I played with John for 40 years and I was onstage at this show. He is without a doubt one of the greatest vocalists to have ever lived. This was the last song of a 2 hour concert and he would do this show 4 nights in a row, no problem. There is absolutely no enhancement to his vocal at all. I've sat next to him at a piano and he would blow your head off with his power. Unbelievable. We once did 16 gigs in a row in pubs with long drives every day and his voice never failed him, not once.
You're a bit of a legend yourself Brett!! What an incredible career experience for you. Can understand why you've worked with him for 40 years. Thanks xx
I’m Aussie and spent many years disregarding him as I was a punk and metal kid in the 80s and 90s but now I can appreciate how good a vocalist he is… wish him well with his health battles everyone 😢
I was very much an aussie rock pig when I started working in the entertainment industry in 93, and thought Farnesy was just ok pop, until I worked on ten of his shows at the Sydney entertainment centre, and he's an absolute world class act all the way. Exceptional talent with him, his band, AND his production crew, and with the number of acts I've worked for over the years, I'm hard pressed to think of any act that is better, and very few that are equal.
Can totally relate as a punk kid from Melbourne in the 80's and 90's I taught faranham was a cringe bit, man he has some amazing pipes. I wish she would react to Archie roach.
Agreed I was also not listening to him, still don't really, but I saw him in concert once, by mistake. Such an amazing voice, just filled the stadium. He really nicely connected to his audience too, the mums went mad!
As an Aussie , it’s disappointing how internationally underrated he is , I get shear joy watching people like yourself watch this for the first time , a true Aussie gem he is
This was massive in Ireland and I loved it, what a voice ! Brings me back to my youth. God we had fantastic music. Even if you were into something else back then, metal or punk or whatever, there was a plethora of amazing musicians, writers and singers in EVERY genre. I may be biased, but I believe we were the last generation (gen x as they call us) to grow up with that, the majority of artists were accomplished and amazing, no matter the style of music they made
Play that song in any bar in any country in the world, and you will immediately identify the Australians in the room. Wishing Farnsey a speedy recovery. He truly created an Aussie icon in this song.
I’m an ex-sound engineer who had the privilege of working alongside John’s main front of house engineers throughout my career. They were the best in the game here in Australia 🇦🇺 and John was in a class of his own. FYI this song was released 11 years before auto tune was first heard. In the days before auto tune (ie pre 1999 Cher’s ‘Believe’ was the first commercial hit to feature the effect) which has become something ubiquitous in todays music. It’s worth appreciating in these days, you could either sing the notes, or you couldn’t. And John could.
Autotune was available in the late eighties / early nineties but it was very arduous & manual. I have a story told to me by my guitar teacher but it slanders a reasonably famous singer...
It's funny you bought up the auto tune because that hit a nerve with me aswell. To even suggest Farnsey might have auto tune on his voice is compete insult LOL.
To love Australia is to love John Farnham. When Freddie Mercury says he's the best singer he's ever heard, there s no finer endorsement than that, and what he can sing. We are so blessed to have him as ours. Thankfully he is cancer free.
I'm an Australian metal head but John is special, a wonderful human, funny, down to earth and loved. Sadly he is fighting mouth cancer at 73. ❤ Australia stands with him
You’ve just made 25 million Australians very happy! Farnsey is a national treasure with a 50 year career of outstanding performance. Pick any song, of any style, from his extensive career and you will be impressed. We all wish him and his family well as he struggles with serious health problems at the moment.
Many moons ago I worked at his 50th bday party that was held in a well known function venue in Melbourne. I will never forget at the end of the night, when most people had gone home, John and his backup singers standing in the middle of the room singing Amazing Grace a cappella. Absolute goosebumps. I felt so privileged to witness that moment.
One night around 1981-82, I was re-stringing my bass in the change-room of, I think, Bulli Workers Club, when Farnham, who my band was supporting, walked in, introduced himself, and chatted away as I continued to string my bass, trying desperately to stay calm and coherent! As well as being one of the most astonishing singers ever to vibrate a fold, he is as friendly, funny and humble off-stage as on.
From memory, he sung 'Help' as the second encore at the end of the concert, but his voice was as good as the first note he sung. 'Help' is an (authorised) cover of the Beetles song.
John's Backing Singers, Lisa Edwards, Venetta Fields & Lindsay Field have been backing John for many, many years. In an Interview John said that when they perform it is like an extra leg or arm. They just blend together so well.
Not only is Farnsey one of the most talented singers in the world, but he's genuinely a bloody nice and humble bloke to go with it, we all wish you well for a full recovery John
I worked with John, playing violin in the string section for a run of his shows about 10 years after this performance. I've worked with some pretty good singers in the operas in Vienna, and I would say John's voice was outstanding. He's worth listening to for a wide range of his songs to really get what he is capable of. He was relaxed. loved the music, and gave a lot in every show. And he was exceptionally generous and kept everyone involved feeling valued. And you're right, the backing vocals are really excellent and toneful. Glad you enjoyed one of Australia's great singers.
Oh! Another lucky one! Wow! That would be amazing! I am 66 & have always loved John! Huge Fan! Watching the many Reactions over the last 2 or 3 years has been a wonderful journey & one I feel while not well, would do John good to watch, just how much recognition for the incredible Voice/Performer & all around entertainer he is! Thanks for sharing your first hand experience of him, it is exactly as I always imagined him to be! Cheers Debbie 🥰
I met him in Port Douglas years ago (late 90's). I was with a someone who lived there and John had a boat up there. He came across as just a lovely genuine guy and I have always appreciated his voice even if I didn't always love his music
I was lucky enough to get to see him sing this live at a Princes Trust concert whoever wrote this song deserves a medal not to take anything away from his vocals but the music and the lyrics are amazing
What’s so impressive is he’s probably already been singing for 2hrs +. This is most likely the last song of the night. And it’s such a hard song to sing and he absolutely crushes it. Legend.
"Help" was his oncore song that night. Arguably his best live performance ever captured by the internet. AND, no one ever on this planet will ever be able to sing THAT song & essentially most of his songs without giving them more justice than him. Impossible.
This concert with MSO was one of the best concerts John ever did. You must also check out “Help” from the encore! John was so amazing live, even up until last year (even in his 70’s), before his surgery for mouth cancer. Farnsey is our hero ❤ Even though John is English by birth, he is a humble man who gave his voice to Australia - the land he grew up in, and we gave him our love right back. John gave up his chance at international stardom to stay in Australia with his family and earned every Aussie’s loyalty forever. The movie of his life will be out later this year. “You’re The Voice” is the unofficial Australian anthem, so just about everyone knows the lyrics by heart, especially those of us who were around in 1986 when it was released. As to your comments about auto tune…… John didn’t do auto tune….his voice is his own, totally natural with no tuning required, and live shows were exactly that… John singing live, maybe not 100% vocally correct, but who cares, his concerts were beyond amazing. He fed off his audience and we gave him what he needed to transcend. I.e. the backup singer with the studded corset is Lisa….John treated his band and backup singers as family, so Lisa has sung with him for over 20 years.
I agree, Cyannah, please check out "Help", Elizabeth, you won't regret it. This was such an informative and useful breakdown that I'd love to hear you take on John's technique and arrangement of that classic Beatles' song.
It's out now. Saw it last night. Was brilliant. Boy John had a rough trot to get where he did. The loyalty between John and Glenn Wheatley over the years was just beautiful.
This song came out when I was about 12 or 13. Growing up in apartheid South Africa in the 80’s this song was extremely empowering to me. Even as a kid I was very aware and didn’t understand why some people were treated differently. This song gave me permission to ask questions of the adults around me. It’s still one of my favorites.
Sorry but have u seen the state of South Africa in 2023!? It's on the verge of disintegration cos of massive corruption and mismanagement since majority black rule. Most people are nostalgic now for the 1980s!
I really hope John Farnham sees these videos of people from around the world embracing him as an amazing preformer and us Aussies really remembering how truly lucky we were to grow up with his music. Ive heard so many positive stories of people who met him saying what a true gentleman he is. I think we all wish him the best wishes for his health. 😊 .
Sadly I don't think he will. John doesn't really watch his own stuff or interviews etc. In July I think it was, I heard John's son Rob say in an interview that at that point, John still hadn't even watched his own massively successful documentary, Finding The Voice. What a voice. What a guy.
@@matthewcullen1298 yeah he really is an Aussie hero. Great role model. I'm so glad they made the Finding The Voice doco this year. It's really cemented himself a place in Australian history.
@@lex_hayes In a way it's a shame John doesn't watch these videos, because if he read the comments that have been posted he'd see just how much his fans, and Australia, just love him, not just for his amazing voice, but also for the down to earth person he is. 27.11.23. UK. E❤
Farnsy is an absolute Australian icon and legend (and serial mic stand abuser). There are so many better songs that show his vocal talents off much better than this! I’ve seen him live on a number of occasions and every time he has been incredible. He has always been on point vocally. Watch him on the Jesus Christ superstar. Just incredible. I wish him well with his recovery and hope to see him sing again!
John Farnham cancer-free and ‘super positive’ a year after mouth surgery. Son Robert says 74-year-old is singing and dancing at home after surgery in August 2022. Wonderful news, he's such an Aussie icon.
Holy shit! Johnny Fucking Farnham! Back in the 80's this dude wasn't just a singer, he was an icon. Regular Hey Hey It's Saturday appearances, guest hosting tv show, any time a major event needed a musical performance, dude was everywhere. A real personality.
