your voice!
Yes, I tuned in for Farnsey, but hearing you sing Death to the Kingdom of Me was a wonderful bonus. Thank you!! ❤️
Absolute Aussie legend, sensational voice, magnificent entertainer and just a bloody beautiful human
Great Request thank you so much for helping the world hear the special talent that is John Farnham !! Great Reaction!!!! Thank You so Much ✌ Subbed and Thumbed ✌✌✌ 🇦🇺 🔥🔥🔥
Oh and John did his cover first in 1980. Guess who loved it?
One of the most extraordinary vocal performances ever and one of the most
decent people to ever grace a stage.
Great reaction thankyou from Australia
I'm a child of the 50s & have been to everyone of John's concerts
He is the best a remarkable singer & we wish him all the best for the future
We love you John they'll never be another like him❤
John was born with a set of pipes, that just leave you envious of such a gift. 👍👌
And this was at the end of a 2 hour performance. It's one of his encore songs! Amazing!
It wasn't at the end of the concert. There was another encore after Help where he sang Sadie and It's a Long Way to the Top.
Fantastic reaction to our John. He's so brilliant. I love him.❤❤❤
You also have a fantastic voice. Enjoyed your song greatly. Thanks.❤
This song might have been someone else's, but John owned it as his own... 😊
And a beautiful himan being as well.
❤When you consider that John sang Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog” as a back stage vocal warmup is it any wonder that he could finish a concert like that. There is a copy on You Tube because a technician just decided to turn the tape on, otherwise we would not have heard it, someone said that he once did it in a concert live in Brisbane.
Uuhhmm, righto, so I came to see a reaction to our Aussie legend💪, but then stayed and heard your song and voice, but all I have is 😳😲👌👏👏👏👏. Well played Sir 👏. I'm off to add you to my playlist 😃🇦🇺
John is ‘The Voice’. Have loved him since ‘Sadie the Cleaning Lady’’.
Loved your song and video. Fantastic. Love finding new to me artists.
Top shelf❤
The audience definitely is helping him. Phenomenal rendition. Not every song needs a sax solo, it wouldn't fit in "Oh Danny Boy".
Oh Danny boy, the sax, the sax is calling....
I can see it working.
I really, really love watching these reaction videos to all our Aussie talent that we've known and loved for decades that the world somehow managed to not hear about until 30 plus years too late..
But John Farnham, probably every kid of the 80's and even the 90's had a cassette with all his greatest hits..
You have a great voice. Thank you for celebrating John extreme talent and great nature as a human being ❤❤❤
Just what I needed after a double shift today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm happy you appreciate John's talent. I could listen to him all day. I listened to all of your song as well. I liked it...😊
@@Jojomac-ix7oi Goosebumps again hey Jojo 🥰 Hope you get to have a good rest ❤️
@@AussieDebb thankyou. 🙂 Seems like I'm having goose bumps very, very often these days...and it's not from the cold. Lol! 😉❤️
@@Jojomac-ix7oiI've been watching so much of John lately - I think I'm addicted 😊😊😊 At least he's a good drug 😂😂😂 I watched the whole of the 1971 King of Pop Awards - OMG it was so good seeing all those Aussie icons. John and Alison Durbin - King and Queen of Pop - sooo cool 😍🇦🇺👏❤️
@AussieDebb where did you watch that? I would have been 10 years old way back then. I agree about John being a good drug. I'm always on a high after watching or listening to John. He is so addictive like you say. So much so, that sometimes, not much gets done around the house...lol. ❤️
@Jojomac-ix7oi So was I LOL! Born at the end of 1960 - I'm the youngest of 8, and the house was full of music and 100s of 45s and LPs. My oldest brother (who passed recently RIP Clive ❤❤) was The Chain's first Roadie - he's even in a couple of their video clips 🥰 Its on UA-cam in 2 parts. Just search King of Pop 1971, and they should come up 😍 Yes, I know what you mean about the house. Once I start working on my series, that's it 😀
John is my favorite male singer ever. Eivor is my favorite female singer ever.
Like your song Man
Americans are just starting to hear about John over the last few years but he's been known around the rest of the world for over 40 years and even when he was with LRB he didn't like to be far from his family so he chose not to go to the states and stayed mainly in Australia and a few European tours
We love our John. He’s very loved here in Oz and an icon and a legend. I was lucky to see his 50th concert live. Totally amazing. He’s so engaging. His voice is incredible. Sadly he doesn’t sing much now dopiest to a battle with cancer. He’s recovered thank goodness. Amazing likeable man.
