John Farnham in health ‘rebuild’ phase as Age of Reason album gets 35th anniversary release

Aussies have responded to a health update on John Farnham and his new record announcement, prompting an unexpected debate. See what they had to say.

John Farnham continues to rebuild his health with his abundant humour as his back catalogue enjoys a resurgence in the wake of the smash hit Finding The Voice documentary.

Close Farnham family friend Gaynor Wheatley, who oversees Farnham’s catalogue, said the beloved national treasure is “chuffed” by the outpouring of love from fans.

“He’s in the rebuild side of the battle and he’s good and he’s funny and his eyes are sparkling blue and it’s wonderful. It’s a f … ing miracle,” she said.

“He was quite the reluctant traveller on the film, he said no one would want to see him, they already knew everything, but he’s chuffed at the response.

“He just can’t really believe there’s that amount of love out there and that he’s relevant.”

John Farnham is rebuilding his health after his cancer battle. Picture: NCA.

Aussies reacted to the news expressing pleasure that he is recovering from his cancer battle, but many were still smarting over Farnham’s controversial decision to lend his voice to the Yes campaign in the Voice referendum.

“I was really disappointed too when John’s great song, The Voice, was used to support (with John’s approval) the “Yes,” campaign. I will always love his music and I’m so glad that John is making a good recovery; but allowing the use of, what has pretty much become the Aussie anthem, was a very bad and divisive decision,” said Susan.

“Wish u (sic) well but will not listen to your music ever again. Cannot support dividing Australian racially,” wrote Steven.

Other fans were quick to defend the legend.

“Can’t believe people are so precious that they refuse to listen to John Farnhams music because of the voice. It’s petty, nothing more nothing less. I’m not a yes voter either by the way nor a Farnham fan but I wouldn’t give up on music I love just because they used their song in a campaign I didn’t support, that would be ridiculous. Farnham is an Aussie legend, it’s good to see him back in good health again, good luck to him,” said Juztyn.

“I’m amazed by people that are so enraged by someone having a different opinion. Especially when that person has always tried to do the right thing by people who are suffering … … farmers, bush fire victims and now First Nations people. It is now time for us all to move on from the referendum,” wrote Deborah.

“Come on people move on. I voted NO in the referendum and clearly John voted YES, so what. It’s up to John to decided what he does with his music. The out come of the voice doesn’t change my opinion of John as a performer. I think he is an Australian treasure, I for one will be buying any new music he releases,” wrote Mike.

Farnham is likely to return to the charts again this month with the release of a 35th anniversary edition of his 1988 record Age of Reason on October 20.

It is the second highest selling album of his 56 year recording career, after the phenomenal comeback opus Whispering Jack, with the title track reflecting his desire to make a socially aware statement with his music after the success of his signature anthem You’re The Voice.

Wheatley said Age of Reason, 35 years after it hit No. 1, possessed an eerie relevance against the horrors of the war in Ukraine and Israel and Gaza conflict.

“I think the music for John back then was about ‘I’ve got the power to do something good, let’s put it out there’ And that music is relevant now, it’s timeless,” Wheatley said.

“He’s always been a bit of an activist. People associate him with his fundraising for people in distress whether it was Rwanda and Ethiopia or the farmers and firefighters but he always had an opinion he sung through his songs.”

Farnham in 1989 during the Age of Reason tour. Picture: Supplied.

After Farnham struggled to be taken seriously by the world’s biggest songwriters when he was making Whispering Jack, the success of that album – the highest selling Australian artist record here with more than 1.68 million copies – opened the floodgates for Age of Reason.

Chris Thompson, the British co-writer of You’re The Voice who was initially against Farnham recording that song, offered tracks as did The Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart, Ross Wilson and Jon Stevens.

English writer Bruce Woolley, who co-wrote the global hit Video Killed The Radio Star, was one of the writers on Two Strong Hearts.

Gaynor Wheatley said Age of Reason was Farnham’s mission to make socially aware music. Picture: Wayne Taylor.

“Unless he can relate to the song, he can’t sing it. Todd Hunter and Johanna Pigott spent a lot of time writing Age of Reason just for him and there’s so much of him invested in it,” Wheatley said.

There will also be a festive red vinyl reissue of Friends For Christmas record Farnham made with his friend and longtime collaborator Olivia Newton-John to be released next month.

John Farnham’s Age Of Reason anniversary vinyl reissue. Picture: Supplied.

And Wheatley and the Farnham family remain optimistic for the international sale of the Finding The Voice documentary.

“I think he’s just one song away from having a global presence again and hopefully Finding The Voice will take him a little bit viral when it gets international distribution,” she said.

“The UK, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, they are where his highest streams come from.”

The Finding The Voice soundtrack has been nominated for the 2023 ARIA Award for Best Original Soundtrack, Cast or Show Album.

You can pre-order the Age of Reason 35th anniversary vinyl at www.johnfarnham.com

Originally published as John Farnham in health ‘rebuild’ phase as Age of Reason album gets 35th anniversary release