Chris Martin Performs Original Song for John Farnham at Melbourne Tribute Concert Chris Martin appeared remotely at the John Farnham tribute concert in Melbourne, performing an original acoustic song that honored Farnham and late cricketer Shane Warne. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin appeared remotely at the John Farnham Tribute Concert at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, on September 20, 2026, performing an original song written for the legendary Australian singer. Martin was one of more than 120 artists and musicians who performed at the special concert honoring the songs of John Farnham. The event, titled The Songs Of John Farnham: A Living Legend – The Celebration Concert, was produced by Cochrane Entertainment and TEG Dainty. It celebrated Farnham's career with a lineup of Australian and international stars. Farnham himself was unable to attend due to health reasons, specifically head and neck cancer, as noted by Head and Neck Cancer Australia.For his segment, Martin stripped it right down, playing an acoustic guitar to deliver a surprise number that was both self-deprecating and deferential to two great Australians: John Farnham and the late cricketing great Shane Warne. The performance was shared in a video posted by TEG Dainty, co-producers of the event.In the song, Martin recalled a 2009 conversation with his friend Shane about a major bushfire. He sang: Seventeen years ago in Melbourne, my friend Shane said to me: There's been a bloody big bushfire. It's something you should see. He continued: I'm going in up to Kinglake to check on how they are and I made us a mixtape, we can listen in the car. And I really do love Coldplay. I love Coldplay, it's true. But my favorite is John Farnham, he's a better singer than you. It's true, Martin admitted.The chorus thanked Farnham and reflected on mortality and legacy. Martin sang: Well thank you John, thank you John, I think you're really great. You made me get much closer to my cricket playing mate. Well thank you John, oh thank you John, one day we'll all be gone. But the thing about John Farnham songs is that they'll keep living on.The tribute concert featured a host of performers including Vanessa Amorosi, Tina Arena, Jimmy Barnes, Kate Ceberano, Diesel, Human Nature, Jack Jones, Richard Marx, Jessica Mauboy, Keith Urban, Mark Vincent, and Ross Wilson. Farnham's 1986 album Whispering Jack was the first homegrown LP to sell more than 1 million copies in Australia and remains the best-selling domestic record in the country.Demand for the live broadcast was incredible, with sessions selling out rapidly. Additional screenings were added to accommodate the response from fans, according to organizers at HOYTS. The concert also coincided with the 2026 Independent Music Awards, where Jorja Smith and Robyn were among the winners. The full winners list was released separately.Billboard, a part of PMX Global, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Media Corporation, covered the event. All rights reserved by Billboard Media, LLC. The John Farnham Tribute Concert served as a testament to Farnham's lasting influence and the affection artists and fans hold for him. Martin's remote performance added a poignant moment to the night, highlighting his admiration for Farnham and the personal connection to Shane Warne.