As an Aussie child of the 80s I very much took John Farnham for granted. As an adult I now have a deep and loving respect for this genius of a vocalist.
We were seriously spoilt weren't we ?... when I think of the 20+ concerts that I went to and then the smaller more intimate gigs as well, I am so grateful that we got to share those with him and that we still have him.
The sheer volume of talent that we had over the years that was just normal for us down here. Now to watch the world discover our gems and to appreciate them through fresh eyes - we are very lucky
Mate i couldnt agree more. I'm a kiwi and also grew up in the 80 listening to his music and took it for granted. Legend is a word used to often. It needs to be reserved for people who have earned it. John is one of those people. I'll listen to him until the day I die.
John is always best served LIVE. PS: For all the idiots out there, Auto-tune didn't bloody exist back then. That was Johns natural voice, unlike today.
You mention auto tune like you think it can make people sing like this. Its not a magical fairy box that turns bad singers into supreme vocalists. For auto tune to work, you have to be a good singer. It does not make bad singers good, its just not built like that. It takes a good note, and makes it perfect. It cant make a bad note good. It makes a good note, great. But you first have to be good. Chers song " Believe " was one of the first to prominently use auto tune to the extent you can hear the change, which she did on purpose as an added effect. T-pain also used it for effect, but both are good singers. There are various reasons some use it, if they are under the weather, sick or some sort of other issue. But they all, no matter who it is, are already good singers, auto tune just helps. A good singer is a good singer, and a bad singer, will still be bad even with auto tune.
While Phelps and Dimash are modern day wonderful "pop" tenors, John Farnham is the original and best IMO. Mainly because he truly feels songs he sings. The passion he emotes while singing ...you just know that singing is his life. It was such a cruel blow for him to have to suffer mouth cancer. Thankfully he has fully recovered now and is now cancer free. But the original 12 hour surgery and all the follow up has taken a toll. And although his family say he still sings at home it is very unlikely we will ever see him perform again. He will always remain a legend in the eyes of evey Aussie ❤❤❤
That is so true, no auto-tuning or voice modulators back then. People then had real talent. not machines doing it for them. People today have no real talent. just an idea and a machine putting into practise.
You're right about the passion he puts into his songs, and that's what makes the difference between a good singer, and an outstandingly great one. I don't know anything about Phelps, but Dimash, altho talented no doubt about it, I find him to be more of a show pony, i.e. it's always about him and his voice and what he can do with it, rather than singing for the song.
Yes John first released his version in 1980 so his fans have been singing along to his version for nearly 10 years by this concert. He first sang it in front of the Queen and Prince Phillip in 1980 and it has been one of his most popular concert staples ever since ❤❤❤
Thanks for the reaction to our lovely John! Yes, this is John's arrangement of the song, he originally released it in 1980, and this concert was from 1989 when John was 40. John came up with this arrangement of the song when he was learning to play it on keyboard, as he'd slowed it down to learn. Tina Turner's version of Help! is also John's arrangement - she released it in 1984, and would have heard John's version when she and he both performed in a series of concerts in Europe in the early 80s.
David HIRSCHFELDER did the arrangement for Help John’s keyboard player he also did all arrangements in John’s concerts in the 80’s and additional arrangements for Jesus Christ Super Star In the 90’s he is recognised globally as a renowned screen composer and was nominated for an Oscar for the movie Elizabeth he has worked on many movies and won numerous awards. John being the best only works with the best,
I worked at this concert in 1989, and this was John's final encore after singing for about 2 hours. Little wonder he sounded a bit tired by the end. PS one of the Beatles commented after hearing this version saying " this is how it should've been sang from the start ! " .
Great reaction and appreciation of our phenomenal Aussie legend, John Farnham! He has just actually turned 75 years old! With 6 decades of hit songs, concerts, amazing performances and Albums, John Farnham is The GOAT!!! xo
Their is only One John Farnham ❤ Never ever get sick of hearing his voice. He is Amazing and such fun he has with his Audience and always credit other musicians. He is such a Humble guy 💖💖💖💯😎
Dimash is a soulless robot. Not really comparable. Technically impressive but every ‘emotion’ is choreographed, every step is choreographed, every note is choreographed. John just does whatever the hell he wants and enjoys the ride as much as the audience.
That's a bit harsh on Dimash (even though I completely agree). I approach his songs with fear as I suffer from misophonia and so can't stand mic chewers. No such problem with John. And you're right about his honest performance enjoyment. I especially like his mic stand gymnastics in 'You're The Voice', the best bit often missed by reviewers.
I agree about Dimash. It's always about what he can do and how good is me, rather than singing for the song. I don't think your comment is harsh, it's pretty close to what he is. I don't watch his singing for this reason.
The only song I would listen to in my headphones with Dimash is SOS and perhaps a couple more. The rest is just entertaining to watch. BTW most if not all of the more demanding songs are playback or a mix of live and playback. I much prefer singers like John, Ronnie James Dio, Freddy Mercury, Steve Perry and yes even Michael Bolton etc.
Thank for for this lovely and respectful reaction to The Voice ❤ John is know for his crazy high belts at full voice and that ability to start a note ridiculously high out of nowhere that blows you away 👍 Others would have to build up to notes like that if they could even reach them at all. He is an absolute alien of a singer 😊 It was cool to see a fellow singer be so impressed with John, shows just how good he really is 😊 I hope you listen to more. Thank you ❤
That is our John. Yes, he did his own cover that he always makes his own. All except for one that he never intended to record. He is 75 as of July 1st.
