In Memory of "Wheat" - A Personal Video Tribute by Adam Stolfo

John Farnham’s longtime manager and Australian music industry icon Glenn Wheatley died on Tuesday the 1st of February at the age of 74, after a battle with Covid-19. Wheatley had been in the music industry for more than 50 years.
He started out as a musician playing bass in 1960s rock band The Masters Apprentices, with hits such as "Because I Love You" and "Turn Up Your Radio", and was responsible for reinvigorating Farnham's career as well as discovering Delta Goodrem. It was under Wheatley's guidance that Farnham released the hugely successful single "You're the Voice" in 1986, as well as the "comeback" album "Whispering Jack". It is Farnham's most popular album and remains the highest-selling album in Australia by an Australian artist.
I temporarily shelved my next video plan as the news regarding Glenn's death became public. I wanted to create a tribute piece, not just to honour the life and legacy of Glenn, but his amazing "dream team" partnership - both personally and professionally - with John. I wanted to acknowledge the shock and sadness that we're all feeling, but also to celebrate his life of extraordinary achievements.
I've put this compilation together in the space of one day, so I apologise if it appears (at times) a little rushed or unpolished. This is a personal tribute to a man who obviously loved John as a friend and colleague alike. I wanted to capture his devotion, loyalty and enthusiasm for John and his unquestionable talent. Hopefully you can all have a smile and a chuckle along the way as well - that was certainly my intention.
RIP Glenn. You were an icon and an inspiration. We wouldn't have such wonderful memories without the unrivaled legacy that you and John have created... together!! We'll miss you dearly, mate.

[@marynoonan6111]

How John must miss him & how the whole world should thank him. Without Glen we'd never have had the brilliant Mr Farnham. Thanks Glen. Vale.

[@adamstolfo]

Nicely put Mary. Couldn't agree more!

[@shoresaresandy]

What a magnificent tribute to Glenn. RIP. Thoughts and prayers to all his family and friends. I hope the media leave John alone to grieve his way in peace. Thanks Adam you have done a fantastic job putting all this together.

[@adamstolfo]

Thank you so much for watching and appreciating it shoresaresandy. There are moments in my own video in which I painfully feel John's grief. RIP. 💔

[@diannebernau3293]

Thank you for such a wonderful tribute which demonstrates the mateship of two Aussie icons. Lifetime friendships are hard to keep but so special. RIP Glenn and my thoughts are with Gaynor and their children as well as John, Jill and family. 🕊🕊🕊

[@fransmith3255]

John has been my favourite singer since the very early 70s as a very young child. It may be just because I've been living overseas for the last 3 1/2 years, but this video made me incredibly homesick. It made me openly cry. I only just found out about Glenn. There are many other singers I also very much enjoy from many genres and many eras, but John Farnham will always have my singing heart. It's not just his incredible genre range ability and vocal range ability, but his amazing absolute joy of life and the infectious charisma that joy of life brought to the stage in his concerts. Thank you Glenn for bringing so much incredible joy to millions of Australians over generations. Thank you for seeing in John what the other stubbornly blind and deaf music decision-makers of the time were incapable of seeing!! RIP Glen.

[@adamstolfo]

Incredibly well said Fran. Couldn't of put it better myself. You know you've always got us fellow fans back here at home Fran. 🙏

[@MsWilson]

Just beautiful - had tears in my eyes the whole way through. We owe Glenn so much for bringing John back to where he deserved to be - our greatest singer. This is truly a story of love, respect, admiration and trust. What a friendship they were blessed with. There has got to be a movie in this somewhere. A story of what can be achieved when you have faith in another soul. Glenn had so much more to give. I’m so sorry, John. Condolences to Gaynor and family. Covid has robbed us of too many.

[@adamstolfo]

I'm so glad you were so moved by this tribute Corinne. I really was hoping to tap into all the emotions we're all feeling. This was just something I HAD to do - to show my respects. You're right about the movie idea too. There could definitely be something in that. We're all there in spirit for John, the Farnham family and the Wheatleys. 💔

[@fransmith3255]

While I'd really love to see such a movie, and there are some really great actors around, who could possibly play John? They'd have to be dubbed because nobody could even approach John's vocal ability range, and it'd be disappointing to see anybody try to be honest, let alone match his voice, craft or sound. It would be an acting feat just to manage his charisma and unfailing joy and love he displayed every second he was on stage.