@@arthur4493 I remember that! The look on John's face while singing along with Tom. He was truly in awe of the man and he wasn't afraid to show it. They were both great that night!
American living in Aus here for 20+ years - Johnny is a literal Aussie legend! This is basically the unofficial Aussie national anthem; I dont think theres a single Aussie who doesn't know this song by heart I get so many chills and tears welled up in my eyes every time I hear this.. Also he still sounds this good even nowadays!
Imagine a factory floor in Australia in the 90s. It's a Saturday, all the worker bees are cashing in on overtime rates, and this song comes on the radio. About a third of the way through all the worker bees continue with their assigned tasks, but singing along, with all the enthusiasm and energy that they can muster. I love my adopted country, and I thank you for bringing that memory back to mind.
Hahaha, I want you to think about how the crew of a band felt when they were driving straight from one gig in Melbourne for instance, then driving to Sydney. We had to pack up the show, load the truck and drive straight to the next gig. Then load in, set up and do the show, pack up and hopefully, to a hotel room. You imagine how you feel, when the bands song or songs are played over and over on the radio? On one tour, we travelled 29,000ks in 7 weeks According to the speedometer.
Your Aussie fans have been waiting for AGES to see a Farnsey reaction from you. So happy to see it finally happening, and we're all hoping you do more. The man can sing literally any genre, so there is a wealth of material to cover. ❤
@@TheCharismaticVoice He does a version of Zepplin's "Black Dog" that he uses as a sound check. A sound engineer recorded it, as he never performed it in front of an audience. It will literally blow you away. We haven't even touched on his ballads, especially the stripped down ones, where his voice just takes you away. You loved his backup singers, who supported him for decades. Lisa Edwards, the singer with the crimped hair, does an unplugged duet with him called "Angels", which has to be one of the best harmonies you will ever hear.
Can confirm, us Kiwis who know about him love him. Wish more of my coworkers knew about Farnsey, but apart from two in their early thirties, all my coworkers were born on the wrong side of the year 2000.
@@timmarks8450 haha! I bet! John is deifnitely Aussie thru and thru :) And you're right Kauritree, us Kiwis love Farnsy :) I still have his Whipsering Jack album from when it first came out. Played it so many times. it unleashes John's incredible abilities and that massive power!
Your analysis is spot on! Thank you. And he never had a bad night. Never hit the wrong note. His lyrics, his vocals were - and still are - absolutely intentional. As was the mic stand toss, which would have been thrown nowhere near anyone, as it was on stage. And he always involved the crowd and considered them his 'mates'. Fabulous man.
Yesssss, finally. 2 years subscribed and its finally happening 🤣 Please, please do John Farnhams' live version of Help with the Melbourne symphony next You're the voice is our national anthem here in Aus. However, help showcases Farnseys range so much more.
T/c 16:20 … you clearly see John adjusting his mic stand for that epic toss and catch before he throws it stage left. How did you miss that? He didn’t just carelessly throw it … it was staged, timed and executed to perfection.
This song never fails to raise the hairs on my neck and the tears in my eyes, when John Farnham sings it. I'm Australian and grew up with Johnny Farnham. His voice is extraordinary and his rapport with the audience is superb. If you liked this one, you would also love him doing "Help!" at the same concert.
John has been gracing the airwaves of Australia since the mid 1960's. Not only a sensational voice, but he is a gentleman to the core. He is always to stop on the street, passing through an airport or wherever a fan approaches him. He will gladly give his time for a quick chat, a photo or autograph. He has always been humble about his extraordinary talent - a real salt of the Earth bloke and a national treasure.
John performing a cover of the "Beatles" "Help" with the Melbourne Symphony orchestra will blow you away ...as will John performing with fellow Aussie legend Jimmy Barnes (live on Hey, Hey it's Saturday) "When Something is Wrong with my Baby...or video of John playing Jesus in JC Superstar, singing "Gethsemane" (which you have reviewed Ian Gillan doing) ...I prefer John's version ... Or John doing some light "opera" with Anthony Warlow "Grenada" or Led Zeppelin's "Black Dog" as his warm up....or his stint with Little River Band doing a jazzed up version of "Reminiscing"....the man's talent and versatility is amazing. Aussie legend
Farnsey as we Aussies affectionately call him is an Australian national treasure who's voice and performances are legendary , every band member and backup singer are recognised artists in their own right and a Farnsey concert is something you never forget . Other commentors have suggested you react to his tribute cover of the Beatles HELP from the same concert ,I agree but I'd also suggest you watch the whole concert ,it's 2hours of compleat energy and talent everyone on stage and the whole audience get involved to make it an unforgettable experience that makes you glad you were there to witness
Us Aussies love him. He's actually known as one of the great personalities of our entire country. He was often on TV and radio and his music is still played daily on Aussie stations. He is much loved and everyone wishes him well with his continuing health issues. Feel free to look into any of his hits in more depth, and us Aussies will love it.
I'm a metalhead kid from Australia who grew up in the 80's and I will always be a fan of John Farnham, beyond the voice, beyond being an absolutely phenomenal live performer, he always had a real connection with working class and average people in Australia. He was a bloke who was pushing 40, broke and labelled as pretty much a has been when he did Whispering Jack, a record no radio station in Australia wanted to touch initially, but when You're The Voice finally got played, it was the people who kept calling stations requesting it that made the comeback complete. John Farnham is and forever will be, the voice for me.
John Farnham is a conservative. He complained about protesters using his song at the S11 summit in 2000. The protesters were unionists, ecologists, people arguing for a fairer world. That is apparently something that Farnham does not mean with his song.
@@gulliverthegullible6667 It wouldn't have necessarily been his personal views, but just the level of mass defiance, and the potential for violent and destructive riots, the likes of what we see in France these days. It's hard to put everything on the line when you don't know the organisers ultimate agenda.
Life is cruel. John got cancer and had to have his jaw removed. He’s had facial reconstructive surgeries, but we thank God RUclips makes all these recordings available for all time. We love you John and pray 🙏 for you and your family.
I have dumped so many comments about John Farnham in so many of your videos. I cannot believe you're finally getting around to him!!! I hope you do more than one song, his musicianship with his voice is absolutely incredible, regardless of the genre. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
It was a mission to get the song here. I started suggesting it about a year and a half ago in the Patreon Polls. Fortunately, the Community also got behind the push and helped make sure John got noticed. 😆
She is only following the trend of reactions to JF since i have seen a few videos on his vocals in the last few weeks. She wont reply back, people like her are only interested in getting views and comments, likes, subs and shares.. If you look at the majority of comments and the replies, she wouldnt answer back, maybe 1% if that. Hence why i dont sub i just come here when YTs algerithm shows me something of hers.
John’s LIVE performances are always first class. Together with his band and background singers, this collaboration with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra was brilliant. His rearrangement of the Beatles song HELP which is his final song after over 2 hours of singing is brilliant. John can sing anything and his performance as Jesus in the stage musical Jesus Christ Superstar is not to be missed and can be found on RUclips.
No autocorrect here people. The unofficial Australian National Anthem. A underrated singer outside Australian. And is quite know for his microphone tossing and smashing lights. Unfortunately John is going through very hard times. His Manager died last year, our Olivia passed (who John toured with) and now John is battling oral cancer basically mouth cancer and was rushed to hospital recently with respiratory infection. Our whole country thinks of John as a living legend and we hope and pray that he gets through it. Whether he will ever perform again is debatable we just want him well.
The “Little Tiny Dinky Keyboard” resting in the lap of “David Hirschfelder” is likely a “Keytar”.. The same Keytar he would use masterfully in another of John’s most epic performances from this concert in “Playing to Win”. As an Australian and 1st time RUclips commenter, I’m so happy that you have finally discovered John. Thank you to all who made this possible. It is my sincerest hope and wish that you decide to cover more of his material so yourself and your growing audience of 1.26 million subscribers can share in and appreciate the magnificent and boundless talent of a man whom many of us Australians wrongly took for granted for far too many years. Today we realize that John Farnham - “The Voice” was truly a world class talent with very few peers on the world stage who could match him. Australians had the great fortune of having him to ourselves in an age long before fast internet, social media and streaming services like RUclips would make it possible for his brilliance to be shared and discovered by people all over the world.. He quite simply is one of the greatest male vocalists of all time, and well deserves to be positioned and remembered as such. If you look to cover only one more song of John’s live performance masterpieces, I hope you choose his cover of the "Beatles" "Help" from this same concert with the Melbourne Symphony orchestra.
Very well said, although I knew he was talent from the get go. I had his album (well cassette tape lol) Whispering Jack when I was in high school and although my friends would give me jip for loving him I didn’t care at all. I know great music and voices when I hear them.
Even Australians who don't like his style of music appreciate and embrace how freaking brilliant and special this artist is. I lived a few blocks down from one of his early tours at our local showground, and it was SO good even listening from my bedroom window. He sounds as good live as he is on his albums.
Not since he got political in 2020 and joined the idiots pushing covid. Got no respect for him, especially condemning this song being played at a freedom rally. What an idiot
It's so strange as an Aussie to think people around the world didn't grow up with this song. It's hard to find someone who won't sing along or at least enjoy it when this song comes on. Definitely an Aussie anthem
They do in Germany and in many other European countries, here we know a lot of Australian AND American music and some from south America and Asia, just like the Australians do, too. It's only the U.S. who usually are not interested in the World's cultures which is a pity and a loss for them. I love the U.S. as a country of beautiful nature and friendly people, but oh, so ignorant of the World's history and pleasures! But nowadays they do have the opportunities to learn more about everything on the internet if they want to.