Yes, John Lennon said he wrote it as a cry for help. He wasn’t happy with what he described as the ‘preppy’ way the Beatles were pressured into recording his song. He loved John Farnham’s version. John Farnham’s probably the greatest and most versatile singer on the planet. He can sing any genre. Do yourself a favour and check out Gethsemane, Live, the last night performance in Sydney.
Yes, this exactly. Lennon said to Farnham that this is what the song was meant to be. Coming from Lennon, that's possibly the greatest compliment imaginable.
John Lennon always said this was the tempo he would have preferred to record this song. But, the producers wanted it up tempo, to fit their image at the time.
This concert was in 1989, called Classic Jack Concert with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra; John's first adult contemporary album was titled Whispering Jack, this rebooted his career(he was formerly known as Johnny Farnham from 1967 to 1970). He is the only Australian artist to have a number-one record album or single in five consecutive decades, Cliff Richard was the first artist to reach that achievement.
It should be noted that this was his last song for the night on his second encore. Still being able to belt out a song like this after singing all night is incredible
Great Request thank you so much for helping the world hear the special talent that is John Farnham !! Great Reaction!!!! Thank You so Much ✌ Subbed and Thumbed ✌✌✌ 🇦🇺 🔥🔥🔥
Another aspect is the respect and love for his fans and the gracious attitude he has toward them. He knows they are wh he is successful and has never forgotten it. He is a beautiful and humble man.
This was an encore after a show of about 3 hours. He did this and 'A Long Way To The Top If You Want To Rock & Roll" as encores.....THIS is the voice...AT THE END OF A CONCERT!! The MAN....The Legend...The Voice. No gimmicks, No Auto tune, No BS...Just PURE TALENT 💛💙❤ I FIRST SAW HIM LIVE IN 1968....and will forever be his number 1 fan. I miss him so much.
Hi Brad sending love to you from Australia.... One of the reasons the 'piano' was featured so heavily is because this is how John decided to do this slow version (the best version I agree with you lol) is because he was teaching himself to play it on his piano and liked it so much as he could bring all the emotional 'angst' etc to it. It is said that John Lennon heard it and said this was the way The Beatles wanted to do it...but management said no they should stick to their 'boppy' sound. Loved your praise and enjoyment of John's work. You have a truly gorgeous voice as well my friend.
@@stephenanthony6508 It was said, but people were unsure if it was John or Paul. However John Farnham did perform this officially for the first time in 1980 in front of HM Queen Elizabeth II but he had performed it earlier. John Lennon tragically died in 1980. Such a great loss to the world.
Uuhhmm, righto, so I came to see a reaction to our Aussie legend💪, but then stayed and heard your song and voice, but all I have is 😳😲👌👏👏👏👏. Well played Sir 👏. I'm off to add you to my playlist 😃🇦🇺
❤When you consider that John sang Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog” as a back stage vocal warmup is it any wonder that he could finish a concert like that. There is a copy on You Tube because a technician just decided to turn the tape on, otherwise we would not have heard it, someone said that he once did it in a concert live in Brisbane.
John Farnham’s sons Rob and James have spoken about their father’s cancer battle, as the Australian music icon continues to recover from throat cancer following a devastating 2022 diagnosis. The 75-year-old underwent 12-hour surgery after being diagnosed with throat cancer, with doctors removing a tumour from his mouth and reconstructing his jaw. He has since received an “all clear” regarding the cancer. The boys’ update comes ahead of their attendance at the Logies on Sunday on behalf of their father with the John Farnham: Finding The Voice documentary up for the Best Factual or Documentary Program award. “He’s doing really well,” Rob said. “Every day is another step forward, as it is for everyone with cancer. He’s just gotta keep moving forward and keeping positive, and you know, keep driving forward. That’s what it’s about.” The boys went on to praise their mother, saying she had held the family together for the past two years, and also reflected on comments from global superstar Celine Dion, who paid tribute to Farnham in her own documentary I Am: Celine Dion, calling him one of the greatest singers of all time.
I really, really love watching these reaction videos to all our Aussie talent that we've known and loved for decades that the world somehow managed to not hear about until 30 plus years too late.. But John Farnham, probably every kid of the 80's and even the 90's had a cassette with all his greatest hits..
A must is "When something is wrong with my baby" by the Aussie legends John Farnham, Jimmy Barnes and Diesel. Their voices, chemistry and passion are amazing.
Hey Brad, great reaction to Australia's GOAT. John has a phenomenal voice and can sing anything as you will find out when you go down his rabbit hole!! Also love your song anfld your fabulous voice 😊😊😊
I saw every Melbourne concert John performed. . Sometimes I was able to get tickets forup to 6 shows of what ever he was touring. I loved John's voice but the whole band including the amazing back up singers put on a great show. My body vibrated for days after a concert of his. As much as I am a huge Cold Chisel fan and saw all their performances the Whispering Jacl concerts can never be equalled.
I'm a child of the 50s & have been to everyone of John's concerts He is the best a remarkable singer & we wish him all the best for the future We love you John they'll never be another like him❤
You should listen to his song "You're the Voice" from the same concert. That song is so powerful and one of the reasons and maybe the main reason why he is called "The Voice".
Americans are just starting to hear about John over the last few years but he's been known around the rest of the world for over 40 years and even when he was with LRB he didn't like to be far from his family so he chose not to go to the states and stayed mainly in Australia and a few European tours
John's performance of his signature song You're The Voice from this concert, is sensational; and the bagpipe interlude is classic, which was at John's insistence on the original recording of the song. It is sacrilege to use any other instrument there!
