THE unmistakable songs of Australian music legend John Farnham will roar back to life in Ipswich next month, led by a singer who once had a front-row seat to “The Voice” at his very best.
Decades after watching Farnham command the stage from the wings while touring alongside him, former 1927 member Simon Shapiro is stepping into the spotlight to celebrate the voice, songs and live performances that helped define Australian music.
One Voice – Greatest Hits of John Farnham will hit the Ipswich Civic Centre on October 2, with Shapiro fronting an eight-piece live band for a journey through Farnham’s soaring ballads, pop classics and rock anthems.
“Growing up in the era that I did, my mentors always pointed me towards John Farnham. If you wanted to be a great male singer, you had to know his repertoire,” Shapiro said.
“My voice type is probably suited to his music as well. I’ve got a high range, so it fits.
“I didn’t really intend to take on John Farnham, to be honest. I got the opportunity, I was asked to do it and it just seemed to feel really good.”
Watching Farnham perform night after night left a lasting impression, particularly the versatility that became a hallmark of his career.
“His career spans so many genres and so many decades, so watching his show was a bit like walking through time,” Shapiro said.
“You know what those songs mean to people across generations and that’s another reason for doing this. You want to keep that music alive.”
Shapiro said Farnham’s retirement had added another dimension to performing the songs in theatres with a full live band.
“More than ever it feels like the right time to continue putting these shows into theatres in a way that pays homage to the way he did it – with a great live band,” he said.
Shapiro said assembling musicians capable of moving between the different styles of Farnham’s catalogue had been crucial.
When One Voice arrives in Ipswich, Shapiro said audiences should expect a celebration rather than an impersonation.
One Voice – Greatest Hits of John Farnham is at the Ipswich Civic Centre on Friday, October 2 from 7.30pm.