Hi Elizabeth, so excited that you've listened to our wonderful John Farnham! We love John just as much 'over the ditch' here in New Zealand as they do in Australia. Look at how far he holds the mic away, yet loses none of the power of his phenomenal voice. He has an absolutely oustanding voice, is a wonderful and generous person, giving a lot of his time and talent to fundraisers, and last but not least, is very easy on the eyes ;) Recently he underwent surgery and we all hope he makes a full recovery and he can sing again. Life would be a little less brighter without John in it. I hope you have the time to listen to his vreion of 'Help' by The Beatles. It's incredible; you'll never hear that song sung the same way again, or it's meaning expressed so poignantly. Wishing you well from New Zealand :)
Aussies are so stoked to have the rest of the world discover Farny's vocals!! Like so many Aussies I grew up listening to him because my parents had Little River Band tapes, then his solo stuff. As a gigging musician you have to have his hits in your set because his songs are iconic down here. His voice is killer!! Thanks for recognising him 😊
Can't wait to see your full reaction to this one. John Farnham is one of our national treasures. His recent health issues may end his career, but these concerts and his brilliance will last forever. Definitely make sure you watch his Beetles cover from this concert too. Between these 2 tracks you will see why he's so valued down under 😁
I’m not one to comment on RUclips videos but I’m so bloody stoked his talent is being re-discovered by new audiences. Truly our best vocalist, his album Whispering Jack was borderline perfection - and I’m a metal head! His singing impressed Tom Jones, McCartney when he saw Farnham perform the Beatles “help”, those who have heard him all state he is literally pitch-perfect. I emplore everyone to see John perform Help, Something is wrong (with my baby) and burn for you. We Aussies often joked John always was performing a farewell tour, in light of his recent cancer surgery sadly we may never see him live again 😢
Went and saw John Farnham The Voice doco at the movies last night. Was brilliant although sad at how he was taken advantage of in his early career. The loyalty between John and Glenn Wheatley was just beautiful. Walked out knowing so much more about John than when I walked in. Even hubby loved it.
@@carolinelane9599 I just saw it today- I could have done with another 2 hours worth- so much more to cover! The whole 'Hey Hey' era and Darryl's support, and not to forget 'Jesus Christ Superstar'! And the endless 'farewell' concerts lol
Whispering Jack was a massive album! John’s manager (Glen Wheatley of Masters Apprentices) put his house on the line so the album could get made. The entire album is killer!
Looking forward to you doing an analysis of his performance of The Beatles Help from the same concert. You're The Voice is the anthem, but Help is where he will REALLY blow your mind.
One of the backup singers is Vanetta Fields, who came to Australia as a backing singer for Boz Scaggs, and decided to live here. She has also done backing singing for a long list of bands and musicians, including the Rolling Stones and Steely Dan.
Always remember my Dad telling the story about how he was playing keys for Farnham when he came here and used a local bunch of musos... he walked in late to the practice, drink in 1 hand, smoke in the other.. spent 10 minutes listening to the band, gave them all feedback on what he wanted and then just launched into singing with no warmup - matching his vocals to the band.
It's really weird as an Aussie hearing you come at this for the first time. This is something of an anthem here in Australia, and was a massive hit here and elsewhere in the world back in the mid eighties. I remember being on a back-packing trip in Germany at the time and hearing this blasting from German radios. Gave me goosebumps and a sense of pride.
Travelling through Europe and it was on the radio all over again. Sitting in an English B&B (Bed & Breakfast hotel) eating Vegemite on my breakfast toast, and thinking, have I really left Australia at all? A little piece of magic. Very proud of his achievements, hoping Johnny is recovering well, a bit of a worry though at the moment.
@@wyattfamily8997 you can only be proud of your own achievements, maybe also of your children"s. How can you be proud of a stranger's achievements, such as Farnham's? You have done nothing for them.
Pride can take many forms; being proud of a fellow Australian is akin to being proud of your family.. if you were part of the family chief, you’d get it 😉
I've heard and worshipped this song so many times and it still gives me chills when I hear it. I've been in his audience more than once, he is an awesome singer and entertainer. The way you have analyzed this performance from a professional viewpoint has brought out a few more gems I had not noticed in this awesome song. Thank you.
You need to do more John Farnham he is INCREDIBLE - I strongly recommend When The War Is Over, Help, Age Of Reason, When Something is Wrong With My Baby with Jimmy Barnes - any of them.
@@robertharwood9787 His version from his "The Last Time" concert is, I believe, his best performance in terms of power and emotion. It brings me to tears, every time.
Thanks big time to the Patreons that asked for this! I've loved this song since it was released in '86. It was one of the first songs I felt really compelled to try and sing as a kid - and I couldn't swing it at all. Lol! I realize now it was like trying to learn to shoot a gun by starting with a rocket launcher. It's the most inspirational song I think I've ever heard, and it was pure delight hearing Elizabeth's analysis of how Farnham does it.
I used to work for John as a sound engineer, he was untouchable for vocal range and control, a pleasure to engineer. Before he toured as John Farnham he was the front man for an iconic Australian band called - Little River Band. If you really want to hear his vocal abilities, listen to an L.R.B album called Playing To Win, especially the song Blind Eyes. Nice video! John would be stoked you appreciate his voice so much.
All the Aussies hearing you talking about lots of different instruments on stage were holding our breath for your reaction knowing what is coming. 😁😁😁❤❤❤
This was an incredible concert. One that nobody wanted to finish. We adore him and his music. And we shouldn't forget his band & singers. They have been through almost if not all of his performances and incredible in their own right.
This bloke is an Australian national treasure! It's amazing how this song is gaining such an appreciation, internationally, 40 odd years after its release. Thank you to your Patrons for making this reaction happen... it needed to happen, and it was worth the wait. 👏👏👏
As everyone else is saying check out Help from the same concert. So happy you chose to react to him. Always listen to live performances of him, it is always extra and special. He is always moving around and throwing that mike stand about. A good show of his personality I felt was him singing My yiddishe Mama with Tom Jones on Hey Hey It's Saturday. Something to see. John's a national treasure. Wishing him a quick recovery.
Defintiely agree the live performances are where he truly shines. He's got the power and control of his voice to really make them special. The vidio clips are worth a watch though, got some depth to them.
Oh boy… clearly ALL us Aussies have been waiting for this one on this channel. The original music video clip is powerful too but this was for sure the version for you to analyse.
I'm autistc, & process music differently to most ppl I know. I grew up listening to almost exclusively John Farnham, Jimmy Barnes, & The Seekers. This concert happened when I was 9. That was when I found out that most people don't feel the music in their nervous system. The three artists I mentioned above all hit my nervous system in the most amazing way. This song in particular reaches my toes and my fingertips.
Thanks for letting us know about how you experience music. We all need to become more informed about autism - how you process music was not something I'd thought about, so, again, thanks so much for sharing your experience and I hope that you continue to find much joy in music.
@@YvonneSanders-hv2gc Growing up, I discovered most ppl don't feel music running down their spinal cord. They generally don't feel the music travel through their bodies to pool in their extremities (fingers & toes). Some songs I listen to don't provoke this reaction, but they're generally songs I don't know/like. All the music in my playlists does cause the full body experience though - all my favourite music flows down my spinal cord & flows through my body to pool in my fingers & toes. The best songs make my ears tingle.
Thank you Elizabeth so much for featuring this song. Aussies have been John Farnham fans since the 1960's when he first started having hits. His career has spanned 5 decades and he has had hit songs in every one of them. This song is definitely anthemic, is catchy and really uplifting. You, of course, highlighted his talent in your own unique way, and added to the performance by your enjoyment and your enthusiasm. Cheers from Australia.
His version of the Beatles' "Help" is a spectacular cover done in the original slower tempo that they wrote it at, and the version performed on the same night that this was, is probably the best - it really shows off his unrivalled range, grit and power. Plus - the orchestration backing him is damned near perfectly... well... orchestrated haha His collab with Jimmy Barnes and Diesel on "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby" is also a must - its a fantastic blend of the two Aussie powerhouses and mixing in Diesel's guitar work (and lighter vocal overtones in the live performances) just makes you feel the song to your core. You will be getting lots of these recommendations (and for good reason) in the comments and its because we love our Farnsy and Barnesy here in Aus, but they have well earned our adoration
I'm a transplant to Oz from the US . I can't understand how so many Aussie legends never make a dent in the US market. So many great bands need exposure overseas.
It’s because the record companies wanted to dictate what they should sing and our guys wouldn’t buy that. You should listen to Cold Chisels song You’ve got nothing I want, they wrote this after dealing with the American record companies.
In a lot of cases they go to American thinking they’re stars. AC/DC conquered Australia then went to England and started at the bottom and did it again and then went to America and started at the bottom, each time it got easier because the funding was there and momentum with chart success. But bands like cold chisel went to the USA thinking “I sold out Brisbane I will sell out Denver” then when it doesn’t happen they return to Australia and live like kings instead of really going for it.
The reason being, if you're not in the mainstream area for singing (U.S. being the "bigger market/main money", Football (Europe/UK) etc. Then it's biased. People who are still great singers/football players, will be frozen out because of this of fame. EG Sam Kerr, Haaland did not get the highest football ⚽ honour for this reason. Music industry like a few, are notoriously biased/corrupt/taken advantage ripped off. Only now with the I/net is there more exposure for other less known people to be heard. It is the responsibility of everyone to search out the "Truth" about whatever it is. Before they can really speak on ANYTHING.
