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John Farnham ‘deeply touched’ by Robbie Williams’ on stage tribute at AFL grand final – as legendary singer recovers from cancer surgery
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John Farnham’s family has released a statement on behalf of the singer after Robbie Williams paid tribute to him onstage during his pre-match performance at the MCG on Saturday.
The 73-year-old, who is recovering from cancer surgery, is “deeply moved,” the statement said. The courier post.
“We were delighted to see Robbie Williams dedicate his performance of You’re The Voice to John,” John’s wife Jill and sons Rob and James read.
John Farnham’s family has released a statement on behalf of the singer after Robbie Williams paid tribute to him onstage during his pre-match performance at the MCG on Saturday. Williams is pictured during the performance
“John watched from the hospital and was deeply moved by that very generous gesture. He also really enjoyed Robbie’s performance.’
The English pop star opened with his 1997 hit Let Me Entertain You, before launching another crowd pleaser, Rock DJ, as the sold-out crowd geared up for the historic showdown between the Sydney Swans and Geelong Cats.
The most incredible moment of the performance was his rendition of the ballad Angels, which he dedicated to the late cricket legend Shane Warne.
“We were delighted to see Robbie Williams dedicate his performance of You’re The Voice to John,” John’s wife Jill and sons Rob and James read. John is in the picture
He then paid tribute to Farnham – who was recently diagnosed with oral cancer – with a rousing performance of his signature song You’re the Voice, which the entire audience sang in unison.
“I want everyone to sing along to this. The next song is Australia’s unofficial anthem,” he said, before adding, “Let’s all send our love to John and his family.”
William’s later posted on Facebook that the moment the audience sang along to the national anthem “touched me emotionally.”
“John watched from the hospital and was deeply moved by that very generous gesture. He also thoroughly enjoyed Robbie’s performance,” the statement continued
Farnham’s family said this week that he is “making good progress” and has been moved from intensive care to a general hospital ward.
He had to undergo surgery in August by 26 surgeons during a 12-hour marathon surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his mouth and part of his jaw.
Farnham is ‘unlikely’ to ever perform again – but an update from wife Jill and sons Rob and James confirmed the singer is on the road to recovery after being moved to a general room.
Williams paid tribute to Farnham – who was recently diagnosed with oral cancer – with a rousing performance of his signature song You’re the Voice, which the entire audience sang in unison. “I want everyone to sing along to this. The next song is Australia’s unofficial anthem,” he said, before adding: “Let’s all send our love to John and his family”
“That in itself is tremendous progress,” they said in a statement.
“This week John was transferred to a rehabilitation center. Each of these steps means things are moving in the right direction and we are extremely grateful for that.”
They also thanked his “many thousands” of fans who had created a website to support Farnham called weloveyoujohn.com.au.
William’s later posted on Facebook that the moment the audience sang along to the national anthem ‘made me emotional’
He had only discovered that he had the cancerous tumor in his mouth after his wife insisted on taking him to the doctor for a check-up.
“The cancerous tumor was in his mouth and was successfully removed,” she said after his surgery.
“We still have a long road of recovery and healing ahead of us, but we know John is up to the task.”
Farnham’s family said this week he is ‘making good progress’ and has been moved from intensive care to a general hospital ward