John Farnham Tribute Concert Outperforms Taika Waititi Film at Australian Box Office

MELBOURNE — John Farnham Tribute Concert Outperforms Taika Waititi Film at Australian Box Office

Australian audiences have once again turned out in force to relive a recent tribute concert celebrating music legend John Farnham, with its return to cinemas delivering strong box office results.

Encore screenings of The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend – The Celebration Concert, held at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena last month, generated $461,257 over the past weekend. The concert film ranked No. 6 overall, earning more than the new Ali G movie, Ali G: Who Iz I?, and Taika Waititi’s Klara and the Sun, starring Jenna Ortega.

The original live cinema broadcast of the sold-out concert attracted more than 23,000 fans to HOYTS cinemas and generated $1.16 million at the box office.

When the encore screenings were announced, HOYTS General Manager of Programming and Content Michelle Gater highlighted the success of the initial broadcast and the opportunity for audiences to experience the event again.

“Following the remarkable success of this Australian-first live cinema broadcast, the encore season will offer moviegoers the opportunity to relive the magic of the event or experience it for the first time,” Gater said.

She also noted the investment HOYTS had made to bring the concert to cinemas and its commitment to supporting Head and Neck Cancer Australia.

“We were proud to make a significant investment to bring this concert to the big screen. Alongside the funds, the concert organisers are donating to Head and Neck Cancer Australia, HOYTS is pleased to make a donation of its own to support the cause.

“We’re delighted to continue sharing this celebration with audiences across Australia, honouring John and the enduring legacy of his music.”

The concert at Rod Laver Arena featured live performances from Keith Urban, Tina Arena and Jimmy Barnes, alongside a livestreamed rendition of “You’re the Voice” by Celine Dion.

Reviewing the event, Rolling Stone AU/NZ praised the all-star tribute and the legacy of Farnham’s music.

“What a legacy!” the review reads. “It’s safe to say Farnham would’ve been bursting with pride and crying happy tears while viewing this all-star tribute concert from the comfort of his own home.”