Oh no, you missed the whole mic stand thing. He threw it up and caught it in perfect timing to the music before he threw it across the stage. What a performance, he makes me proud of being Aussie
I have had the pleasure of seeing him play live 3 times, he is absolutely unreal. The guy can belt out a song holding the mic down at waist level, I've never seen anything like that before. An amazing showman and if you have seen a few metal and hard rock bands here in Australia, it is not uncommon to hear these bands play this song before their gig. He is one of those talents that anybody with any musical taste simply marvels at.
Ah, the one all your Aussie subscribers have been waiting for! Genuine legend of man; with talent to command compliments and affection from skyscraping greats like the Beatles, Queen, Tom Jones, Celene Dion, and on and on. Who chose 'mere' domestic glory and adoration rather than international stardom because of a desire to not stray far from his family, and so spent the next 30 years not climbing to the summit of recognition as one of the vocal G.O.A.T.s, but instead touring Australia domestically and remaining "Your favorite singer's favorite singer" for the northern hemisphere. Great analysis as always. You're right that this is an anthem (many of his songs are!) for us, which is partly why it's not the most technically impressive of his performances like some others the commenters have mentioned, even if it's his most iconic. What a hero!
That reaction to the bagpipes was just priceless 🤣. John Farnham is such a colossal talent that people of all backgrounds and tastes can appreciate what he does. So inspirational 🙌
The biggest pointer to me that he does all of this in a very healthy and well supported manner is the fact he can sound like this at the end of a 3 hour solid show. Sublime talent and finely honed skill.
John Farnham is legitimately one of the best to ever do it. Just you wait until you watch some of the other videos that people have commented. He is a national treasure, and means a lot to a lot us Australians. I hope you get better soon John.
I believe John has never used autotuning. Apart from anything else, I understand he has perfect pitch. He had part of his jaw removed last year in a 13 hour operation. Just recently he was admitted to hospital with a respiratory infection. These are the health battles he is currently dealing with, probably career ending. One of the greatest vocalists ever...
John is the best vocalist. I’m still crying with all his songs. He is an amazing singer. I’m still get emotional like the 1980s. I love him. God bless you John for giving us your best voice in Melbourne, Australia. ❤❤🙏
The amazing thing about John Farnham is his music never feels like it's just for older people or any kind of demo. Look at the audience. There's like 10 year old kids singing along with their parents and everyone is up and fully embracing the lyrics and dancing along to the music. It's beautiful.
I had the pleasure of hearing John sing at Curzon Hall in Marsfield Sydney, he was standing right next to me, with no music, and without a microphone, he was just as good, with such a powerful voice.
This is pretty much our national anthem. I am a child of the 80's and my favourite bands are Opeth, Tool and Gojira but John Farnham is a national treasure!
I can relate to all of the above. I'm glad i got to see him at the arts centre in melbourne in the early 2000's when i was about 20. was an amazing show
I discovered John Farnham about 10 years ago and was immediately hooked. This man has such an amazing voice!! He's now on my Spotify play list with several of his great songs including this one. I highly recommend everyone find the live Amazing Grace he does with 2 of his backup singers. It's probably the best version I've ever heard
I played with John for 40 years and I was onstage at this show. He is without a doubt one of the greatest vocalists to have ever lived. This was the last song of a 2 hour concert and he would do this show 4 nights in a row, no problem. There is absolutely no enhancement to his vocal at all. I've sat next to him at a piano and he would blow your head off with his power. Unbelievable. We once did 16 gigs in a row in pubs with long drives every day and his voice never failed him, not once.
You're a bit of a legend yourself Brett!! What an incredible career experience for you. Can understand why you've worked with him for 40 years. Thanks xx
Wow, what a life, an experience, a career!! Thank you for your music too 😎🐨🇦🇺. Hugs from Adelaide!
I mean I love John Farnham, but waow. Its Brett Garsed! taking a break from legatoing around the guitar and making a comment! MVP!
I agree that Brett is a legend himself and a great guitarist.
You’re an absolute legend Brett. I first watched you play on his Whispering Jack tour when I was little and you were awesome🤘🏻
I’m Aussie and spent many years disregarding him as I was a punk and metal kid in the 80s and 90s but now I can appreciate how good a vocalist he is… wish him well with his health battles everyone 😢
I was very much an aussie rock pig when I started working in the entertainment industry in 93, and thought Farnesy was just ok pop, until I worked on ten of his shows at the Sydney entertainment centre, and he's an absolute world class act all the way. Exceptional talent with him, his band, AND his production crew, and with the number of acts I've worked for over the years, I'm hard pressed to think of any act that is better, and very few that are equal.
Hehehe bloody Aussies. We are a lazy bunch. Seriously the world would blow up and unless we fell over a falling rock we wouldn't notice it 🤣😂🤣😂
Can totally relate as a punk kid from Melbourne in the 80's and 90's I taught faranham was a cringe bit, man he has some amazing pipes. I wish she would react to Archie roach.
Agreed I was also not listening to him, still don't really, but I saw him in concert once, by mistake. Such an amazing voice, just filled the stadium. He really nicely connected to his audience too, the mums went mad!
ditto.
As an Aussie , it’s disappointing how internationally underrated he is , I get shear joy watching people like yourself watch this for the first time , a true Aussie gem he is
He was pretty big in northern europe, at least this song was HUGE. Don't know about the rest of the world though.
This was massive in Ireland and I loved it, what a voice ! Brings me back to my youth. God we had fantastic music. Even if you were into something else back then, metal or punk or whatever, there was a plethora of amazing musicians, writers and singers in EVERY genre. I may be biased, but I believe we were the last generation (gen x as they call us) to grow up with that, the majority of artists were accomplished and amazing, no matter the style of music they made
@@lellyt2372 long live Gen X mate, from Australia
Maybe I can reassure you by saying that I heard this song playing several times a day at the camping during Sweden Rock Festival this year.
He's kind of a big deal in Europe.
Play that song in any bar in any country in the world, and you will immediately identify the Australians in the room.
Wishing Farnsey a speedy recovery. He truly created an Aussie icon in this song.
Or "I come from a land Downunder"..cheers from Melbourne 🙋
Lol I was thinking the same thing…or Horses by Darryl Braithwaite 😂 the crowd just goes off!! True Aussie icons haha
And Kiwis 😊
Or Acca Dacca, that can send Aussies into the middle of the floor, imitating bagpipes haha. Sausage roll anyone?
@@sues6944 its a long way to the shops...
I’m an ex-sound engineer who had the privilege of working alongside John’s main front of house engineers throughout my career. They were the best in the game here in Australia 🇦🇺 and John was in a class of his own. FYI this song was released 11 years before auto tune was first heard. In the days before auto tune (ie pre 1999 Cher’s ‘Believe’ was the first commercial hit to feature the effect) which has become something ubiquitous in todays music. It’s worth appreciating in these days, you could either sing the notes, or you couldn’t. And John could.
Chris Corr was one of those elite Aussie engineers. His name appeared on so many artists work.
Love hearing from ppl who worked with him 😊
so true...
Autotune was available in the late eighties / early nineties but it was very arduous & manual. I have a story told to me by my guitar teacher but it slanders a reasonably famous singer...
It's funny you bought up the auto tune because that hit a nerve with me aswell. To even suggest Farnsey might have auto tune on his voice is compete insult LOL.
To love Australia is to love John Farnham. When Freddie Mercury says he's the best singer he's ever heard, there s no finer endorsement than that, and what he can sing. We are so blessed to have him as ours. Thankfully he is cancer free.
you got a reference for that?
Richard Marx has also said this. Has all of John's albums.
@@jeremykothe2847Do you need a reference for Richard Marx too? You can look it up.
@@neenekinskins6241 I don't believe Freddie said that, which is why I asked for a reference. I'd love it to be true.
@@jeremykothe2847 I wish it was also!
I'm an Australian metal head but John is special, a wonderful human, funny, down to earth and loved. Sadly he is fighting mouth cancer at 73. ❤ Australia stands with him
❤
Johnny is our Elvis brother.
The nation will shed tears when he goes
And kiwis too...love the whispering jack....
@@grandadneal8114 he’s ours mate, just like pavlova 😜
@@thedrunkphilosopher3123 happy to just enjoy his music don't want to steal him like phar lap, dragon and as you say pavlova
You’ve just made 25 million Australians very happy! Farnsey is a national treasure with a 50 year career of outstanding performance. Pick any song, of any style, from his extensive career and you will be impressed. We all wish him and his family well as he struggles with serious health problems at the moment.
He's English 😉
@@iangreen4572 Only by birth!😀 But pommes can be proud of him too, as we’re more than happy to share!
Now she's got to look into Barnsey
@@lmnisop5516 Followed by a Farnsey and Barnsley duet, of course!
Aussieaussieaussie!!
Many moons ago I worked at his 50th bday party that was held in a well known function venue in Melbourne. I will never forget at the end of the night, when most people had gone home, John and his backup singers standing in the middle of the room singing Amazing Grace a cappella. Absolute goosebumps. I felt so privileged to witness that moment.
You're very lucky , tell your children!
I have heard Amazing Grace was a regular warm up song, back to Jesus Christ Superstar
my goodness Anne, Im getting goosebumps just thinking about that. What a privilege indeed.
How I wish I was there!
Wow, that would've been an awesome experience!
