Australian music legend John Farnham has made a devastating admission following his battle with oral cancer.
The Youâre The Voice singer stepped away from the stage four years ago to undergo gruelling treatment, which left him with significant physical challenges.
In a new interview published on Friday, Farnham confirmed he will never sing or perform in public again.
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âWe can rule that out,â Farnham told The Herald Sun.
âBecause of the surgeries to my mouth and face over the past few years, singing on stage is not something I can consider again.
âItâs just not possible.â


It was hoped Farnham would sing at his upcoming tribute show.
The Australian icon said he initially thought the idea of a show dedicated to him sounded like a âbig, crazy ideaâ.
âNo one needs to come and do this for me. Iâm not dead yet, remember,â Farnham added.
But when it was suggested the concert could raise funds for head and neck cancer charities, this changed the singerâs mind.
âSo, here we are. Iâm gobsmacked and truly grateful that everyone has said yes,â Farnham said.
âIt is truly humbling and I canât thank them enough for what they will be doing for this cause, which is very special and personal for me.â


In August 2022, Farnhamâs family shared a statement confirming his shock diagnosis.
âCancer diagnosis is something that so many people face every single day, and countless others have walked this path before me,â Farnham said at the time.
âThe one thing I know for sure is that we have the very best specialist healthcare professionals in Victoria, and we can all be grateful for that.
âI know I am.â
He was admitted to hospital immediately and underwent a major operation to remove a tumour from his mouth.
The 12-hour procedure required part of his jaw to be removed and reconstructed.
The treatment left him facing significant physical and emotional challenges, including difficulties with speaking, eating and singing.
A year after the surgery, Farnham revealed he was cancer-free and has since remained largely out of the spotlight, supported by his family â including his wife Jill and their sons, Rob and James.


Farnham said it was his wife who has carried him through the toughest moments.
âI honestly donât think Iâd be here if it wasnât for her,â Farnham told The Herald Sun.
âShe has been through everything with me.
âThroughout it all, Jilly kept reminding me why I needed to keep pushing through.
âAnd it wasnât just me â she was supporting the boys and the whole family at the same time.
âEveryone needs to know, Jill is the rock for all of us.â
Farnham rose to fame as a teen pop idol in the 1960s, before transitioning his career to adult contemporary singing.
One of Australiaâs most popular artists, the singer is best known for his song Youâre The Voice.