Yes this was John’s arrangement of this classic song and this I believe is the best version ever of it. John is the greatest and most versatile male vocalist of all time. Anything John sings is gold and there’s so much music of John’s out there you need to check out. Also if you haven’t already, you should check out a guy named Brian Justin crumb who performed on aft in 2016, I think and did an amazing version of the classic Radio head song “creep” which was incredible and so emotional and powerful and probably the best version of that song.
When Help was released by The Beatles, it was in the midst of the 'pop' era; and it was a the insistence of the record producers, that it be sung as a pop tune. John Farnham released his version in 1980, performing it at Royal Charity Concert in front of Queen Elizabeth II at the Sydney Opera House; and when John Lennon was given a copy of Farnham's performance, he stated " This is how the song was meant to be sung". Shortly before his death later that year, John Lennon had intended to release his own ballad version of the song; so unfortunately for Beatles fans, Farnham's version was the legendary ballad performance(which was covered by the likes of Tina Turner, Howie Day, and Punk rock band The Damned).
He's 74 now and doesn't sing because he had oral cancer about the same time his good friend Olivia Newton John died and had massive surgery. But before her death, yes he was singing a little.
To quote some family and friend statements - "vocal cords not affected, sjnging round the house" . To quite John's statement "cancer free". ! Last public concert was, a charity event (Hay Mate?), I think - February 2020? before pandemic lockdown. Aug'24. UK. E ❤
Brad, spot on reaction to John Farnham's awesome version of Help; and then, as a bonus you share your stunning music with us. And so I subscribed. Thanks. Cheers from Sydney.
Just what I needed after a double shift today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm happy you appreciate John's talent. I could listen to him all day. I listened to all of your song as well. I liked it...😊
@@Jojomac-ix7oiI've been watching so much of John lately - I think I'm addicted 😊😊😊 At least he's a good drug 😂😂😂 I watched the whole of the 1971 King of Pop Awards - OMG it was so good seeing all those Aussie icons. John and Alison Durbin - King and Queen of Pop - sooo cool 😍🇦🇺👏❤️
@AussieDebb where did you watch that? I would have been 10 years old way back then. I agree about John being a good drug. I'm always on a high after watching or listening to John. He is so addictive like you say. So much so, that sometimes, not much gets done around the house...lol. ❤️
@Jojomac-ix7oi So was I LOL! Born at the end of 1960 - I'm the youngest of 8, and the house was full of music and 100s of 45s and LPs. My oldest brother (who passed recently RIP Clive ❤❤) was The Chain's first Roadie - he's even in a couple of their video clips 🥰 Its on RUclips in 2 parts. Just search King of Pop 1971, and they should come up 😍 Yes, I know what you mean about the house. Once I start working on my series, that's it 😀
Tina Turner was spending a fair bit of time in Australia during this time. She loved Johns reconfiguration of the song so she did her own version with her own vocal twists. It is on RUclips and done Live somewhere.
John released his "Help" version in 1980 & this is 1986 so yeah we all knew it! John is the top Aussie Performer that no one admitted to liking but everyone bought his records and knew his songs! Welcome to the John Farnham Universe! CHOOKAS! from John's "Red-in-💙"
John Lennon heard this and saw the concert I think and said he loved John's version and it was what the Beatles actually wanted to do but management wouldn't allow it. Management wanted an upbeat pop song.
Now you want to see he's rock voice and performance look these two up AC/DC cover along way to the top with Melbourne symphony orchestra Led zeppelin black dog cover only get audio as warm up song Luckily sound guy managed to record it during warming up otherwise no one would've herd it These will amaze you He does ballards theatre blue gospel as good then for fun opera plays around with a Australian opera singer Anthony Warlow Who played phantom of the opera Lots of other variations from John to come If your interested go to Dr Cap who has a vast collection front his teen years in black and white to 73 yrs old She has some digitally done to get the quality of sound from them they sound amazing Love your site been watching you on and off for year's now John lives the words of he's songs and it shows Great song by you as well mate Cheers mate 🦘🇦🇺👍
This concert was advertised as John and his Big Band in typical Aussie understatement, it's a 100+ piece orchestra for crying out loud. lol This song is one of the last songs that he would sing at the end of the night after he had already sung his heart out for nearly 3 hours. Some have pointed out that this particular recording of the concert was closer to 2 hours of actual singing during the TV special, but it was also on the 4th or 5th night that he had sung like this. Either way, it was one of multiple nights that he did this on January 4-10, 1989, so his voice is still worthy of the accolades. Not many other singers can belt like that for even 2 or 3 nights without a rest. And besides picking at the exact details or this exact performance, Farnsey also has a way of getting deep into the emotions of your soul. A couple of songs worth checking have been mentioned below, plus these are worth a look also. The reason you haven't heard of him is because the US music industry is a closed little club. When John Farnham went to the US they didn't know which genre to put him in so his US promotions manager got him a couple of gigs in a little jazz club, where the MC introduced him as Jack Phantom. Couldn't even be bothered getting his name correct, so being a bit disheartened he wandered home to concentrate on his loyal fan base. The experience did give him inspiration to write a couple of good songs about missing his family, like this one. -Burn For You.. ruclips.net/video/4PPvOhPspEA/видео.html -Angels.. Notice how he holds the mike below his chest, both mikes are a metre away, which he does all the time to not drown out the other singers. JF with Lisa Edwards, a top singer in her own right, and one of John's back up singers for 20+ years. ruclips.net/video/5_2NJRIdBO8/видео.html -Amazing Grace.. To show the calibre of his other back up Singers, showing you have to be good in your own right, just like Lisa. This is Vanetta Fields and Lindsey Field. ruclips.net/video/_x6N94OEkZQ/видео.html -Please Don't Ask Me.. This one with Olivia Newton John, who we have recently lost. John has also had major cancer surgery including removal of part of his jaw and we may not hear him sing again. So let's enjoy this one as well.. Edit- JF has announced he is free of cancer, but has not mentioned anything about singing again. ruclips.net/video/2uV_tZODfK8/видео.html -When Something Is Wrong With My Baby.... And even when he is singing with one of the most powerful voices on the planet, Jimmy Barnes, he still put the mike away from his face and closer to Jonny Diesel on guitar. ruclips.net/video/AU_bCchDWF4/видео.html Or this version. ruclips.net/video/RAlFHSPLHpo/видео.html -When The War Is Over… Possibly one of his greatest vocals. ruclips.net/video/lfWrXc5eN8g/видео.html -Or is the greatest. Gethsemane.. ruclips.net/video/k5woMZtClhI/видео.html -How about a mike test. He has the power and ability to distort microphones, amps, and get speaker stacks jumping. So this sort of setting up the venue test is a must. Lol Black Dog. ruclips.net/video/F2Yi6TVi-sU/видео.html Besides having the best voice ever, JF can adjust his tone, pitch, volume, to match the person he is singing with to either match them or sing just under them depending on who's the head line act, he will even back himself down when he is the head line to give others their moment to shine, and if my ears were sensitive enough, I wouldn't be surprised if he could vary his vibrato, timbre and all of those other things that voices can do so he could accentuate the other singers.
