John Farnham ‘deeply touched’ by Robbie Williams’ tribute at AFL grand final

John Farnham ‘deeply touched’ by Robbie Williams’ on stage tribute at AFL grand final – as the legendary singer recovers from cancer surgery

John Farnham’s family have issued a statement on the singer’s behalf, after Robbie Williams paid tribute to him on stage during his pre-match performance at the MCG on Saturday.

The 73-year-old, who is recovering after cancer surgery, is ‘deeply touched’ the statement said, according to The Courier Mail. 

‘We were delighted to see Robbie Williams dedicate his performance of You’re The Voice to John,’ the statement from John’s wife Jill and sons Rob and James read.

John Farnham’s family have issued a statement on the singer’s behalf, after Robbie Williams paid tribute to him on stage during his pre-match performance at the MCG on Saturday. Williams is pictured during the performance 

‘John was watching from hospital and was deeply touched by that very generous gesture. He thoroughly enjoyed Robbie’s performance too.’

The English pop star opened with his 1997 hit Let Me Entertain You, before launching into another crowd pleaser, Rock DJ, as the sold-out crowd got pumped 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 late cricket legend Shane Warne.

'We were delighted to see Robbie Williams dedicate his performance of You're The Voice to John,' the statement from John's wife Jill and sons Rob and James read. John is pictured

‘We were delighted to see Robbie Williams dedicate his performance of You’re The Voice to John,’ the statement from John’s wife Jill and sons Rob and James read. John is pictured 

After this, he paid tribute to Farnham – who was recently diagnosed with oral cancer – with a stirring performance of his signature song You’re the Voice, which had the whole crowd singing along in unison.

‘I want everyone to sing along to this. The next song is the unofficial national anthem of Australia,’ he said, before adding: ‘Let’s all send our love to John and his family.’

Williams later posted on Facebook that the moment the crowd sang along with the anthem ‘got me emotional’.  

'John was watching from hospital and was deeply touched by that very generous gesture. He thoroughly enjoyed Robbie's performance too,' the statement continued

‘John was watching from hospital and was deeply touched by that very generous gesture. He thoroughly enjoyed Robbie’s performance too,’ the statement continued 

Farnham’s family this week said he is ‘progressing well’ and has been moved from intensive care to a general hospital ward.

He required an operation by 26 surgeons over a marathon 12-hour operation to remove a cancerous growth from his mouth and part of his jaw in August.

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 into a general room.

Williams paid tribute to Farnham - who was recently diagnosed with oral cancer - with a stirring performance of his signature song You're the Voice, which had the whole crowd singing along in unison. 'I want everyone to sing along to this. The next song is the unofficial national anthem of Australia,' he said, before adding: 'Let's all send our love to John and his family'

Williams paid tribute to Farnham – who was recently diagnosed with oral cancer – with a stirring performance of his signature song You’re the Voice, which had the whole crowd singing along in unison. ‘I want everyone to sing along to this. The next song is the unofficial national anthem of Australia,’ he said, before adding: ‘Let’s all send our love to John and his family’

‘That in itself is terrific progress,’ they said in a statement.

‘This week John has been transferred into a rehabilitation facility. Each of these steps means things are moving in the right direction and for that we are enormously thankful.’

They also thanked his ‘many thousands’ of fans who created a website to support Farnham called weloveyoujohn.com.au.

Williams later posted on Facebook that the moment the crowd sang along with the anthem 'got me emotional'

Williams later posted on Facebook that the moment the crowd sang along with the anthem ‘got me emotional’

He had only discovered he had the cancerous growth in his mouth after his wife insisted on taking him to the doctor for a check up.

‘The cancer tumour was located in his mouth and it has been successfully removed,’ she said after his operation.

‘There is still a long road of recovery and healing ahead of us, but we know John is up for that task.’

Farnham's family this week said he is 'progressing well' and has been moved from intensive care to a general hospital ward

Farnham’s family this week said he is ‘progressing well’ and has been moved from intensive care to a general hospital ward

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