John Farnham gives his blessing to unique world record attempt for singing his classic hits

Melbourne’s newest world record attempt will see thousands of fans unite to sing John Farnham classics including You’re The Voice, with the music icon giving his blessing to the unique event.

Australian music icon John Farnham has given his blessing to thousands of his fans attempting to set a world record for singing his classic hits including You’re The Voice.

Thousands of devoted Farnham fans are expected to take part in the unique mass singalong at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on March 13 next year.

Music director Chong Lim and the Farnham Band will perform at the event which will support head and neck cancer research and awareness.

John Farnham has given his blessing to thousands of fans attempting to set a world record for singing his classic hits.

“This will be a fun event at one of my favourite venues on the planet, and for a very worthy cause,” Farnham said.

“I have benefited from all the research done by Head and Neck Cancer Australia, and I am very happy to give back with this event.

“Singing my songs for a world record sounds like a challenge, but if they can get the lyrics right to my songs, they will be doing better than me.

“I can’t be there, but you will have Chong and the band, and some fine singers all doing their best.”

Musical director Chong Lim with John Farnham.

Farnham, 76, underwent surgery and subsequent treatment for oral cancer in 2022.

Nadia Rosin, CEO of Head and Neck Cancer Australia, said Farnham had become a powerful voice for head and neck cancer awareness.

“By sharing his own oral cancer diagnosis, he has shone a national spotlight on a cancer that is often misunderstood, frequently diagnosed too late, and can have a life-changing impact on a person’s ability to eat, breathe, speak, and swallow,” Rosin said.

“This unique concert will be a fun and unforgettable celebration of one of Australia’s greatest and most beloved entertainers in an iconic Victorian venue, but it also carries a powerful message. With more than 5500 Australians diagnosed with a type of head and neck cancer each year, raising awareness of the signs and symptoms and encouraging early detection can save lives.”

Bagpipers at Federation Square. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake

Melbourne is becoming the home of unusual musical world records.

Last week, a record for the most bagpipe players was set when 374 people played AC/DC’s Long Way To The Top at Federation Square, beating Bulgaria’s previous world mark of 333 bagpipers playing together.