John Lennon himself said that this is how the song should have been written and performed. Lennon was not a man to give a compliment like that lightly. The studio version Farnham performed was released only months before his (Lennon's) passing.
John Farnham is a legend in Australia. He has been battling mouth cancer and is in remission. Very sad that he'll be off the stage now. He has a very positive attitude and wonderful family & friends support.
This is actually one of three encores, after a two plus hour concert; and his vocal ability is such, that the strength of his voice was still as strong as at the beginning of the concert.
I actually agree. He's technically great, and I can really appreciate the skill, but his performances leave me cold. Whereas John's performances most often literally give me the chills (physically, as in goosebumps) but warm and fuzzy emotionally. ❤
This is John's own arrangement. The story I've heard is that he was teaching himself piano and playing the notes slowly. He realised that the ballad like version suited the lyrics and recorded it, and made it his own. Several others, including Tina Turner, heard his version and included it in their own repertoire.
Look at Dimashe singing STRANGER and SOS where he wears a red suit. Another great singer I like is Tom Ball who was on both Britain's Got Talent and America's Got Talent. Loved his third song an old Tom Jones standard the third song on Britain's Got talent. Another one to look at is Gabriel Henrique. His high notes are something else.. He was on America's got Talent and you can catch him on his own channel.
As an Aussie child of the 80s I very much took John Farnham for granted. As an adult I now have a deep and loving respect for this genius of a vocalist.
We were seriously spoilt weren't we ?... when I think of the 20+ concerts that I went to and then the smaller more intimate gigs as well, I am so grateful that we got to share those with him and that we still have him.
The sheer volume of talent that we had over the years that was just normal for us down here. Now to watch the world discover our gems and to appreciate them through fresh eyes - we are very lucky
@@spacechickenawareness Facts ^^^^
Mate i couldnt agree more. I'm a kiwi and also grew up in the 80 listening to his music and took it for granted. Legend is a word used to often. It needs to be reserved for people who have earned it. John is one of those people. I'll listen to him until the day I die.
As an oldie we took him for granted too.
John is always best served LIVE.
PS: For all the idiots out there, Auto-tune didn't bloody exist back then. That was Johns natural voice, unlike today.
Nice reply!
You mention auto tune like you think it can make people sing like this. Its not a magical fairy box that turns bad singers into supreme vocalists. For auto tune to work, you have to be a good singer. It does not make bad singers good, its just not built like that. It takes a good note, and makes it perfect. It cant make a bad note good. It makes a good note, great. But you first have to be good.
Chers song " Believe " was one of the first to prominently use auto tune to the extent you can hear the change, which she did on purpose as an added effect. T-pain also used it for effect, but both are good singers. There are various reasons some use it, if they are under the weather, sick or some sort of other issue. But they all, no matter who it is, are already good singers, auto tune just helps. A good singer is a good singer, and a bad singer, will still be bad even with auto tune.
@@AgunziLFC you obviously haven't heard Kanye West "sing?" live...
@@suefraser3611 Haven't heard him " sing " ever.
That’s why we call John Farnham The Voice down under. He is no ordinary singer but a powerful vocalist and one of the greatest ever entertainers
This performance was an encore after a 2 hour live concert. What a voice.
With another encore after this!
While Phelps and Dimash are modern day wonderful "pop" tenors, John Farnham is the original and best IMO. Mainly because he truly feels songs he sings. The passion he emotes while singing ...you just know that singing is his life.
It was such a cruel blow for him to have to suffer mouth cancer. Thankfully he has fully recovered now and is now cancer free. But the original 12 hour surgery and all the follow up has taken a toll. And although his family say he still sings at home it is very unlikely we will ever see him perform again. He will always remain a legend in the eyes of evey Aussie ❤❤❤
❤❤❤
That is so true, no auto-tuning or voice modulators back then. People then had real talent. not machines doing it for them. People today have no real talent. just an idea and a machine putting into practise.
You're right about the passion he puts into his songs, and that's what makes the difference between a good singer, and an outstandingly great one. I don't know anything about Phelps, but Dimash, altho talented no doubt about it, I find him to be more of a show pony, i.e. it's always about him and his voice and what he can do with it, rather than singing for the song.
