John Farnham’s family reveal beloved star too unwell to attend his Melbourne tribute concert

Music legend John Farnham has revealed he will not be able to attend the Melbourne tribute concert in his honour on Sunday.

His family explained how significantly John’s health condition has deteriorated in a statement shared on Saturday night.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: John Farnham will not attend his tribute concert.

It was initially hoped that John, who has battled oral cancer in recent years, would join the lineup which includes Keith Urban, Jimmy Barnes, Tina Arena, Kate Ceberano, and more than 100 other artists.

John said in May that he would not be able to perform at the celebration concert, but now it is clear he will not even be able to attend The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend, which will be raising funds for Head and Neck Cancer Australia.

He requires 24/7 nursing care, continuous oxygen, and a wheelchair, his wife and sons said in the statement on Saturday.

“John has been deeply moved by everything happening this weekend around the tribute concert at Rod Laver Arena,” Jill, Robert and James Farnham said.

“The extraordinary work of the producers over these past few months, the generosity of all the artists giving their time, and the dedication of the crew and production teams working so hard to deliver this special concert — none of it is taken for granted by John or any of us, as a family.

“Many people have been asking whether John will be involved in the concert or attending tomorrow night to watch it all happen.

“Unfortunately, he will not be able to attend and, as a family, we feel it is important to provide an update on John’s health to help explain why.

“John’s health has deteriorated in recent months. He now requires continuous oxygen support and uses a wheelchair for mobility.

“It has also become necessary for John to receive 24-hour nursing care at home, ensuring trained support is always available when he needs it.

The Farnham family said in the statement that John would have loved to attend the concert, and that they now felt the need to explain John’s condition and the family decision to keep him home.

“We have kept these matters private while our family has adjusted to John’s changing needs,” the family said.