Tag: John Farnham

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Farnham Tops List of 100 Greatest Australian Singers

John Farnham has taken out the top spot on a list of Australia’s top 100 singers printed in the Herald Sun today. The list, which was voted on by a panel of local musicians, has inevitably generated plenty of discussion amongst music lovers across the country.

These kinds of lists are never perfect. Once the numbers are crunched, we can all think of deserving talents who missed out. I was shocked that Richard Clapton and Mark Seymour missed out. I would have also loved to see David Campbell recognised for more than just being a decent morning show host. I couldn’t believe James Reyne, Dame Joan Sutherland, and Peter Allen were left languishing in the bottom half of the list. I also heard plenty of criticism about the number of Kiwis that made the cut, but perhaps it’s time we truly opened our arms to anyone who calls Australia home.

I was impressed at the diversity of the top 100. We saw legends of the local industry and bright young things with so much ahead of them. We saw artists from so many genres: rock, country, pop, soul, opera, world music whatever that means, and the list goes on. What a reminder that we can do more than straight up pub rock.

Perhaps it’s that reminder of the strength of our industry that I like more than anything. I can imagine young music fans reading the words that chart-topping musicians had to say about the country’s pioneers, and that inspiring them to explore the back catalogues. I also marvelled at the number of acts still kicking on, still performing regularly, even if it’s at the RSLs and small theatres rather than arenas. I started my concert-going long before the heyday of many of these artists, yet I can proudly say I’ve seen many of these talented musicians on stage.

We’ve got a lot to be proud of here, and this top 100 is a lovely reminder of it, don’t you think?

Image source: Jeanie Mackinder @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Farnham Announces “Whispering Jack” Anniversary Tour

When John Farnham told us way back in 2003 that he was touring for “the last time” I’m not sure anyone really believed it. Since then he’s had almost as many comebacks as The Seekers, but when he continues to sound so good I’m not sure anyone’s complaining.

With the upcoming anniversary of Whispering Jack, Farnsy’s most successful album, he just couldn’t resist going on the road again. He’ll play shows in the major capitals’ most intimate venues. The first half of the show will see John and his band performing a variety of hits completely unplugged. Then in the second it’ll be all Whispering Jack, with the album performed in its entirety by the original band.

These shows are sure to be something special for any Aussie music fan. We’re glad to have you back Farnsy. Tickets go on sale on June 21.

5 & 7 October 2011 – AEC Theatre, Adelaide
11 & 12 October 2011 – State Theatre, Sydney
2 & 4 November 2011 – QPAC Theatre, Brisbane
9 & 11 November 2011 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
22 & 23 November 2011 – Burswood Theatre, Perth

Image source: Jeaneeem @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Farnham Back With New Live Tour and Album

The legendary John Farnham is heading out on the road for shows all around the country this October and November. The dates include a handful of Day on the Green winery shows, and a special show at Luna Park celebrating the amusement park’s 75th birthday.

“I love doing outdoor shows and the vineyards around Australia are beautiful venues to perform at,” John said on the announcement of these shows, adding that “the opportunity to perform at an iconic venue such as Luna Park was something I just couldn’t say no to. Performing in an intimate venue will be fantastic.”

We can expect to hear plenty of old favourites, and a couple of new songs. These tracks will feature on John’s new album which should be in stores this October. That should give fans just enough time to learn the words!

John will be joined on the tour by some top-notch supports including Katie Noonan, Richard Clapton, and Ross Wilson.

Tickets go on sale from the usual outlets from July 30.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 03: Singer John Farnham performs on stage in the Lyric Theatre on September 3, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)


4 October 2010 – Big Top @ Luna Park, Sydney
23 October 2010 – Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley (with Kate Ceberano and Vika & Linda)
30 October 2010 – Robert Oatley Wines, Mudgee (with Ross Wilson and Richard Clapton)
27 November 2010 – Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth (with Ross Wilson and Richard Clapton)
2 November 2010 – AIS Arena, Canberra (with Katie Noonan)
6 November 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Wollongong (with Katie Noonan)
8 November 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Newcastle (with Katie Noonan)
11 November 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Tamworth (with Katie Noonan)
13 November 2010 – RACV Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast (with Katie Noonan)
20 November 2010 – Coopers Brewery, Regency Park (with Katie Noonan)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Whispering Jack is Back

As I’m sure you’ve all heard, Jack’s back. Mr Whispering Jack himself, John Farnham is “tired of being retired” so he’s hitting the road again.

