I finally watched the John Farnham doco the other night & took a trip down my own memory lane. I was inspired by the story of his rebirth.

I was there albeit in the wings spending a lot of time at AAV Studios (formerly Armstrong's) recording jingles & other things. "Johnny" was often around annoying everyone with his boyish good humour & verve, often wandering into control rooms for a chat or just see what was going on - sometimes to the annoyance of the people involved. Then we became aware that he was working on an album that was being funded by mortgaging his house - we knew he was mad, now we thought he was crazy! We'd listen at the door and sometimes wander in. It sounded good, but I was sceptical: would his fans, the industry and the media accept it.

The Doco... umm... documented clearly how the industry had pretty much written Johnny Farnham off (they're good at this, they like their pigeon holes) This was an incredible leap of faith by John & Glenn (Wheatley).

I remember somehow having an advance listen to some of the tracks. I was working a lot with Doug Brady who was engineer on the album & I think he played us a few tracks - although you didn't hear that from me!

I thought it was brilliant but still didn't think the people would accept such a radical departure for "Johnny". I even had a bet with one of the girls in the office that "You're the voice" would flop!!!

Meanwhile life went on around the studios & all we were hearing was there was no interest in the album & no one was playing it. Then someone did (it looked like it was Karl Van Est in the doco?) and the rest is history.

I walked into AAV one morning and all the girls in the office seemed to look a little more attractive and closer inspection revealed they had indeed gone to a lot more trouble. I had to ask, and the reply came, "oh John's coming in today." I said, "John who? The chorus rang back, "Farnham"!!!

I didn't make it to the launch but was invited to a special party that AAV threw on the night Channel 9 first aired the special they filmed of a Farnham concert which I think was Brisbane in '88 for the World Expo. It was a surprise for John and when he walked into the room with Jill and The Wheatley’s, as quick as a flash he yelled, “How did all you XXXX’s get into my room.

I had the onerous task of following him at many functions to do the “dance set” after he and the band had set the place alight – ah well a gig’s a gig!

I played at a “Milestone” Birthday for wife Jill and have shared a beer with him on many occasions.

He’s an amazing character, performer and is definitely, The Voice.

Look out for Part 2 of my Stevie wonder Blog which features John in a rare supporting role