[@adamstolfo]

@@fransmith3255 I don't think it will happen. It would take someone of incredible dedication and skill to direct such a project - someone who could do justice to his incredible lasting legacy - and I really don't know of many who could take on the role of John!!

[@nigethejedimaster]

What an amazing tribute to Glenn Wheatley. He was an amazing forerunner of the Australian Music industry. What strikes me as I watch this video is that it is in itself a genuine and tender reflection of the life and love that two best mates share, from Glenn to John. It is Glenn's praise and admiration of the talent, the class and magnificence that is John Farnham. They were equally as important to each other. This video is Pure joy to watch and the Paul Hogan add is pure gold.

[@adamstolfo]

@@michellebostock3134 My pleasure (while looking through a tear) Michelle. 💔

[@adamstolfo]

That was wholeheartedly my intention Nige. And I just hope it hits the same chord with everyone else who watches it. 👍

[@julzhunt7790]

@@adamstolfo 😢🥺

[@margenn3889]

A beautiful tribute to a special man who showed and received loyalty and friendship in return. Thanks Glenn for doing so much for John. He is such an amazing entertainer

[@adamstolfo]

Really well said Marg. 👏

[@mazzablott2428]

Oh Adam, that was the most amazing tribute to the great Glenn, thank you. To think that without Glenn we wouldn't have had the incredible Whispering Jack, which was just the start of Johns career. Also thanks to Glenn he gave us the most amazing concerts and music from the 1980's - 2020's. I can remember some of the Telstra ads and the banter between them was enjoyable to watch. I really miss not seeing John on TV or in concert and I send my sincere condolences to him and his family and to Gaynor and all of Glenn's family and friends. We have lost a great man that will never be replaced. RIP Glenn xx❤🙏🌹❤

[@adamstolfo]

Very, very well said Mazza. Whispering Jack wasn't the very start of John's career... we did have the Johnny and LRB eras... but it was the second coming. I really appreciate you kind words. 🙏

[@samanthahughes5590]

RIP Glenn, You and John gave us our voices. Thank you

[@JennyMidson]

John will ALWAYS be the voice to me.

[@jessie9384]

And "Your the voice " is still amazing,. I remember seeing J F in concert years ago and wow what a concert, what a band. Poor John he will be utterly gutted . R I P Glen. PS-this is a beautiful tribute to them both .

[@adamstolfo]

Cheers for that Jessie. Well said. RIP to the great man... and hopefully John will surprise us all in time.

[@cokedownunder]

A partnership never to be repeated Glen and John, thanks for you Tribute Adam

[@adamstolfo]

No worries my man. You're 100% right. 43 years of gold!

[@bernadettelanders7306]

Wonderful vid Adam 👍. A great tribute on the passing of Glenn Wheatley. He will be very sadly missed by his family and friends, so many in the music industry and the every day Aussie who admired him for his managerial talents, his humour and humility and also his very special bond with John Farnham.

[@adamstolfo]

Thank you for the kind words Bernadette. Very much appreciated. 👍

[@melissaraphael7330]

Brilliant choice of clips and they genuinely looked to love and admire each other, he will be sadly missed 💙

[@adamstolfo]

Thanks Melissa. He will indeed. Thank you for watching and appreciating the tribute. 😥

[@moniquem783]

What a lovely video. Just beautiful. I don’t know why I didn’t come across it earlier, but even now, 3 weeks later, I have tears watching that. And smiles. And laughs. It’s a strange mix of tears, snot and snorts over here! I’d forgotten about those Telstra ads! I was very relieved to see that they’d managed to have a private funeral for him without the media being there. Glenn always seemed such a kind and gentle soul. I’m so sad for everyone that loved him.

[@adamstolfo]

Really well put Monique. Just lovely. I'm so glad you saw what I was trying to do with this tribute. I'm glad it brought both the laughs and the tears... and the snot. 🤣🙏

[@moniquem783]

@@adamstolfo I wish we could do something to stop protesters singing You’re The Voice. It was awful to hear the anti vaxxers in Canberra singing it the day Glenn died, but especially now having listened to that interview where he said it was special to them and that he was really careful about allowing it to be used. Of course it was special. Rightly so. I just hope nobody who loved Glenn saw that.