Farnsy insists this isn’t a “comeback,” but said getting back on stage feels right now.

“I want to do this, I want to be on those stages because I really have missed it. Everything about it feels right just now,” he said.

This time around he’s getting up close and personal with his loyal fans, playing intimate venues and lots of them. Expect plenty of sing-along hits and a really good time. Tickets for the Live by Demand shows go on sale Monday June 15.

3-5, 7-9 September 2009 – Lyric Theatre @ Star City, Sydney
19 September 2009 – Hope Estate Winery, Hunter Valley
24 September 2009 – Derwent Entertainment Centre, Hobart
28-30 September 2009 – Lyric Theatre @ QPAC, Brisbane
8-10 October 2009 – Burswood Theatre, Perth
17 October 2009 – Barossa Under The Stars, Barossa Valley
19, 20, 22-24 October 2009 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Farnham Ready for a Comeback Record

It doesn’t seem like too long ago that John Farnham was bidding us farewell on his The Last Time tour. But in true rock star style, it seems it wasn’t the last time at all. Not by a long shot.

Following his triumphant return at the Sound Relief concert comes news that Farnsy is heading back to the studio. And he might even be bringing Coldplay with him.

“I am pretty confident we will have a new studio album out from John Farnham this year,” his longtime manager Dennis Handlin told The Daily Telegraph. He also hinted that Coldplay might pen one of the tracks on the long awaited recording.

It’s been four years since Farnsy gave us a studio album. Judging by the reception at Sound Relief, it seems that’s been four years too long!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Music Community Unites for Sound Relief

45, 000 Sydneysiders and 80, 000 Melburnians crammed into their respective cricket grounds for yesterday’s massive Sound Relief concerts.

Crowds at both shows were treated to some extra special performances. Coldplay originally promised an acoustic set, but their electric numbers proved anything but ordinary with the surprise addition of John Farnham to the line-up. The Aussie music veteran joined Coldplay for “Fix You” and “You’re The Voice,” a song Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin called the “national anthem.”

Having living legend Barry Gibb close the show was exciting enough, but to have Olivia Newton-John join him for the Kenny Rogers Dolly Parton classic “Islands in the Stream” was something else. They might not admit it freely, but I’m convinced everyone has a soft spot for that song.

Melbourne didn’t miss out either, with some amazing reformations and international stars. One of the biggest was Midnight Oil, who closed the show.

Their 50-minute set included hit after hit, “Read About It,” “Beds Are Burning” and “Blue Sky Mining” among them.

“You are such a good crowd for such an important event,” Peter Garrett told the enthusiastic crowd.

Initial reports said Kylie wouldn’t sing, but she did anyway, wowing crowds with this beautiful acoustic rendition of “I Still Call Australia Home.” This is another of those songs eligible for the title of honorary anthem – it gets to me every time. This video is preceded by a moving minute’s silence in remembrance of the victims.

Kings of Leon wouldn’t play “Sex on Fire” lest it offend the bushfire victims, yet their mammoth hit “Use Somebody” was well received. From the pop tunes of Gabriella Cilmi to the laidback sounds of Jack Johnson, and the country-tinged duets of Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson, it was a concert that delivered something for everybody.

Wolfmother and Jet worked double-time, appearing at both Sydney and Melbourne shows. But they didn’t mind, with Wolfmother singer Andrew Stockdale adding that the event was one of the most significant in Australian music history.

“It just shows what this country does – it gets behind people when they’re down and out,” he told The Sunday Telegraph.

Organisers expect the event to raise more than $5 million for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal and Queensland flood victims.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"You’re The Voice" Rocks

If there’s one thing Aussies do well, it’s write a mean rock song. But what’s the best of the best? Well, according to an online poll of Herald Sun readers, it’s “You’re the Voice” by John Farnham.

Farnsy’s rock anthem beat out classics like Cold Chisel’s “Khe Sahn,” and AC/DC’s “Jail Break.”

Rock guru Glenn A. Baker said he was surprised by the result considering that “Friday on my Mind” by The Easybeats was voted best song of all time by industry experts three years ago.

“But it just goes to show you that the people want to hear differs quite vastly from what the industry thinks,” he told the Herald Sun.

“It’s a song that really is an anthem about empowering yourself and I think people really relate to that.”

Personally I think “Khe Sahn” is a more worthy winner, but there’s no denying that “You’re the Voice” is an awesome song. Play it loud and see what you think: is it the best rock song of all time?