Never get sick of this version of the song
Yes John first released his version in 1980 so his fans have been singing along to his version for nearly 10 years by this concert. He first sang it in front of the Queen and Prince Phillip in 1980 and it has been one of his most popular concert staples ever since ❤❤❤
I used town this very show on video years ago. Proably find it on DVD and Bluray too.
Thanks for the reaction to our lovely John!
Yes, this is John's arrangement of the song, he originally released it in 1980, and this concert was from 1989 when John was 40. John came up with this arrangement of the song when he was learning to play it on keyboard, as he'd slowed it down to learn.
Tina Turner's version of Help! is also John's arrangement - she released it in 1984, and would have heard John's version when she and he both performed in a series of concerts in Europe in the early 80s.
David HIRSCHFELDER did the arrangement for Help John’s keyboard player he also did all arrangements in John’s concerts in the 80’s and additional arrangements for Jesus Christ Super Star In the 90’s he is recognised globally as a renowned screen composer and was nominated for an Oscar for the movie Elizabeth he has worked on many movies and won numerous awards. John being the best only works with the best,
I worked at this concert in 1989, and this was John's final encore after singing for about 2 hours. Little wonder he sounded a bit tired by the end.
PS one of the Beatles commented after hearing this version saying " this is how it should've been sang from the start ! " .
That would be John Lenon.
The voice that's what we Aussies call John Farnham , a true blue Aussie legend
One of the greats. Farnham at his very best.
Great reaction and appreciation of our phenomenal Aussie legend, John Farnham! He has just actually turned 75 years old! With 6 decades of hit songs, concerts, amazing performances and Albums, John Farnham is The GOAT!!! xo
Their is only One John Farnham ❤
Never ever get sick of hearing his voice. He is Amazing and such fun he has with his Audience and always credit other musicians. He is such a Humble guy 💖💖💖💯😎
John was 40 when this concert was recorded.
Listened to the end for your song. Impressive!
Watch John from the same concert singing “your the voice”
I have heard him singing this 100s of times since 1980 when he first sung it and I still get goosebumps. ❤😂🎉
Ditto.
Thank the lord we Australians got him for ourselves...he is an Aussie icon
John is incredible, but ypur voice is great too
Beautiful voice....watching from montreal canada 🇨🇦.. God bless you ❤❤❤
Yep! He can sing any genre.
The absolute GOAT!
Dimash is a soulless robot. Not really comparable. Technically impressive but every ‘emotion’ is choreographed, every step is choreographed, every note is choreographed.
John just does whatever the hell he wants and enjoys the ride as much as the audience.
That's a bit harsh on Dimash (even though I completely agree). I approach his songs with fear as I suffer from misophonia and so can't stand mic chewers. No such problem with John. And you're right about his honest performance enjoyment. I especially like his mic stand gymnastics in 'You're The Voice', the best bit often missed by reviewers.
I agree about Dimash. It's always about what he can do and how good is me, rather than singing for the song. I don't think your comment is harsh, it's pretty close to what he is. I don't watch his singing for this reason.
The only song I would listen to in my headphones with Dimash is SOS and perhaps a couple more. The rest is just entertaining to watch.
BTW most if not all of the more demanding songs are playback or a mix of live and playback. I much prefer singers like John, Ronnie James Dio, Freddy Mercury, Steve Perry and yes even Michael Bolton etc.
We adore our wonderful John here in Australia. I have been lucky enough to have seen him live many times over the years, truly amazing.
Yes indeed! And Live. One of our best ever. luv from Australia ❤️🎼❤️🎼
Every time I hear his voice I get chills. I don't know how many times I've seen this video but every single time it hits me in the feels. Love him.
Thank for for this lovely and respectful reaction to The Voice ❤
John is know for his crazy high belts at full voice and that ability to start a note ridiculously high out of nowhere that blows you away 👍 Others would have to build up to notes like that if they could even reach them at all. He is an absolute alien of a singer 😊
It was cool to see a fellow singer be so impressed with John, shows just how good he really is 😊
I hope you listen to more. Thank you ❤
Another singer who is a fan of John’s voice is Celine Dion!
Yep 👍I love the performance they did together of You're The Voice. Just beautiful 😊 @@magpiegirl3783
That is our John. Yes, he did his own cover that he always makes his own. All except for one that he never intended to record. He is 75 as of July 1st.
Yes, John Lennon said he wrote it as a cry for help. He wasn’t happy with what he described as the ‘preppy’ way the Beatles were pressured into recording his song. He loved John Farnham’s version. John Farnham’s probably the greatest and most versatile singer on the planet. He can sing any genre. Do yourself a favour and check out Gethsemane, Live, the last night performance in Sydney.
Yes, this exactly. Lennon said to Farnham that this is what the song was meant to be. Coming from Lennon, that's possibly the greatest compliment imaginable.
John Lennon always said this was the tempo he would have preferred to record this song. But, the producers wanted it up tempo, to fit their image at the time.
This concert was in 1989, called Classic Jack Concert with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra; John's first adult contemporary album was titled Whispering Jack, this rebooted his career(he was formerly known as Johnny Farnham from 1967 to 1970). He is the only Australian artist to have a number-one record album or single in five consecutive decades, Cliff Richard was the first artist to reach that achievement.
Vocal masterclass right there - John’s version whilst learning piano ❤❤❤
It should be noted that this was his last song for the night on his second encore. Still being able to belt out a song like this after singing all night is incredible
Sadie and long way to the top after this.
