The concert is called "The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend" and will be held at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena. It features Australian stars such as Jimmy Barnes, Tina Arena, Human Nature, Jessica Mauboy, Kate Ceberano and Ross Wilson, plus international singers Celine Dion and Richard Marx. The event is a charity show that will raise money for the cancer service that helped Farnham during his own cancer battle.

In a social‑media post, Farnham’s wife Jill and his sons Robert and James wrote that he was "deeply moved" by the tribute but that he was too unwell to attend the arena spectacular.

The family said the 77‑year‑old singer now needs continuous oxygen support, uses a wheelchair to move around, and has 24‑hour nursing care at home. These medical needs have made it impossible for him to travel to the concert.

The family hopes fans understand why John cannot be there this weekend. They said that if his health were better, he would love to thank everyone in person.