One night around 1981-82, I was re-stringing my bass in the change-room of, I think, Bulli Workers Club, when Farnham, who my band was supporting, walked in, introduced himself, and chatted away as I continued to string my bass, trying desperately to stay calm and coherent! As well as being one of the most astonishing singers ever to vibrate a fold, he is as friendly, funny and humble off-stage as on.
So nice to hear such an Aussie icon is also a decent bloke.
That’s so lovely!
@@EraVenatoryes down to earth, humble, gracious and grateful ❤
The song" Help" at the same concert by john will surprise you. The power of his voice, the connection to his audience
From memory, he sung 'Help' as the second encore at the end of the concert, but his voice was as good as the first note he sung. 'Help' is an (authorised) cover of the Beetles song.
agreed
Yes, do it and you will love it!
His Help was well performed but an appalling reading of the song. Give me the Damned's version anytime.
UPVOTE THIS SHE NEEDS TO SEE IT
John's Backing Singers, Lisa Edwards, Venetta Fields & Lindsay Field have been backing John for many, many years. In an Interview John said that when they perform it is like an extra leg or arm. They just blend together so well.
Whispering Jack was the first CD our family ever had. I always wanted to be a backing singer for Johnny when I was a little girl. He’s so wonderful!
Not only is Farnsey one of the most talented singers in the world, but he's genuinely a bloody nice and humble bloke to go with it, we all wish you well for a full recovery John
He is brilliant. He makes it look easy too. Just am amazing performer.
I worked with John, playing violin in the string section for a run of his shows about 10 years after this performance. I've worked with some pretty good singers in the operas in Vienna, and I would say John's voice was outstanding. He's worth listening to for a wide range of his songs to really get what he is capable of. He was relaxed. loved the music, and gave a lot in every show. And he was exceptionally generous and kept everyone involved feeling valued. And you're right, the backing vocals are really excellent and toneful. Glad you enjoyed one of Australia's great singers.
......you must have had some great nights, when it all came together in some special way... your description of john as a person rings so true....
You were blessed and such an integrel part of the whole thing. Thanks to you! 🙂💕
Oh! Another lucky one! Wow! That would be amazing! I am 66 & have always loved John! Huge Fan! Watching the many Reactions over the last 2 or 3 years has been a wonderful journey & one I feel while not well, would do John good to watch, just how much recognition for the incredible Voice/Performer & all around entertainer he is! Thanks for sharing your first hand experience of him, it is exactly as I always imagined him to be! Cheers Debbie 🥰
I met him in Port Douglas years ago (late 90's). I was with a someone who lived there and John had a boat up there. He came across as just a lovely genuine guy and I have always appreciated his voice even if I didn't always love his music
I was lucky enough to get to see him sing this live at a Princes Trust concert whoever wrote this song deserves a medal not to take anything away from his vocals but the music and the lyrics are amazing
What’s so impressive is he’s probably already been singing for 2hrs +. This is most likely the last song of the night. And it’s such a hard song to sing and he absolutely crushes it. Legend.
"Help" was his oncore song that night. Arguably his best live performance ever captured by the internet. AND, no one ever on this planet will ever be able to sing THAT song & essentially most of his songs without giving them more justice than him. Impossible.
This concert with MSO was one of the best concerts John ever did. You must also check out “Help” from the encore! John was so amazing live, even up until last year (even in his 70’s), before his surgery for mouth cancer. Farnsey is our hero ❤ Even though John is English by birth, he is a humble man who gave his voice to Australia - the land he grew up in, and we gave him our love right back. John gave up his chance at international stardom to stay in Australia with his family and earned every Aussie’s loyalty forever. The movie of his life will be out later this year. “You’re The Voice” is the unofficial Australian anthem, so just about everyone knows the lyrics by heart, especially those of us who were around in 1986 when it was released. As to your comments about auto tune…… John didn’t do auto tune….his voice is his own, totally natural with no tuning required, and live shows were exactly that… John singing live, maybe not 100% vocally correct, but who cares, his concerts were beyond amazing. He fed off his audience and we gave him what he needed to transcend. I.e. the backup singer with the studded corset is Lisa….John treated his band and backup singers as family, so Lisa has sung with him for over 20 years.
I agree, Cyannah, please check out "Help", Elizabeth, you won't regret it. This was such an informative and useful breakdown that I'd love to hear you take on John's technique and arrangement of that classic Beatles' song.
It's out now. Saw it last night. Was brilliant. Boy John had a rough trot to get where he did. The loyalty between John and Glenn Wheatley over the years was just beautiful.
This song came out when I was about 12 or 13. Growing up in apartheid South Africa in the 80’s this song was extremely empowering to me. Even as a kid I was very aware and didn’t understand why some people were treated differently. This song gave me permission to ask questions of the adults around me. It’s still one of my favorites.
Wonderful when music moves and empowers people to act
Sorry but have u seen the state of South Africa in 2023!? It's on the verge of disintegration cos of massive corruption and mismanagement since majority black rule. Most people are nostalgic now for the 1980s!
@@mattbarbarich3295
Yup, surveys say.
Even the black people say life was better under Apartheid.
Africans can't run sh!t.
I really hope John Farnham sees these videos of people from around the world embracing him as an amazing preformer and us Aussies really remembering how truly lucky we were to grow up with his music. Ive heard so many positive stories of people who met him saying what a true gentleman he is. I think we all wish him the best wishes for his health. 😊 .
Sadly I don't think he will. John doesn't really watch his own stuff or interviews etc. In July I think it was, I heard John's son Rob say in an interview that at that point, John still hadn't even watched his own massively successful documentary, Finding The Voice.
What a voice.
What a guy.
@@lex_hayes yeah his down to earth humility is part of what makes him so likeable
@@matthewcullen1298 yeah he really is an Aussie hero. Great role model. I'm so glad they made the Finding The Voice doco this year. It's really cemented himself a place in Australian history.
@@lex_hayes In a way it's a shame John doesn't watch these videos, because if he read the comments that have been posted he'd see just how much his fans, and Australia, just love him, not just for his amazing voice, but also for the down to earth person he is. 27.11.23. UK. E❤
No auto tune no fancy choreography just pure talent. Bloody Legend💜💜💜
No auto tune there.
@@mrgreenswelding2853 That’s the point.
Yeah, recorded LONG before Autotune was a thing.
And remember this was close to the end of the concert.
Farnsy is an absolute Australian icon and legend (and serial mic stand abuser). There are so many better songs that show his vocal talents off much better than this! I’ve seen him live on a number of occasions and every time he has been incredible. He has always been on point vocally. Watch him on the Jesus Christ superstar. Just incredible. I wish him well with his recovery and hope to see him sing again!
You really REALLY REALLY need to listen to him singing Help live. It will hit you straight in the heart - and give you GOOSEBUMPS galore
John Farnham cancer-free and ‘super positive’ a year after mouth surgery. Son Robert says 74-year-old is singing and dancing at home after surgery in August 2022. Wonderful news, he's such an Aussie icon.
That makes me happy to hear.
No enhancement...this is JF at his absolute best.
Smiling in proud Australian. An absolute national treasure and I wish him all the best with his health issues!
Holy shit! Johnny Fucking Farnham! Back in the 80's this dude wasn't just a singer, he was an icon. Regular Hey Hey It's Saturday appearances, guest hosting tv show, any time a major event needed a musical performance, dude was everywhere. A real personality.
Yeah good point, the fact he often showed on a huge nation tv show just showed how much of a part of our culture and how down to earth he is
Absolutely agree!!!😂 Although I believe he is still an icon. In my household anyway 😉😂
I remember John and Tom Jones on Hey Hey singing together
@@arthur4493 I remember that! The look on John's face while singing along with Tom. He was truly in awe of the man and he wasn't afraid to show it. They were both great that night!
@@Scottie_S I believe years later they performed on stage together because of that performance on Hey Hey
American living in Aus here for 20+ years - Johnny is a literal Aussie legend!
This is basically the unofficial Aussie national anthem; I dont think theres a single Aussie who doesn't know this song by heart
I get so many chills and tears welled up in my eyes every time I hear this..
Also he still sounds this good even nowadays!
Imagine a factory floor in Australia in the 90s. It's a Saturday, all the worker bees are cashing in on overtime rates, and this song comes on the radio. About a third of the way through all the worker bees continue with their assigned tasks, but singing along, with all the enthusiasm and energy that they can muster. I love my adopted country, and I thank you for bringing that memory back to mind.
Hahaha, I want you to think about how the crew of a band felt when they were driving straight from one gig in Melbourne for instance, then driving to Sydney. We had to pack up the show, load the truck and drive straight to the next gig. Then load in, set up and do the show, pack up and hopefully, to a hotel room. You imagine how you feel, when the bands song or songs are played over and over on the radio? On one tour, we travelled 29,000ks in 7 weeks According to the speedometer.
I was one of those factory workers.
This is Australia's unofficial National Anthem. Glad you enjoyed it.
I thought it was that stupid Horses, yeah yeah song.
that’s horses mate. Daryl Braithwaite’s anthem
Meh, I would have said "I am Australian" - not the original version by The Seekers, or "this is Australia" by GangGajang.
waltzing matilda is the anthem we should have had, but this song is definitely worthy
@@EdddSaid old fashioned garbage
John is one of the greatest male vocalists of all time.
Your Aussie fans have been waiting for AGES to see a Farnsey reaction from you. So happy to see it finally happening, and we're all hoping you do more. The man can sing literally any genre, so there is a wealth of material to cover. ❤
I have been convinced
Kiwi here and I have been waiting for the day she watches some Farnsey and/or Barnsey!