A must is "When something is wrong with my baby" by the Aussie legends John Farnham, Jimmy Barnes and Diesel. Their voices, chemistry and passion are amazing.
YES its one of my favorites too😊
One of the Beatles actually said this is how it should have been done
When Help was released by The Beatles, it was in the midst of the 'pop' era; and it was a the insistence of the record producers, that it be sung as a pop tune. John Farnham released his version in 1980, performing it at Royal Charity Concert in front of Queen Elizabeth II at the Sydney Opera House; and when John Lennon was given a copy of Farnham's performance, he stated " This is how the song was meant to be sung". Shortly before his death later that year, John Lennon had intended to release his own ballad version of the song; so unfortunately for Beatles fans, Farnham's version was the legendary ballad performance(which was covered by the likes of Tina Turner, Howie Day, and Punk rock band The Damned).
I'm glad I waited for the reaction
My God you have a brilliant voice and that is a fabulous song
Tina Turner was spending a fair bit of time in Australia during this time.
She loved Johns reconfiguration of the song so she did her own version with her own vocal twists. It is on UA-cam and done Live somewhere.
This is on an album I have but I've never seen the footage of him singing it
Love Love Love it !!!
Nice review Brad ❤... thank you for your time, listening to and reviewing John... from an Aussie who grew up listening to him. .... one of my personal all time favourite artists ❤❤❤ ... just something so very special about John ( for me 😊 )
You have a lovely voice too. Thank you loving our John.
Goosebumps and tears everytime, without fail.
Best reaction I’ve heard yet of the Voice…thanks. I can remember him at 19 singing Sadie…
John's performance of his signature song You're The Voice from this concert, is sensational; and the bagpipe interlude is classic, which was at John's insistence on the original recording of the song. It is sacrilege to use any other instrument there!
Now that is a performance ! 👏 👏👏
This concert was advertised as John and his Big Band in typical Aussie understatement, it's a 100+ piece orchestra for crying out loud. lol
This song is one of the last songs that he would sing at the end of the night after he had already sung his heart out for nearly 3 hours.
Some have pointed out that this particular recording of the concert was closer to 2 hours of actual singing during the TV special, but it was also on the 4th or 5th night that he had sung like this.
Either way, it was one of multiple nights that he did this on January 4-10, 1989, so his voice is still worthy of the accolades.
Not many other singers can belt like that for even 2 or 3 nights without a rest.
And besides picking at the exact details or this exact performance, Farnsey also has a way of getting deep into the emotions of your soul.
A couple of songs worth checking have been mentioned below, plus these are worth a look also.
The reason you haven't heard of him is because the US music industry is a closed little club. When John Farnham went to the US they didn't know which genre to put him in so his US promotions manager got him a couple of gigs in a little jazz club, where the MC introduced him as Jack Phantom. Couldn't even be bothered getting his name correct, so being a bit disheartened he wandered home to concentrate on his loyal fan base. The experience did give him inspiration to write a couple of good songs about missing his family, like this one.
-Burn For You..
ua-cam.com/video/4PPvOhPspEA/v-deo.html
-Angels..
Notice how he holds the mike below his chest, both mikes are a metre away, which he does all the time to not drown out the other singers.
JF with Lisa Edwards, a top singer in her own right, and one of John's back up singers for 20+ years.
ua-cam.com/video/5_2NJRIdBO8/v-deo.html
-Amazing Grace..
To show the calibre of his other back up Singers, showing you have to be good in your own right, just like Lisa.
This is Vanetta Fields and Lindsey Field.
ua-cam.com/video/_x6N94OEkZQ/v-deo.html
-Please Don't Ask Me..
This one with Olivia Newton John, who we have recently lost. John has also had major cancer surgery including removal of part of his jaw and we may not hear him sing again. So let's enjoy this one as well..
Edit- JF has announced he is free of cancer, but has not mentioned anything about singing again.
ua-cam.com/video/2uV_tZODfK8/v-deo.html
-When Something Is Wrong With My Baby....
And even when he is singing with one of the most powerful voices on the planet, Jimmy Barnes, he still put the mike away from his face and closer to Jonny Diesel on guitar.
ua-cam.com/video/AU_bCchDWF4/v-deo.html
Or this version.
ua-cam.com/video/RAlFHSPLHpo/v-deo.html
-When The War Is Over…
Possibly one of his greatest vocals.
ua-cam.com/video/lfWrXc5eN8g/v-deo.html
-Or is the greatest.