[@adamstolfo]

@@moniquem783 This kind of thing can't be helped Monique. I understand, but I'm just happy that the song is so ingrained into the psyche of our great country - that people of all walks of life and beliefs can play it / sing it / hum it... and mainly from memory or by heart. That's a special song.

[@moniquem783]

@@adamstolfo yes it is. I’ve recently been watching some different live versions of it and it really is amazing how the crowd starts cheering when they hear those first few claps. It was really obvious at Sound Relief because John wasn’t even on the stage, Coldplay were. It’s very special. Still makes me sad that they use it politically, but I get what you’re saying. Btw, I have at least 2 or 3 boxes of VHS tapes of Hey Hey and other appearances and interviews. Both John and Southern Sons. I didn’t list what’s in there or anything but I taped anything I could for many many years. If you ever run out of material let me know. I have a VCR still and planned to digitise it all but the thing I bought to do it was a nightmare. I’m sure they’re much better now so I’ll probably buy another one at some point to get it done but it’s not exactly the top priority right now. Maybe it would be a good thing to do in the first few months after I move as my illness always flares up then. Hmmm, that’s an idea.

[@adamstolfo]

@@moniquem783 Thank you so much for all that info Monique. That's amazing! I would imagine you'd have some pretty rare stuff in there. I have the Hey Hey material pretty covered... but if you would like any assistance in doing any of the analogue to digital transfers, then let me know. As you're aware, I'm always on the lookout for rare material at the moment... and have been doing a lot of VHS to Digital transfers for my own video content. 🙂🙌

[@jocostelow3984]

Adam the tribute for Glenn was absolutely fantastic Depicting the absolute fantastic relationship/friendship Glenn and John had My heart goes out to Gaynor and the family and to John and Jill and the Farnham family which includes the band and crew I had the pleasure of knowing them and Glenn was a fantastic friend/manager to John He will be sadly missed RIP Glenn

[@adamstolfo]

Very well said Jo. Thank you for watching… and for your kind words. 👍

[@rachelmcgrath7735]

so beautiful thanks Adam for the tribute as a Farnham fans we all know Glenn was so big in Johns life and the music industry, I remember the Variety bashes and would have loved to be a fly on the car as those too crossed the deserts and bush in vintage cars no air con ect and just how much Glenn was Johns friend first and what a relationship in all aspects and how much he gave with everything from the early days uncovered album, LRB , Whispering Jack, JCSS ect to the big tours right through to the Haymate charity concerts and sadly was working on a post covid welcome back to live events, sadly lost too soon, we all will miss Glenn

[@adamstolfo]

Thank you so much Rachel. It's great to see you've been following them for such a long time - you certainly have a lot of knowledge of everything they've done together. Thank you again for watching and appreciating the tribute. 🙏

[@rachelmcgrath7735]

@@adamstolfo , thanks for the great video so many memories

[@BookAlchemybyJuJa]

Adam, what a beautiful tribute!! Very moving and lots of memories. Thinking of you!! Love you Adam. 😘

[@adamstolfo]

Thank you Aunty Judy for watching and appreciating the tribute. Particularly with your interest and work within the music industry. Love and kisses always. ❤

[@julzhunt7790]

RIP Glenn. Condolences to Glenn’s family and John.

[@kathleengagnon4568]

Wow! How very beautiful. I'm a new fan in the US. It's a great love story about everyone involved: Glenn and John and all their colleagues and their families and the band members and the fans (of both Glenn and John) and every other lovely soul that was touched by the magic. I'm so grateful to have found you all. I'm actually glad they didn't spend much time in the USA and kept their sanity and souls intact. Australia, be proud. Adam you are very talented. Thank you for sharing this. It feels sacred.RIP Glenn.

[@adamstolfo]

Sorry for the delay Kathleen… but thank you so very much for all your kind words. I couldn’t possibly agree with you more - on all your points. 🙏

[@micheleriddle5456]

Fantastic memories of fantastic moments by a fantastic Duo

[@carolynh8866]

Wonderful Tribute to Glenn, Adam. you can see the love and admiration shared by these inseperable best freinds. I wonder how many of those record labels were kickig themselves, after Wispering Jack went 24x platinum.

[@adamstolfo]

Thanks so much Carolyn. I'm sure there were PLENTY who were kicking themselves!

