John Farnham breaks silence after cancer battle as his voice is heard publicly for the first time in years to narrate new audiobook
John Farnham has narrated the audiobook of his new memoir, giving fans the chance to hear his iconic voice once again after undergoing major surgery on his mouth and jaw following his cancer diagnosis | LISTEN
He famously declared he was “not gonna sit in silence” in his chart-topping hit.
And John Farnham is living true to his words as he speaks publicly for the first time since he was diagnosed with throat cancer two years ago.
The legendary singer, 75, has narrated the audiobook of his new memoir, due to be released later this month, giving fans the chance to hear his iconic voice once again.
After his diagnosis in 2022, Farnham retreated from public life as doctors removed a tumour from his mouth and reconstructed his jaw, raising fears he might never sing or speak again.
The audiobook of The Voice Inside will be released on October 30, and also features two chapters narrated by his wife Jill.
An excerpt from the audiobook released by publisher Hachette Australia shows Farnham discussing his “reluctance” for speaking about his life previously.
He says in the clip: “I don’t enjoy talking about myself, I really don’t. Don’t get me wrong, I’m an egomaniac.
“But dredging up the past and picking through what has and hasn’t been is just not something I’ve ever really enjoyed.
“I’ll try to share as much as I can, but that’s not easy because I’ve never really been that open. I guess there are reasons for that. Reasons for my reluctance.”
The book charts his rise to stardom from his childhood in Melbourne after moving from the UK aged 10, to becoming a teen idol and releasing the highest-selling Australian album of all time.
It was co-written with Poppy Stockell, the creator and director of the documentary on Farnham’s life, Finding the Voice.
Speaking of the experience recording the audiobook, Farnham said: “It was a bit of a rollercoaster ride. There were more than a few laughs, and some tears, but it made me realise how lucky I’ve been.”
The singer has won 20 ARIA awards and was named Australian of the Year in 1987, the year after his number-one single You’re the Voice was released.
The song was used in the Yes campaign for the Voice referendum last year.
Vanessa Radnidge, head of literary at Hachette Australia, said: “Earlier this year when we announced John Farnham was writing his memoir with the help of Poppy Stockell, many fans eagerly asked if he would record the audiobook himself.
“At the time, we could not provide an answer, and I honestly did not think it would be possible. But John is a born entertainer, and he never wants to disappoint his fans.
“Despite the challenges posed by surgery and radiation, John dedicated many hours in the studio to record his book in his own voice.”
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