Fans hoping to secure a seat at the upcoming John Farnham tribute concert have been left shocked by ticket prices, with some premium seats selling for as much as $1650.
Tickets for the highly anticipated charity event went on sale on Tuesday, sparking a rush of demand from music lovers eager to celebrate one of Australia’s most beloved performers. But many fans quickly took to social media to vent their frustration after discovering the cost of some seats.
By Tuesday night, the cheapest available tickets were listed at $179, while many others were selling for around $1000. Ticket buyers were also greeted with a warning on the booking website advising that prices could change at any time.
“Please be aware the price of a ticket for this event may increase or decrease at any time,” the notice read.
The pricing structure prompted an immediate backlash online, with many questioning how ordinary Australians could afford to attend.
“Wow, who can afford that?” one fan wrote. Another described the prices as “an absolute joke”, while others criticised the use of dynamic pricing for an event raising money for charity.
“Looks like dynamic pricing will be happening, which is awful considering it is a charity event,” another disappointed fan posted.
The concert, titled The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend, will be held at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on September 20 and features an extraordinary line-up of performers.
More than 120 artists are expected to take part, including Keith Urban, Tina Arena, Jimmy Barnes, Mahalia Barnes, Kate Ceberano, Diesel, Human Nature, Jon Stevens, Jessica Mauboy, Richard Marx and Ross Wilson. International stars Celine Dion and Hugh Jackman will also make special satellite appearances, with organisers promising further announcements in the coming months.
While Farnham will not perform on the night, the 76-year-old has thrown his full support behind the event, which will raise funds for Head and Neck Cancer Australia.
“This night isn’t about me – it’s about giving something back and supporting a cause that means a great deal to me,” Farnham said when the concert was announced last week.
The charity has played an important role in the singer’s recovery following his 2022 cancer diagnosis. Farnham underwent a gruelling 12-hour operation to remove a tumour from his mouth and has since been given the all-clear by his medical team.
By Wednesday morning, demand for tickets appeared to have overwhelmed supply, with Ticketek displaying “allocation exhausted” across all seating categories.
The controversy has reignited debate around dynamic pricing, a system that adjusts ticket costs according to demand. The practice has previously drawn criticism from Australian concertgoers attending major international tours, although some high-profile acts have chosen not to adopt the model.
Despite the complaints, Victorian officials are expecting the one-night-only event to deliver a significant boost to Melbourne’s economy, with thousands of fans expected to travel for the show.
For many Farnham supporters, however, the biggest question remains whether they can afford to be part of it.
Images: Instagram