@@aidanwatson7855 damn straight! Those two go together like peas and carrots 😂
Hope you enjoyed it!
@@TheCharismaticVoice He does a version of Zepplin's "Black Dog" that he uses as a sound check. A sound engineer recorded it, as he never performed it in front of an audience.
It will literally blow you away.
We haven't even touched on his ballads, especially the stripped down ones, where his voice just takes you away. You loved his backup singers, who supported him for decades. Lisa Edwards, the singer with the crimped hair, does an unplugged duet with him called "Angels", which has to be one of the best harmonies you will ever hear.
Even us Kiwis love him. That bagpipe solo is as iconic as Phil Collins drum solo in, In The Air Tonight. Magnificent artist.
Can confirm, us Kiwis who know about him love him. Wish more of my coworkers knew about Farnsey, but apart from two in their early thirties, all my coworkers were born on the wrong side of the year 2000.
100% we do
@@memyselfandi432 No excuse these days with the internet, YT, and good ol' curiosity :) Fellow Kiwi here. Loved Farnsy for years :)
Even if he was a Kiwi we would have pinched him 😂
@@timmarks8450 haha! I bet! John is deifnitely Aussie thru and thru :) And you're right Kauritree, us Kiwis love Farnsy :) I still have his Whipsering Jack album from when it first came out. Played it so many times. it unleashes John's incredible abilities and that massive power!
Your analysis is spot on! Thank you. And he never had a bad night. Never hit the wrong note. His lyrics, his vocals were - and still are - absolutely intentional. As was the mic stand toss, which would have been thrown nowhere near anyone, as it was on stage. And he always involved the crowd and considered them his 'mates'. Fabulous man.
His throwing of the mic stand into the air and catching it in time with the music and THEN throwing it away is awesome.
Yesssss, finally. 2 years subscribed and its finally happening 🤣
Please, please do John Farnhams' live version of Help with the Melbourne symphony next
You're the voice is our national anthem here in Aus. However, help showcases Farnseys range so much more.
Oh yes I've been waiting for ages for Elizabeth to listen & analyse John's performances.
Yes yes yes I second that.
Great suggestion!
His duet with Jimmy Barnes too!
Elizabeth: "I think it's important to assess is this person actually doing this live or not....."
Every Australian: "Hell yeah he is!"
What are you talking about? You think that people think he's miming?
Yes , I had a quiet chuckle to myself when she asked the question
@@garykelly4689 yeah, it was funny. It's easy to forget that this was around 1989 too.
That’s our boi!
T/c 16:20 … you clearly see John adjusting his mic stand for that epic toss and catch before he throws it stage left. How did you miss that? He didn’t just carelessly throw it … it was staged, timed and executed to perfection.
This song never fails to raise the hairs on my neck and the tears in my eyes, when John Farnham sings it. I'm Australian and grew up with Johnny Farnham. His voice is extraordinary and his rapport with the audience is superb. If you liked this one, you would also love him doing "Help!" at the same concert.
John has been gracing the airwaves of Australia since the mid 1960's. Not only a sensational voice, but he is a gentleman to the core. He is always to stop on the street, passing through an airport or wherever a fan approaches him. He will gladly give his time for a quick chat, a photo or autograph. He has always been humble about his extraordinary talent - a real salt of the Earth bloke and a national treasure.
John performing a cover of the "Beatles" "Help" with the Melbourne Symphony orchestra will blow you away ...as will John performing with fellow Aussie legend Jimmy Barnes (live on Hey, Hey it's Saturday) "When Something is Wrong with my Baby...or video of John playing Jesus in JC Superstar, singing "Gethsemane" (which you have reviewed Ian Gillan doing) ...I prefer John's version ... Or John doing some light "opera" with Anthony Warlow "Grenada" or Led Zeppelin's "Black Dog" as his warm up....or his stint with Little River Band doing a jazzed up version of "Reminiscing"....the man's talent and versatility is amazing. Aussie legend
What Carol said ❤
YES!
Barnes.. that noise you hear when the last bit of the bath tub is emptying... drives you deaf
Agree that his underrated stint with LRB is worthy of review...The Net was quite a good album.
@@mf5514 hope that was a compliment to our Barnesy?????
Farnsey as we Aussies affectionately call him is an Australian national treasure who's voice and performances are legendary , every band member and backup singer are recognised artists in their own right and a Farnsey concert is something you never forget . Other commentors have suggested you react to his tribute cover of the Beatles HELP from the same concert ,I agree but I'd also suggest you watch the whole concert ,it's 2hours of compleat energy and talent everyone on stage and the whole audience get involved to make it an unforgettable experience that makes you glad you were there to witness
John Farnham is possibly the greatest pop/rock singer of our time.
Thank you Australia!
Us Aussies love him. He's actually known as one of the great personalities of our entire country. He was often on TV and radio and his music is still played daily on Aussie stations. He is much loved and everyone wishes him well with his continuing health issues.
Feel free to look into any of his hits in more depth, and us Aussies will love it.
He was on Home & Away in the 90's and they were still mentioning that in the show like 2 years later :P
I'm a metalhead kid from Australia who grew up in the 80's and I will always be a fan of John Farnham, beyond the voice, beyond being an absolutely phenomenal live performer, he always had a real connection with working class and average people in Australia. He was a bloke who was pushing 40, broke and labelled as pretty much a has been when he did Whispering Jack, a record no radio station in Australia wanted to touch initially, but when You're The Voice finally got played, it was the people who kept calling stations requesting it that made the comeback complete. John Farnham is and forever will be, the voice for me.
Thanks Glen Wheatly for mortgaging your home to fund the record. It was the most important decision and risk made in australian music
@@TroublesomeOwl 100%, it was a massive show of faith in how he thought the record could do, paid off big time in the end.
John Farnham is a conservative. He complained about protesters using his song at the S11 summit in 2000. The protesters were unionists, ecologists, people arguing for a fairer world. That is apparently something that Farnham does not mean with his song.
@@gulliverthegullible6667 It wouldn't have necessarily been his personal views, but just the level of mass defiance, and the potential for violent and destructive riots, the likes of what we see in France these days.
It's hard to put everything on the line when you don't know the organisers ultimate agenda.
@@stevegraham3817 that is not really a reason to side with the Liberals.
Life is cruel.
John got cancer and had to have his jaw removed.
He’s had facial reconstructive surgeries, but we thank God RUclips makes all these recordings available for all time. We love you John and pray 🙏 for you and your family.
I have dumped so many comments about John Farnham in so many of your videos. I cannot believe you're finally getting around to him!!!
I hope you do more than one song, his musicianship with his voice is absolutely incredible, regardless of the genre.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Oh my god me too. I must’ve been doing it a year. 😂
It was a mission to get the song here. I started suggesting it about a year and a half ago in the Patreon Polls. Fortunately, the Community also got behind the push and helped make sure John got noticed. 😆
She is only following the trend of reactions to JF since i have seen a few videos on his vocals in the last few weeks.
She wont reply back, people like her are only interested in getting views and comments, likes, subs and shares..
If you look at the majority of comments and the replies, she wouldnt answer back, maybe 1% if that.
Hence why i dont sub i just come here when YTs algerithm shows me something of hers.
Since she had 50,000 subscribers iv been saying John Farnham and Jimmy Barnes in the comments of every single video😂
@@johntrueblue Cry me a river, John. Sheesh.
John’s LIVE performances are always first class. Together with his band and background singers, this collaboration with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra was brilliant. His rearrangement of the Beatles song HELP which is his final song after over 2 hours of singing is brilliant. John can sing anything and his performance as Jesus in the stage musical Jesus Christ Superstar is not to be missed and can be found on RUclips.
The other massive gift was making everyone feel like they were in the front row. This man is the ultimate entertainer. Love from Perth.
well said Dale - truth👍
No autocorrect here people. The unofficial Australian National Anthem. A underrated singer outside Australian. And is quite know for his microphone tossing and smashing lights.
Unfortunately John is going through very hard times. His Manager died last year, our Olivia passed (who John toured with) and now John is battling oral cancer basically mouth cancer and was rushed to hospital recently with respiratory infection. Our whole country thinks of John as a living legend and we hope and pray that he gets through it. Whether he will ever perform again is debatable we just want him well.
The “Little Tiny Dinky Keyboard” resting in the lap of “David Hirschfelder” is likely a “Keytar”.. The same Keytar he would use masterfully in another of John’s most epic performances from this concert in “Playing to Win”. As an Australian and 1st time RUclips commenter, I’m so happy that you have finally discovered John. Thank you to all who made this possible. It is my sincerest hope and wish that you decide to cover more of his material so yourself and your growing audience of 1.26 million subscribers can share in and appreciate the magnificent and boundless talent of a man whom many of us Australians wrongly took for granted for far too many years. Today we realize that John Farnham - “The Voice” was truly a world class talent with very few peers on the world stage who could match him. Australians had the great fortune of having him to ourselves in an age long before fast internet, social media and streaming services like RUclips would make it possible for his brilliance to be shared and discovered by people all over the world.. He quite simply is one of the greatest male vocalists of all time, and well deserves to be positioned and remembered as such. If you look to cover only one more song of John’s live performance masterpieces, I hope you choose his cover of the "Beatles" "Help" from this same concert with the Melbourne Symphony orchestra.
No, it isn’t a ‘Keytar’…it’s a Yamaha KX5 midi remote controller 😁
Here here.
