Recovering John Farnham hosts Christmas family music quiz

John Farnham didn’t let his recovery from major cancer surgery derail his role in a cherished family tradition.

Australian music legend John Farnham’s recovery from major mouth cancer surgery is “going well” almost six months after he underwent the 12-hour operation which saw part of his jaw removed followed by reconstructive surgery.

Farnham, 73, has been quietly recovering in Melbourne with the support of his family and long time friends.

In a sign sure to lift the spirits of his adoring fans, Farnham took up his traditional role at Christmas, entertaining family and guests at home as the compere of a game of music trivia.

Watercooler Talent managing partner, David Wilson, who is a close friend of the Farnham family and John’s co-manager, said the room was filled with laughter and joy as the much loved chart-topper posed various questions.

“The Christmas tradition of after Christmas lunch sitting outside while John hosts music trivia questions continued,” Wilson said.

“He was MC with the family all gathered around and we laughed like drains as we were all tested on our musical knowledge.”

John Farnham performs during Fire Fight Australia in February 2020.

On the progress of Farnham’s recovery Wilson said: “It is a process, it is slow and steady as she goes. He is going well.”

Guests at the Christmas celebration included Farnham and his wife Jill, their sons Rob and James and their partners, Wilson and his partner Andrew and other immediate family members.

Farnham stunned Australia in August when his family revealed a cancerous tumour had been discovered in his mouth. He underwent surgery on August 23 last year which saw the growth successfully removed followed by reconstructive surgery.

In a statement in September last year the Farnham family acknowledged the incredible work of the medical team looking after John.

“Our family are so very grateful to all the remarkable teams of Victorian medical professionals who have taken such good care of John. These outcomes are a credit to your dedication, skills and compassion,” the statement read.

Farnham in action in Adelaide in 1991.

The Farnham family clockwise from bottom left, Rob, Jill, James and John Farnham Picture: Supplied

Gaynor Wheatley echoed the sentiments in an interview with the Today Show in the day after Farnham’s marathon surgery.

“The surgeons are the real rock stars; at one point, there were 26 surgeons working on him,” she said.

Superstar Robbie Williams gave Farnham a ‘get well soon’ shout out during his performance at the AFL Grand Final. Williams did a cover of You’re The Voice during his pre-game show that had the 100,000 strong crowd join him in the chorus.

Farnham’s trademark sunny disposition has been evident to those close to him throughout the past six months.

Even in the early weeks post surgery when he was still in hospital he was cracking jokes, his sons told A Current Affair in October.

“Now he’s almost back to his normal self, just dropping jokes all the time,” Rob and James told ACA.

“The nurse teams come in and it’s new people, a new audience. He’s a performer at heart and he’s always trying to make people laugh, which is just who he is.”