Remember it well.😍
Great Request thank you so much for helping the world hear the special talent that is John Farnham !! Great Reaction!!!! Thank You so Much ✌ Subbed and Thumbed ✌✌✌ 🇦🇺 🔥🔥🔥
Another aspect is the respect and love for his fans and the gracious attitude he has toward them. He knows they are wh he is successful and has never forgotten it. He is a beautiful and humble man.
Oh and John did his cover first in 1980. Guess who loved it?
John is ‘The Voice’. Have loved him since ‘Sadie the Cleaning Lady’’.
Loved your song and video. Fantastic. Love finding new to me artists.
Top shelf❤
WOW Brad, I LOVE your voice!
Yes, I tuned in for Farnsey, but hearing you sing Death to the Kingdom of Me was a wonderful bonus. Thank you!! ❤️
One of the most extraordinary vocal performances ever and one of the most
decent people to ever grace a stage.
This was an encore after a show of about 3 hours. He did this and 'A Long Way To The Top If You Want To Rock & Roll" as encores.....THIS is the voice...AT THE END OF A CONCERT!!
The MAN....The Legend...The Voice. No gimmicks, No Auto tune, No BS...Just PURE TALENT
💛💙❤ I FIRST SAW HIM LIVE IN 1968....and will forever be his number 1 fan. I miss him so much.
Hi Brad sending love to you from Australia.... One of the reasons the 'piano' was featured so heavily is because this is how John decided to do this slow version (the best version I agree with you lol) is because he was teaching himself to play it on his piano and liked it so much as he could bring all the emotional 'angst' etc to it. It is said that John Lennon heard it and said this was the way The Beatles wanted to do it...but management said no they should stick to their 'boppy' sound. Loved your praise and enjoyment of John's work. You have a truly gorgeous voice as well my friend.
Lennon was dead before this version was recorded.
@@stephenanthony6508 It was said, but people were unsure if it was John or Paul. However John Farnham did perform this officially for the first time in 1980 in front of HM Queen Elizabeth II but he had performed it earlier. John Lennon tragically died in 1980. Such a great loss to the world.
Uuhhmm, righto, so I came to see a reaction to our Aussie legend💪, but then stayed and heard your song and voice, but all I have is 😳😲👌👏👏👏👏. Well played Sir 👏. I'm off to add you to my playlist 😃🇦🇺
❤When you consider that John sang Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog” as a back stage vocal warmup is it any wonder that he could finish a concert like that. There is a copy on You Tube because a technician just decided to turn the tape on, otherwise we would not have heard it, someone said that he once did it in a concert live in Brisbane.
And a beautiful himan being as well.
John Farnham’s sons Rob and James have spoken about their father’s cancer battle, as the Australian music icon continues to recover from throat cancer following a devastating 2022 diagnosis.
The 75-year-old underwent 12-hour surgery after being diagnosed with throat cancer, with doctors removing a tumour from his mouth and reconstructing his jaw.
He has since received an “all clear” regarding the cancer.
The boys’ update comes ahead of their attendance at the Logies on Sunday on behalf of their father with the John Farnham: Finding The Voice documentary up for the Best Factual or Documentary Program award.
“He’s doing really well,” Rob said.
“Every day is another step forward, as it is for everyone with cancer. He’s just gotta keep moving forward and keeping positive, and you know, keep driving forward. That’s what it’s about.”
The boys went on to praise their mother, saying she had held the family together for the past two years, and also reflected on comments from global superstar Celine Dion, who paid tribute to Farnham in her own documentary I Am: Celine Dion, calling him one of the greatest singers of all time.
I really, really love watching these reaction videos to all our Aussie talent that we've known and loved for decades that the world somehow managed to not hear about until 30 plus years too late..
But John Farnham, probably every kid of the 80's and even the 90's had a cassette with all his greatest hits..
And this was at the end of a 2 hour performance. It's one of his encore songs! Amazing!
It wasn't at the end of the concert. There was another encore after Help where he sang Sadie and It's a Long Way to the Top.
Arguably one of the greatest voices ever absolutely brilliant I believe
Fantastic reaction to our John. He's so brilliant. I love him.❤❤❤
You also have a fantastic voice. Enjoyed your song greatly. Thanks.❤
Great reaction thankyou from Australia
The most beautiful version of this song ❤
Best reaction I’ve heard yet of the Voice…thanks. I can remember him at 19 singing Sadie…
John was born with a set of pipes, that just leave you envious of such a gift. 👍👌
A must is "When something is wrong with my baby" by the Aussie legends John Farnham, Jimmy Barnes and Diesel. Their voices, chemistry and passion are amazing.
YES its one of my favorites too😊
I'm glad I waited for the reaction
My God you have a brilliant voice and that is a fabulous song
Hey Brad, great reaction to Australia's GOAT. John has a phenomenal voice and can sing anything as you will find out when you go down his rabbit hole!!
Also love your song anfld your fabulous voice
😊😊😊
❤❤❤ John Farnham here in Oz.
This performance is on 👉
Now that is a performance ! 👏 👏👏
The audience definitely is helping him. Phenomenal rendition. Not every song needs a sax solo, it wouldn't fit in "Oh Danny Boy".
Oh Danny boy, the sax, the sax is calling....
I can see it working.
I saw every Melbourne concert John performed. . Sometimes I was able to get tickets forup to 6 shows of what ever he was touring. I loved John's voice but the whole band including the amazing back up singers put on a great show. My body vibrated for days after a concert of his. As much as I am a huge Cold Chisel fan and saw all their performances the Whispering Jacl concerts can never be equalled.
Like your song Man
Saw him so many times but my favourite was the Jack's Back tour. A wonderful human being, I get goosebumps watching this.