[@karenstrong8887]

Thank you. I love this and I think many of us need to see it. It is perfect and it is them. I am not the only one that feels like another family member is gone. 🦋

[@adamstolfo]

No, thank you Karen - thank you for watching and for your positive comments. I'm really glad you saw what I was trying to achieve with this tribute. 💔

[@dianneluck3429]

Truly was a amazing man who had so much belief in John and wasn’t afraid to take that gamble on his career. In saying that John repaid him, by staying loyal to Glenn when he himself was in trouble. This bond between them was so strong and loyal. I’m sure there is a massive hole in John’s heart thats going to take a life time to heal. Condolences to Glenn wife and family…….He will be sadly missed by many.

[@adamstolfo]

Well said Dianne. Very well said! 💙👏

[@bettinahansen7630]

Well said!

[@mariedalbusco6798]

Such a beautiful tribute to Glenn Wheatley I am sure he would love it 💜

[@adamstolfo]

Marie, that's really nice of you to say. Thank you. He might not be able to see it, but I sincerely hope the Farnhams and the Wheatleys can one day. 👍

[@yvonnehouse1697]

Beautiful tribute, Glenn you are one amazing man. Thankyou for all memories and giving us the gorgeous John ❤️❤️❤️

[@user-iq3mp5zo8z]

Me too. I only fully discovered John this last year, so I've been doing huge catch up via the youtube videos. It's impossible now to think of music without John's unique voice. I've really enjoyed this tribute and would like to add my sympathies to Gaynor and his family, and to wish them a long and happy life. And heartfelt love and Thank You ("BIG ONE!) to John, his backing singers and band for all the fun I'm having watching his videos. And I hope john is still doing well - he did say a few months back that he was cancer free - the best news. 17.11.23 UK. E❤

[@helenpinchen4712]

Just going to take the time to acknowledge Gaynor Wheatley and her contribution to all that they both did. I’ve thanked Jill elsewhere but just wanted to send both my thanks and my condolences to her and her family.

[@adamstolfo]

Well said Helen 👏

[@AmandaHallPsychic]

Brought me to tears we have lost a great man. John and the family will be gutted. I can't begin to imagine how Glenn's is wife and children are finding away to go on in this terrible time in their lives. We miss this great man Glenn Wheatley

[@adamstolfo]

Well said Amanda. A very, very sad time. 🥺

[@kennykarlsson6691]

So sad. A true beliver, of the best male voice of all time. John farnham is the holy grail of male singers. The master of every music genre there is. Your the voice was big hit in sweden 1986-87.❤ i really hope that he gets well again soon. Music genius.

[@neridahicks7160]

Wow thank you for this footage I had never seen Glen and John on stage together it is so special. It’s funny rarely can you name all the backing vocalists and instrumentalists onstage with other artists but with John we knew EVERYONE on stage . Those days are GOLD

[@adamstolfo]

No, thank you for watching Nerida. I know! The Glenn joining John up on stage for "You're the Voice" at the final Countdown gets me each and every time. That hug! 🥺

[@neridahicks7160]

Also I just have to add my son did his hsc last year and some very cool music teacher got the kids running out to “playing to win” nearly wet my pants 😂😂

[@garryhennessy9888]

Absolutely loved watching this!! Glenn Wheatley is a legend. Full stop. Say no more!!

[@BrandonBeard]

Well done Adam this is very kind and thoughtful of you. RIP Glenn Wheatley.

[@adamstolfo]

Cheers as always my man. This is just something I HAD to do to show my respects as a lifelong fan. RIP to the legend. 💔

[@territhomas8792]

Beautiful video showing their true friendship and partnership.

[@adamstolfo]

Thank you so much Terri. 🙏

[@gail9825]

I remember going straight to the record store when Whispering Jack came out, blasting loud in my card, cassette in those days. Thank you to the Late Glenn Wheatley for having faith. My mum would play some of his songs on our piano, she was always buying the music sheets of hit songs, including Rain Drops so we grew up knowing John's songs. I was only a kid in 70's, love that song.

[@addienaacrew8030]

Beautiful tribute to Glenn, he and John are both of the same ❤️ mind & Soul, like brothers joined at the hip. I can only imagine the loss felt by John and obviously his own family. Glenn really had belief in John and John had faith and trust in Glenn. Thank you for the music 🙏❤️

[@bettinahansen7630]

Beautiful! r.i.p glenn wheatley🙏

[@parisjackson9310]

Very moving. I did not realise that John Farnham was so funny. There is nothing I can post, but that Glenn is a huge loss even more so because he was fundamentally decent in an industry full of people less so.