Very well said, although I knew he was talent from the get go. I had his album (well cassette tape lol) Whispering Jack when I was in high school and although my friends would give me jip for loving him I didn’t care at all.
I know great music and voices when I hear them.
A dinky keyboard, with the MSO backing band…..
Impossible for an Aussie to hear this and not get a little misty eyed.
Even Australians who don't like his style of music appreciate and embrace how freaking brilliant and special this artist is. I lived a few blocks down from one of his early tours at our local showground, and it was SO good even listening from my bedroom window. He sounds as good live as he is on his albums.
Hahaha, that's a quirky memory. I had a visual. Love from the Blue Mountains.
Not since he got political in 2020 and joined the idiots pushing covid. Got no respect for him, especially condemning this song being played at a freedom rally. What an idiot
Lucky you !!
It's so strange as an Aussie to think people around the world didn't grow up with this song. It's hard to find someone who won't sing along or at least enjoy it when this song comes on.
Definitely an Aussie anthem
We got it a lot in the U.K. more recently immortalised in the Alan Partridge film Alpha Papa.
I remember this in the 80's in the UK.. absolutely awesome track that I'd always belt along with him. Wish I could still hit some of those notes lol
They do in Germany and in many other European countries, here we know a lot of Australian AND American music and some from south America and Asia, just like the Australians do, too. It's only the U.S. who usually are not interested in the World's cultures which is a pity and a loss for them. I love the U.S. as a country of beautiful nature and friendly people, but oh, so ignorant of the World's history and pleasures! But nowadays they do have the opportunities to learn more about everything on the internet if they want to.
The world's loss.
Mainland Europe here, we absolutely know and sing along this song!
Hi Elizabeth, so excited that you've listened to our wonderful John Farnham! We love John just as much 'over the ditch' here in New Zealand as they do in Australia. Look at how far he holds the mic away, yet loses none of the power of his phenomenal voice. He has an absolutely oustanding voice, is a wonderful and generous person, giving a lot of his time and talent to fundraisers, and last but not least, is very easy on the eyes ;)
Recently he underwent surgery and we all hope he makes a full recovery and he can sing again. Life would be a little less brighter without John in it. I hope you have the time to listen to his vreion of 'Help' by The Beatles. It's incredible; you'll never hear that song sung the same way again, or it's meaning expressed so poignantly. Wishing you well from New Zealand :)
Aussies are so stoked to have the rest of the world discover Farny's vocals!! Like so many Aussies I grew up listening to him because my parents had Little River Band tapes, then his solo stuff. As a gigging musician you have to have his hits in your set because his songs are iconic down here. His voice is killer!! Thanks for recognising him 😊
Farnsey M8, given to him after his duet with Barnsey
Can't wait to see your full reaction to this one. John Farnham is one of our national treasures. His recent health issues may end his career, but these concerts and his brilliance will last forever. Definitely make sure you watch his Beetles cover from this concert too. Between these 2 tracks you will see why he's so valued down under 😁
End his career? he retired like 47 times!
@@mf5514 LOL that’s true! But unfortunately his health issues have been pretty serious :(
I think my Mum and Nan went to about 3 farewell tours lol
This classic is ingrained into our Australian psyche and John is our national treasure ❤❤❤
You haven't listened to John until you've heard him sing the Beatles classic "Help!" from the same concert. One word epic.
Agreed, I'd say it verges on virtuosic.... speaking as an instrumentalist retrained as an opera singer.
My all time fav. Gets me every single time.
So good!
I entered the chat go make this same comment. ❤
And 'Long Way To The Top' from the same concert. Best concert I ever saw in my 105...so far!
I’m not one to comment on RUclips videos but I’m so bloody stoked his talent is being re-discovered by new audiences. Truly our best vocalist, his album Whispering Jack was borderline perfection - and I’m a metal head! His singing impressed Tom Jones, McCartney when he saw Farnham perform the Beatles “help”, those who have heard him all state he is literally pitch-perfect. I emplore everyone to see John perform Help, Something is wrong (with my baby) and burn for you. We Aussies often joked John always was performing a farewell tour, in light of his recent cancer surgery sadly we may never see him live again 😢
Burn for you always gets me emotional. Such a beautiful song
Went and saw John Farnham The Voice doco at the movies last night. Was brilliant although sad at how he was taken advantage of in his early career. The loyalty between John and Glenn Wheatley was just beautiful. Walked out knowing so much more about John than when I walked in. Even hubby loved it.
@@carolinelane9599 I just saw it today- I could have done with another 2 hours worth- so much more to cover! The whole 'Hey Hey' era and Darryl's support, and not to forget 'Jesus Christ Superstar'! And the endless 'farewell' concerts lol
His backup singers were with him for, I think, decades. They were, and still are AMAZING!
Whispering Jack was a massive album! John’s manager (Glen Wheatley of Masters Apprentices) put his house on the line so the album could get made. The entire album is killer!
R.I.P. to Glenn Wheatley, not only John’s manager but his best mate too. A loss to music himself.
Looking forward to you doing an analysis of his performance of The Beatles Help from the same concert. You're The Voice is the anthem, but Help is where he will REALLY blow your mind.
One of the backup singers is Vanetta Fields, who came to Australia as a backing singer for Boz Scaggs, and decided to live here. She has also done backing singing for a long list of bands and musicians, including the Rolling Stones and Steely Dan.
Vanetta also sang on Dark Side of The Moon (Not great gig in the sky)
Always remember my Dad telling the story about how he was playing keys for Farnham when he came here and used a local bunch of musos... he walked in late to the practice, drink in 1 hand, smoke in the other.. spent 10 minutes listening to the band, gave them all feedback on what he wanted and then just launched into singing with no warmup - matching his vocals to the band.
It's really weird as an Aussie hearing you come at this for the first time. This is something of an anthem here in Australia, and was a massive hit here and elsewhere in the world back in the mid eighties. I remember being on a back-packing trip in Germany at the time and hearing this blasting from German radios. Gave me goosebumps and a sense of pride.
Travelling through Europe and it was on the radio all over again. Sitting in an English B&B (Bed & Breakfast hotel) eating Vegemite on my breakfast toast, and thinking, have I really left Australia at all? A little piece of magic. Very proud of his achievements, hoping Johnny is recovering well, a bit of a worry though at the moment.
Why pride? You are not John Farnham.
@@gulliverthegullible6667 Foolish comment.
@@wyattfamily8997 you can only be proud of your own achievements, maybe also of your children"s. How can you be proud of a stranger's achievements, such as Farnham's? You have done nothing for them.
Pride can take many forms; being proud of a fellow Australian is akin to being proud of your family.. if you were part of the family chief, you’d get it 😉
I've heard and worshipped this song so many times and it still gives me chills when I hear it. I've been in his audience more than once, he is an awesome singer and entertainer. The way you have analyzed this performance from a professional viewpoint has brought out a few more gems I had not noticed in this awesome song. Thank you.
I used to listen to his records as a kid back in the 80s. The staple of every Aussie household. Huge respect for this Australian icon.
He's English
You need to do more John Farnham he is INCREDIBLE - I strongly recommend When The War Is Over, Help, Age Of Reason, When Something is Wrong With My Baby with Jimmy Barnes - any of them.
Agree, his version of when the war is over is stunning.
@@robertharwood9787 His version from his "The Last Time" concert is, I believe, his best performance in terms of power and emotion. It brings me to tears, every time.
Long way to the top....
Black Dog…
Gethsemane… the list of high quality recommendations of Farnham songs is VERY long.
I'm a Canadian and I was 15 when this came out and fell in love with this song instantly
I remember sitting in the car with my mum, radio on full volume and both of us screaming the chorus as loud as we could. It was big in Germany
Many an Aussie fam sung it in the car or at home, anytime it was on the radio, for decades; this song brought many people together.
Two Aussie legends, Farnsie (John Farnham) and Barnsie (Jimmy Barnes) singing When something is wrong with my baby will definitely not disappoint.
live with diesel kills
@@dam7426 diesel, come to me
Yes!
If you haven't already heard it, look up Barnsey and Joe Bonamassa doing Deep Purple's Lazy
Diesel is also great, come to me 1991
I adore seeing people discover John! I will NEVER tire of this song
Thanks big time to the Patreons that asked for this! I've loved this song since it was released in '86. It was one of the first songs I felt really compelled to try and sing as a kid - and I couldn't swing it at all. Lol! I realize now it was like trying to learn to shoot a gun by starting with a rocket launcher. It's the most inspirational song I think I've ever heard, and it was pure delight hearing Elizabeth's analysis of how Farnham does it.
I used to work for John as a sound engineer, he was untouchable for vocal range and control, a pleasure to engineer. Before he toured as John Farnham he was the front man for an iconic Australian band called - Little River Band. If you really want to hear his vocal abilities, listen to an L.R.B album called Playing To Win, especially the song Blind Eyes. Nice video! John would be stoked you appreciate his voice so much.
LRB was a little chapter, he was well known solo before LRB
All the Aussies hearing you talking about lots of different instruments on stage were holding our breath for your reaction knowing what is coming. 😁😁😁❤❤❤
I was waiting for her reaction to the bagpipes
@@nelsondawson9706 i still want to know what discussion ended up at "you know what this song needs, a bagpipe solo"
@@Simon-ho6ly it was John's idea actually because he has said his favourite song was it's a long way to the top
@@Simon-ho6ly All the cowbells were taken.
@@Simon-ho6ly it's in the movie!
Apparently to hear him sing in a room unamplified is deafening…. One of the greatest
This was an incredible concert. One that nobody wanted to finish. We adore him and his music. And we shouldn't forget his band & singers. They have been through almost if not all of his performances and incredible in their own right.
