John Farnham admitted to hospital after cancer diagnosis

Virgin Radio

23 Aug 2022, 12:45

Legendary Australian singer John Farnham has undergone surgery after being diagnosed with cancer.

The artist, perhaps best known for his massive 1986 anthem, You're The Voice, was admitted to hospital today (22nd August).

In a statement, his family wrote: “We have recently discovered that John has a cancerous growth. He has been admitted to hospital this morning for surgery and ongoing treatment.” 

The family then released another message, saying: "John’s surgery began at 8am this morning and was successfully complete at 7.30pm tonight. He has now been transferred to ICU and is in a stable condition.”

Earlier, as part of the family's first statement, the 73-year-old’s own message to fans read: “Cancer diagnosis is something that so many people face every single day, and countless others have walked this path before me.”

He added: “The one thing I know for sure is that we have the very best specialist healthcare professionals in Victoria, and we can all be grateful for that. I know I am.”

The family has requested privacy.

Farnham was born in Dagenham, England, but emigrated to Australia with his family when he was 10 years old, settling in Melbourne.

His 12th studio album, 1986’s Whispering Jack, spent an incredible 25 weeks at the number one spot on the Album Charts in Australia across 1986 and 1987, thanks in no small part to the fact that it features the singalong classic, You’re the Voice. The LP remains the highest-selling album in Australia by an Australian artist, and is also the second best-selling-album ever in Australia, behind Meat Loaf's album Bat Out of Hell.

Whispering Jack was followed by other chart toppers, including Age Of Reason in 1988 and Chain Reaction in 1990. Farnham had previously made his name with a string of hits as a pop star teenager in the late 1960s.

The singer was named the Australian of the year in 1987. 

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told the press: “All Australians love John Farnham, and we wish him all the best for him and his family at this time. It is difficult news for people to have received this morning. John Farnham has been and continues to be a great Australian.

“He has not only provided entertainment for Australians over many decades, he also has been a contributor to the nation.”

The best wishes from everybody at Virgin Radio are with John and his family and friends.