How cool is it that whole band keeps up.
John is my favorite male singer ever. Eivor is my favorite female singer ever.
This is on an album I have but I've never seen the footage of him singing it
Love Love Love it !!!
John Farnham released this as a song in about 1980 in Australia if other countries heard it I have no idea.
You have a great voice. Thank you for celebrating John extreme talent and great nature as a human being ❤❤❤
OH MY GOD!! My goosebumps have goosebumps.
came here for the GOAT - The Voice...
But I have to say I really enjoyed your song - will seek out more.
One of the Goats
You should react to tina turners version she does the same just as good as johns
Do you know what; all those fantastic modern tenors are up there with John. He got their first.!!❤❤❤❤
I'm a child of the 50s & have been to everyone of John's concerts
He is the best a remarkable singer & we wish him all the best for the future
We love you John they'll never be another like him❤
Our Farnsey…fabulous!
Great clip at the end! 👍
You should listen to his song "You're the Voice" from the same concert. That song is so powerful and one of the reasons and maybe the main reason why he is called "The Voice".
Absolute Aussie legend, sensational voice, magnificent entertainer and just a bloody beautiful human
Americans are just starting to hear about John over the last few years but he's been known around the rest of the world for over 40 years and even when he was with LRB he didn't like to be far from his family so he chose not to go to the states and stayed mainly in Australia and a few European tours
John's performance of his signature song You're The Voice from this concert, is sensational; and the bagpipe interlude is classic, which was at John's insistence on the original recording of the song. It is sacrilege to use any other instrument there!
Yes this was John’s arrangement of this classic song and this I believe is the best version ever of it. John is the greatest and most versatile male vocalist of all time. Anything John sings is gold and there’s so much music of John’s out there you need to check out. Also if you haven’t already, you should check out a guy named Brian Justin crumb who performed on aft in 2016, I think and did an amazing version of the classic Radio head song “creep” which was incredible and so emotional and powerful and probably the best version of that song.
When Help was released by The Beatles, it was in the midst of the 'pop' era; and it was a the insistence of the record producers, that it be sung as a pop tune. John Farnham released his version in 1980, performing it at Royal Charity Concert in front of Queen Elizabeth II at the Sydney Opera House; and when John Lennon was given a copy of Farnham's performance, he stated " This is how the song was meant to be sung". Shortly before his death later that year, John Lennon had intended to release his own ballad version of the song; so unfortunately for Beatles fans, Farnham's version was the legendary ballad performance(which was covered by the likes of Tina Turner, Howie Day, and Punk rock band The Damned).
You have a lovely voice too. Thank you loving our John.
He's 74 now and doesn't sing because he had oral cancer about the same time his good friend Olivia Newton John died and had massive surgery. But before her death, yes he was singing a little.
To quote some family and friend statements - "vocal cords not affected, sjnging round the house" . To quite John's statement "cancer free". ! Last public concert was, a charity event (Hay Mate?), I think - February 2020? before pandemic lockdown. Aug'24. UK. E ❤
Yes. The bushfire relief concert. To think it was just before all the Covid lockdowns, then the losing Olivia, and John getting sick.
Brad, spot on reaction to John Farnham's awesome version of Help; and then, as a bonus you share your stunning music with us. And so I subscribed. Thanks. Cheers from Sydney.
Just what I needed after a double shift today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm happy you appreciate John's talent. I could listen to him all day. I listened to all of your song as well. I liked it...😊
@@Jojomac-ix7oi Goosebumps again hey Jojo 🥰 Hope you get to have a good rest ❤️
@@AussieDebb thankyou. 🙂 Seems like I'm having goose bumps very, very often these days...and it's not from the cold. Lol! 😉❤️
@@Jojomac-ix7oiI've been watching so much of John lately - I think I'm addicted 😊😊😊 At least he's a good drug 😂😂😂 I watched the whole of the 1971 King of Pop Awards - OMG it was so good seeing all those Aussie icons. John and Alison Durbin - King and Queen of Pop - sooo cool 😍🇦🇺👏❤️
@AussieDebb where did you watch that? I would have been 10 years old way back then. I agree about John being a good drug. I'm always on a high after watching or listening to John. He is so addictive like you say. So much so, that sometimes, not much gets done around the house...lol. ❤️
@Jojomac-ix7oi So was I LOL! Born at the end of 1960 - I'm the youngest of 8, and the house was full of music and 100s of 45s and LPs. My oldest brother (who passed recently RIP Clive ❤❤) was The Chain's first Roadie - he's even in a couple of their video clips 🥰 Its on RUclips in 2 parts. Just search King of Pop 1971, and they should come up 😍 Yes, I know what you mean about the house. Once I start working on my series, that's it 😀
Tina Turner was spending a fair bit of time in Australia during this time.
She loved Johns reconfiguration of the song so she did her own version with her own vocal twists. It is on RUclips and done Live somewhere.
I love your piece too thankyou
John released his "Help" version in 1980 & this is 1986 so yeah we all knew it!
John is the top Aussie Performer that no one admitted to liking but everyone bought his records and knew his songs! Welcome to the John Farnham Universe!
CHOOKAS! from John's "Red-in-💙"
John Lennon heard this and saw the concert I think and said he loved John's version and it was what the Beatles actually wanted to do but management wouldn't allow it. Management wanted an upbeat pop song.
Best version of this classic Beatles toon! John makes it his own and makes it so much better!
Kingdom of Me isn't bad either 😜
This was recorded in 1989 when he was 40. By this time he had been performing for 25 years. He is still performing at 75.