This bloke is an Australian national treasure! It's amazing how this song is gaining such an appreciation, internationally, 40 odd years after its release.
Thank you to your Patrons for making this reaction happen... it needed to happen, and it was worth the wait.
👏👏👏
I'm so glad you acknowledged the sheer professionalism evident in the background singers. They always make his songs really soulful.
As everyone else is saying check out Help from the same concert. So happy you chose to react to him. Always listen to live performances of him, it is always extra and special. He is always moving around and throwing that mike stand about. A good show of his personality I felt was him singing My yiddishe Mama with Tom Jones on Hey Hey It's Saturday. Something to see. John's a national treasure. Wishing him a quick recovery.
Yeah, the thing I love about the Tom Jones duet is how he's fanboying so hard to be singing with him.
Defintiely agree the live performances are where he truly shines. He's got the power and control of his voice to really make them special. The vidio clips are worth a watch though, got some depth to them.
Oh boy… clearly ALL us Aussies have been waiting for this one on this channel. The original music video clip is powerful too but this was for sure the version for you to analyse.
I'm autistc, & process music differently to most ppl I know. I grew up listening to almost exclusively John Farnham, Jimmy Barnes, & The Seekers. This concert happened when I was 9. That was when I found out that most people don't feel the music in their nervous system.
The three artists I mentioned above all hit my nervous system in the most amazing way. This song in particular reaches my toes and my fingertips.
I love Pop, Rock and Some Metal… but also love Beethoven and Mozart I love the different emotions each can stir in the soul. ❤
Thanks for letting us know about how you experience music. We all need to become more informed about autism - how you process music was not something I'd thought about, so, again, thanks so much for sharing your experience and I hope that you continue to find much joy in music.
How do you know you feel it differently
@@YvonneSanders-hv2gc Growing up, I discovered most ppl don't feel music running down their spinal cord. They generally don't feel the music travel through their bodies to pool in their extremities (fingers & toes). Some songs I listen to don't provoke this reaction, but they're generally songs I don't know/like. All the music in my playlists does cause the full body experience though - all my favourite music flows down my spinal cord & flows through my body to pool in my fingers & toes. The best songs make my ears tingle.
Sounds amazing!
Thank you Elizabeth so much for featuring this song. Aussies have been John Farnham fans since the 1960's when he first started having hits. His career has spanned 5 decades and he has had hit songs in every one of them. This song is definitely anthemic, is catchy and really uplifting. You, of course, highlighted his talent in your own unique way, and added to the performance by your enjoyment and your enthusiasm. Cheers from Australia.
He certainly has come a long way from Sadie the Cleaning Lady
His version of the Beatles' "Help" is a spectacular cover done in the original slower tempo that they wrote it at, and the version performed on the same night that this was, is probably the best - it really shows off his unrivalled range, grit and power. Plus - the orchestration backing him is damned near perfectly... well... orchestrated haha
His collab with Jimmy Barnes and Diesel on "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby" is also a must - its a fantastic blend of the two Aussie powerhouses and mixing in Diesel's guitar work (and lighter vocal overtones in the live performances) just makes you feel the song to your core.
You will be getting lots of these recommendations (and for good reason) in the comments and its because we love our Farnsy and Barnesy here in Aus, but they have well earned our adoration
I'm a transplant to Oz from the US . I can't understand how so many Aussie legends never make a dent in the US market. So many great bands need exposure overseas.
It’s because the record companies wanted to dictate what they should sing and our guys wouldn’t buy that. You should listen to Cold Chisels song You’ve got nothing I want, they wrote this after dealing with the American record companies.
It's because we want them to remain Australian, and not be overly influenced by other countries 😉😜
In a lot of cases they go to American thinking they’re stars. AC/DC conquered Australia then went to England and started at the bottom and did it again and then went to America and started at the bottom, each time it got easier because the funding was there and momentum with chart success. But bands like cold chisel went to the USA thinking “I sold out Brisbane I will sell out Denver” then when it doesn’t happen they return to Australia and live like kings instead of really going for it.
The reason being, if you're not in the mainstream area for singing (U.S. being the "bigger market/main money", Football (Europe/UK) etc. Then it's biased. People who are still great singers/football players, will be frozen out because of this of fame. EG Sam Kerr, Haaland did not get the highest football ⚽ honour for this reason. Music industry like a few, are notoriously biased/corrupt/taken advantage ripped off. Only now with the I/net is there more exposure for other less known people to be heard. It is the responsibility of everyone to search out the "Truth" about whatever it is. Before they can really speak on ANYTHING.
Oh no, you missed the whole mic stand thing. He threw it up and caught it in perfect timing to the music before he threw it across the stage. What a performance, he makes me proud of being Aussie
lol, I've seen several other reactions before this one and this is the first time I had noticed it.
Haha I love when John flips the stand. Dunno why, it gives me a giggle every time.
they ALL miss it! It's Johns' signature move lol
@@sallieb6435 They do don't they! She played it 3 times & I kept going look look! lol!
ive watched about 5 reactions to this video. so far only 1 person has noticed this.
Saw him live a couple of times and there was nothing auto tune about this guy. He could sing almost anything well. He is "the voice"
Yep
This live performance was pre- auto tune.
Not that John ever needed it
John threw that mic stand up during the fill and timed it to catch it close to the downbeat! What a legend!
yes, he's been doing that for almost all his singing career
yes he also twirled mic's on the lead, this left me nervous that a worn of faulty cannon clip could let go and the mic fly my way! LesC
Every single Aussie kid sang this in a choir at some point. Still makes my heart swell hearing this song
That is a surefire way of making children hate this music. I still hate the Beatles for having to sing their songs in school.
I didn't.
Childhood choir memory unlocked
Yep and sung it as "pick your nose and make it bleed" instead of "make a noise and make it clear"😂
Sang it in “Pub rock choir” as an adult 😊 (some of my friends actually went to a big event and sang this WITH him. Jealous)
I have had the pleasure of seeing him play live 3 times, he is absolutely unreal. The guy can belt out a song holding the mic down at waist level, I've never seen anything like that before. An amazing showman and if you have seen a few metal and hard rock bands here in Australia, it is not uncommon to hear these bands play this song before their gig. He is one of those talents that anybody with any musical taste simply marvels at.
No auto tuning! Just a real authentic artists demonstrating his profound abilities.
Ah, the one all your Aussie subscribers have been waiting for! Genuine legend of man; with talent to command compliments and affection from skyscraping greats like the Beatles, Queen, Tom Jones, Celene Dion, and on and on. Who chose 'mere' domestic glory and adoration rather than international stardom because of a desire to not stray far from his family, and so spent the next 30 years not climbing to the summit of recognition as one of the vocal G.O.A.T.s, but instead touring Australia domestically and remaining "Your favorite singer's favorite singer" for the northern hemisphere.
Great analysis as always. You're right that this is an anthem (many of his songs are!) for us, which is partly why it's not the most technically impressive of his performances like some others the commenters have mentioned, even if it's his most iconic. What a hero!
John Farnham doesn't need auto tune or lip sync! He's a genuine Ausie music legend. There is nothing you could teach him!
That reaction to the bagpipes was just priceless 🤣.
John Farnham is such a colossal talent that people of all backgrounds and tastes can appreciate what he does. So inspirational 🙌
The biggest pointer to me that he does all of this in a very healthy and well supported manner is the fact he can sound like this at the end of a 3 hour solid show. Sublime talent and finely honed skill.
Another indicator is that he sounded like that at the bushfire appeal in 2020 with Brian May on guitar.
I've been listening John F. almost 40 years.He's absolutely one of the greatest singer👍 greetings from west coast Finland🙂
John Farnham is legitimately one of the best to ever do it. Just you wait until you watch some of the other videos that people have commented. He is a national treasure, and means a lot to a lot us Australians. I hope you get better soon John.
I believe John has never used autotuning. Apart from anything else, I understand he has perfect pitch.
He had part of his jaw removed last year in a 13 hour operation. Just recently he was admitted to hospital with a respiratory infection.
These are the health battles he is currently dealing with, probably career ending.
One of the greatest vocalists ever...
John is the best vocalist. I’m still crying with all his songs. He is an amazing singer. I’m still get emotional like the 1980s. I love him. God bless you John for giving us your best voice in Melbourne, Australia. ❤❤🙏
The amazing thing about John Farnham is his music never feels like it's just for older people or any kind of demo. Look at the audience. There's like 10 year old kids singing along with their parents and everyone is up and fully embracing the lyrics and dancing along to the music. It's beautiful.
The dudes vocals is fantastic. I feel it in my soul. Amazing.
I had the pleasure of hearing John sing at Curzon Hall in Marsfield Sydney, he was standing right next to me, with no music, and without a microphone, he was just as good, with such a powerful voice.
This is pretty much our national anthem. I am a child of the 80's and my favourite bands are Opeth, Tool and Gojira but John Farnham is a national treasure!
Noooo the Seekers We are Australian is
ruclips.net/video/KrLTe1_9zso/видео.html
I can relate to all of the above. I'm glad i got to see him at the arts centre in melbourne in the early 2000's when i was about 20. was an amazing show
I discovered John Farnham about 10 years ago and was immediately hooked. This man has such an amazing voice!! He's now on my Spotify play list with several of his great songs including this one. I highly recommend everyone find the live Amazing Grace he does with 2 of his backup singers. It's probably the best version I've ever heard