‘Story of triumph’: Rock legend John Farnham finds voice to narrate audiobook memoir
For the first time since his life-changing cancer diagnosis Australian rock legend John Farnham has allowed his famous voice to be heard as he narrates the audiobook edition of his highly anticipated memoir, The Voice Inside.
Released on October 30, publishers Hachette Australia say the book will be “like sitting down with an old friend sharing stories that are both deeply personal and wildly entertaining”.
Written alongside award-winning filmmaker Poppy Stockell, who made his first biopic John Farnham: Finding the Voice last year, Farnham says the audiobook experience was “a roller-coaster ride”.
“I’ve just finished narrating my audiobook. It was a bit of a roller-coaster ride,” he says in a statement to Hachette.
“There were more than a few laughs, and some tears, but it made me realise how lucky I’ve been.”
All of Australia has followed Farnham’s harrowing journey over the past few years, after undergoing gruelling surgery for mouth cancer in August 2022 followed by reconstructive surgery.
Months later he was rushed back to hospital with a chest infection.
He’s shared a few family photos marking milestone’s including his 75th birthday in July and looking well at son Robert’s wedding in February but has lead a very private life over the past two years.
We’ve not seen any video clips, television interviews nor heard his iconic voice until now.
Listen to the audio here at official John Farnham website.
“I don’t enjoy talking about myself, I really don’t,” Farnham says.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m an ego-maniac, but dredging up the past and checking through what has and hasn’t been is just something I’ve really never enjoyed.
“I will try to share as much as I can, but that’s not easy because I’ve never really been that open. I guess there are reasons for that, reasons for my reluctance.”
His wife, Jill, will also narrate two chapters.
‘Listening to him is such a delight’
Hachette’s Vanessa Radnidge says that when news of the memoir was announced earlier this year, fans wanted to know whether he would record the audiobook himself.
“At the time, we could not provide an answer, and I honestly did not think it would be possible. but John is a born entertainer, and he never wants to disappoint his fans.
Despite the challenges posed by surgery and radiation, Radnidge said Farnham dedicated “many hours in the studio” to record his book in his own voice.
“Now, I cannot imagine anyone else narrating it.
“Listening to him is such a delight – the heart, emotion, and showmanship are all there.
“So are the laughs, the giggles, and the tears. John feels lucky to have lived the life he has, and I know we are all incredibly lucky to have John Farnham share the voice inside with all of us.”
The memoir chronicles everything about Farnham, from his early years, pop stardom in the 1960s to the release of Whispering Jack, the critically acclaimed and highest-selling Australian album of all time.
He enjoyed a decades-long touring career winning 21 ARIA awards and Australian of the Year.
As his career stalled and record companies turned their backs and he faced financial ruin, we hear the story of all his highs and lows.
Now, after his devastating cancer diagnosis, Farnham is telling his story, his way, says Hachette.
John Farnham and wife Jillian pose with the bride and groom in February. Photo: Instagram
In June, photos emerged from Farnham’s first public outing since his battle with cancer.
Months later in March 2023, Farnham caught a chest infection and was rushed back to hospital.
In August last year, Farnham celebrated doctors giving him the “all clear” from cancer.
“I am the luckiest man I know right now. It’s been a year since my first surgery and to be honest I’ve lost count as to how many other procedures there’s been since then,” he wrote.
“I’m sure someone’s kept track of them all – let’s just say, there’s been a few.”
Farnham said he would mark the “special day” by enjoying a pizza – “because I can”.
“I can’t wait to see what might be next on the menu. Bring on 2024,” he said.
The Voice Inside is out October 30, available in hardback, ebook, and audiobook
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