Gethsemane..
ua-cam.com/video/k5woMZtClhI/v-deo.html
-How about a mike test.
He has the power and ability to distort microphones, amps, and get speaker stacks jumping. So this sort of setting up the venue test is a must. Lol
Black Dog.
ua-cam.com/video/F2Yi6TVi-sU/v-deo.html
Besides having the best voice ever, JF can adjust his tone, pitch, volume, to match the person he is singing with to either match them or sing just under them depending on who's the head line act, he will even back himself down when he is the head line to give others their moment to shine, and if my ears were sensitive enough, I wouldn't be surprised if he could vary his vibrato, timbre and all of those other things that voices can do so he could accentuate the other singers.
John Lennon heard this and saw the concert I think and said he loved John's version and it was what the Beatles actually wanted to do but management wouldn't allow it. Management wanted an upbeat pop song.
INXS were known for their awesome sax solos. I feel so blessed to have seen all of these Aussie icons regularly during my youth. We were so lucky in the late 70’s and 80’s. So much talent ❤
Now you want to see he's rock voice and performance look these two up
AC/DC cover along way to the top with Melbourne symphony orchestra
Led zeppelin black dog cover only get audio as warm up song
Luckily sound guy managed to record it during warming up otherwise no one would've herd it
These will amaze you
He does ballards theatre blue gospel as good then for fun opera plays around with a Australian opera singer Anthony Warlow
Who played phantom of the opera
Lots of other variations from John to come
If your interested go to Dr Cap who has a vast collection front his teen years in black and white to 73 yrs old
She has some digitally done to get the quality of sound from them they sound amazing
Love your site been watching you on and off for year's now
John lives the words of he's songs and it shows
Great song by you as well mate
Cheers mate 🦘🇦🇺👍
John Farnham released this as a song in about 1980 in Australia if other countries heard it I have no idea.
I am pretty sure he sang it and played the piano at one of his big European concerts.
The voice
Yes this was John’s arrangement of this classic song and this I believe is the best version ever of it. John is the greatest and most versatile male vocalist of all time. Anything John sings is gold and there’s so much music of John’s out there you need to check out. Also if you haven’t already, you should check out a guy named Brian Justin crumb who performed on aft in 2016, I think and did an amazing version of the classic Radio head song “creep” which was incredible and so emotional and powerful and probably the best version of that song.
The most beautiful version of this song ❤
I love your piece too thankyou
came here for the GOAT - The Voice...
But I have to say I really enjoyed your song - will seek out more.
This was recorded in 1989 when he was 40. By this time he had been performing for 25 years. He is still performing at 75.
Best version of this classic Beatles toon! John makes it his own and makes it so much better!
Kingdom of Me isn't bad either 😜
Everyone don’t forget this is at the end of a 3hr concert and John nails every note legend
Hey Brad, great reaction to Australia's GOAT. John has a phenomenal voice and can sing anything as you will find out when you go down his rabbit hole!!
Also love your song anfld your fabulous voice
😊😊😊
Brad, spot on reaction to John Farnham's awesome version of Help; and then, as a bonus you share your stunning music with us. And so I subscribed. Thanks. Cheers from Sydney.
Anyone praising John has my subscription bro. Love the reaction video
The melody is the same as the Beatles’ but slow.
Please watch John do “The Voice” from the same show. He’s known as The Voice in Oz.
He’s recently recovered from jaw cancer. He had a career from teenage and every genre.
He's 74 now and doesn't sing because he had oral cancer about the same time his good friend Olivia Newton John died and had massive surgery. But before her death, yes he was singing a little.
To quote some family and friend statements - "vocal cords not affected, sjnging round the house" . To quite John's statement "cancer free". ! Last public concert was, a charity event (Hay Mate?), I think - February 2020? before pandemic lockdown. Aug'24. UK. E ❤
Yes. The bushfire relief concert. To think it was just before all the Covid lockdowns, then the losing Olivia, and John getting sick.
I appreciate you bro for reacting to John, Iv'e viewed many reaction's to John's Help and yet no one has picked up on the spiritual reaction that John had during the the performance. Check again at 7:21 sec, I don't believe that was part of the act.
Saw him so many times but my favourite was the Jack's Back tour. A wonderful human being, I get goosebumps watching this.
I actually agree. He's technically great, and I can really appreciate the skill, but his performances leave me cold. Whereas John's performances most often literally give me the chills (physically, as in goosebumps) but warm and fuzzy emotionally. ❤