I can’t tell you how glad I am that you are enjoining this
Now you want to see he's rock voice and performance look these two up
AC/DC cover along way to the top with Melbourne symphony orchestra
Led zeppelin black dog cover only get audio as warm up song
Luckily sound guy managed to record it during warming up otherwise no one would've herd it
These will amaze you
He does ballards theatre blue gospel as good then for fun opera plays around with a Australian opera singer Anthony Warlow
Who played phantom of the opera
Lots of other variations from John to come
If your interested go to Dr Cap who has a vast collection front his teen years in black and white to 73 yrs old
She has some digitally done to get the quality of sound from them they sound amazing
Love your site been watching you on and off for year's now
John lives the words of he's songs and it shows
Great song by you as well mate
Cheers mate 🦘🇦🇺👍
This concert was advertised as John and his Big Band in typical Aussie understatement, it's a 100+ piece orchestra for crying out loud. lol
This song is one of the last songs that he would sing at the end of the night after he had already sung his heart out for nearly 3 hours.
Some have pointed out that this particular recording of the concert was closer to 2 hours of actual singing during the TV special, but it was also on the 4th or 5th night that he had sung like this.
Either way, it was one of multiple nights that he did this on January 4-10, 1989, so his voice is still worthy of the accolades.
Not many other singers can belt like that for even 2 or 3 nights without a rest.
And besides picking at the exact details or this exact performance, Farnsey also has a way of getting deep into the emotions of your soul.
A couple of songs worth checking have been mentioned below, plus these are worth a look also.
The reason you haven't heard of him is because the US music industry is a closed little club. When John Farnham went to the US they didn't know which genre to put him in so his US promotions manager got him a couple of gigs in a little jazz club, where the MC introduced him as Jack Phantom. Couldn't even be bothered getting his name correct, so being a bit disheartened he wandered home to concentrate on his loyal fan base. The experience did give him inspiration to write a couple of good songs about missing his family, like this one.
-Burn For You..
ruclips.net/video/4PPvOhPspEA/видео.html
-Angels..
Notice how he holds the mike below his chest, both mikes are a metre away, which he does all the time to not drown out the other singers.
JF with Lisa Edwards, a top singer in her own right, and one of John's back up singers for 20+ years.
ruclips.net/video/5_2NJRIdBO8/видео.html
-Amazing Grace..
To show the calibre of his other back up Singers, showing you have to be good in your own right, just like Lisa.
This is Vanetta Fields and Lindsey Field.
ruclips.net/video/_x6N94OEkZQ/видео.html
-Please Don't Ask Me..
This one with Olivia Newton John, who we have recently lost. John has also had major cancer surgery including removal of part of his jaw and we may not hear him sing again. So let's enjoy this one as well..
Edit- JF has announced he is free of cancer, but has not mentioned anything about singing again.
ruclips.net/video/2uV_tZODfK8/видео.html
-When Something Is Wrong With My Baby....
And even when he is singing with one of the most powerful voices on the planet, Jimmy Barnes, he still put the mike away from his face and closer to Jonny Diesel on guitar.
ruclips.net/video/AU_bCchDWF4/видео.html
Or this version.
ruclips.net/video/RAlFHSPLHpo/видео.html
-When The War Is Over…
Possibly one of his greatest vocals.
ruclips.net/video/lfWrXc5eN8g/видео.html
-Or is the greatest.
Gethsemane..
ruclips.net/video/k5woMZtClhI/видео.html
-How about a mike test.
He has the power and ability to distort microphones, amps, and get speaker stacks jumping. So this sort of setting up the venue test is a must. Lol
Black Dog.
ruclips.net/video/F2Yi6TVi-sU/видео.html
Besides having the best voice ever, JF can adjust his tone, pitch, volume, to match the person he is singing with to either match them or sing just under them depending on who's the head line act, he will even back himself down when he is the head line to give others their moment to shine, and if my ears were sensitive enough, I wouldn't be surprised if he could vary his vibrato, timbre and all of those other things that voices can do so he could accentuate the other singers.
John Lennon himself said that this is how the song should have been written and performed. Lennon was not a man to give a compliment like that lightly.
The studio version Farnham performed was released only months before his (Lennon's) passing.
John Farnham is a legend in Australia. He has been battling mouth cancer and is in remission. Very sad that he'll be off the stage now. He has a very positive attitude and wonderful family & friends support.
This is actually one of three encores, after a two plus hour concert; and his vocal ability is such, that the strength of his voice was still as strong as at the beginning of the concert.
He also does a great cover of 'One is the Loneliest Number'.
The encore after 2 and a half hours singing. Incredible.
I love the way John doesn't end on a big note....because he simply doesn't need to.
I actually agree. He's technically great, and I can really appreciate the skill, but his performances leave me cold. Whereas John's performances most often literally give me the chills (physically, as in goosebumps) but warm and fuzzy emotionally. ❤
This is the first time I've come across you and that was a good reaction. Have to say you have a great voice, am very impressed!
This is John's own arrangement. The story I've heard is that he was teaching himself piano and playing the notes slowly. He realised that the ballad like version suited the lyrics and recorded it, and made it his own. Several others, including Tina Turner, heard his version and included it in their own repertoire.
I haven't heard Dimash.
I've heard David Phelps, and seriously, he's not qualified to carry John's microphone stand.
Look at Dimashe singing STRANGER and SOS where he wears a red suit. Another great singer I like is Tom Ball who was on both Britain's Got Talent and America's Got Talent. Loved his third song an old Tom Jones standard the third song on Britain's Got talent. Another one to look at is Gabriel Henrique. His high notes are something else.. He was on America's got Talent and you can catch him on his own channel.