[@adamstolfo]

Agreed 100% Paris. John's dad jokes are his specialty, lol... and yes, Glenn was indeed fundamentally decent in so many ways. RIP to the great man.

[@lukericketts4055]

This is the best tribute I have ever seen!! Very well done Adam.... I can remember hearing pressure down for the first time in my dad's car and asking "who is this singing?" Dad said "His name is John Farnham." I would have been 7 years old at the time.... I have been a fan ever since...... RIP Glenn

[@adamstolfo]

Thank you so much for the kind words Luke. I was 6 when WJ came out, so, yeah, we’re probably a similar age with similar experiences.

[@andysalter7192]

Great tribute to a Aussie legend! For as long as i have been a John Fan as a kid in 87 when Whispering Jack came out i knew of Glen , they went hand in hand. Its insane to think someone with the talent of John Farnham couldn't get signed or played before 87 , if it wasn't for Glens belief in his friends talent we may have missed out on Australia's greatest singer second coming!

[@jillianjohnson3654]

Absolutley awesome Adam we shall all miss Glenn very much & so will his "brother" John, RIP Glenn Wheatley(coincidently my Mother's maiden name)

[@adamstolfo]

Thank you so much Jillian. We will all miss him dearly. Thanks for watching and appreciating the video. 💔

[@dawnthomson9269]

Thank you Adam, beautiful tribute to a wonderful man.

[@b2bconnectnow]

I'm heartbroken for both of them :-( I've known John since I was 16, My ex husband did all the security screens on their Mirage, Port Douglas Condo's, they spoke to him a lot and were very funny & kind, Glenn you were amazing, talented and we're so grateful for all you did. Without you we wouldn't have John xxxxxxxx great video Adam thank you

[@janeneanderson9247]

Adam, That was a beautiful Tribute to Glen Wheatley. They had a very special bond. One minute I was laughing & then I was in tears. Thank you again so much for sharing it with us

[@adamstolfo]

Thanks so much Jane. That emotional rollercoaster was always my intention. 👍

[@alyn927]

Beautiful tribute thankyou. Rest in peace Glen and met god bless you and yours

[@adamstolfo]

Well said Ann. Thank you for watching.

[@VisionStance]

What a Heart Felt Tribute! I feel so much more about friendship after this!

[@jeanross474]

Love you John, get well quickly.

[@chrizzoclark]

Thank you for doing this. Thank you for the time & effort you put into this tribute..Thank you.

[@adamstolfo]

That's really nice of you to say Chris, thanks so much. I really tried to honour Glenn and his relationship with John in the best way I possibly could. He was constantly in awe of John as a person and as a performer.

[@SuperJollychef]

thankyou Glenn for bringing john into our lives in the UK R.I.p

[@adamstolfo]

Here here ... from the other side of the world mate. Thanks so much for watching.

[@pixie3760]

R.I.P Glenn. Legend.

[@janmacey309]

Love it xx

[@melanieslack8645]

That was wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

[@adamstolfo]

Pleasure Melanie. Thanks so much for watching!

[@janinebell763]

That is a beautiful tribute. Thank you Glenn and John for the fantastic music.

[@bobarris]

Amazing 👏 video. Such a sad day for Aussie music.

[@adamstolfo]

Thanks for the kind words Derek. And yes... it was... very much so! 🥺

[@flatoutt1]

one of the things that i take heart from and take inspiration from ,is that you showed us more by living it out for us ,the great aussie tradition of mateship. you were a behind the scenes integral part of john's success.thanks for your drive and perseverance and keeping going when people are saying no [when you believe in what you have ] that's another big lesson and legacy you've left for us . .it wouldn't have happened without that .we as aussies need to salute you. they turned to no's into getting stronger and better so john took a step up and we all can do that .this is an incredible lesson to us all.

[@brettkarger9055]

Nice Work Adam..:)

[@adamstolfo]

Cheers for that Brett. 🙌

[@CDubya.82]

Well put together. Well done.

[@adamstolfo]

Cheers Carl. Appreciate that mate 👍

[@brenreeves9496]

Thankyou. That was brilliant ❤️

[@adamstolfo]

I thoroughly appreciate the kind words 🙏

[@louiseturner7277]

Beautiful

[@li22ietopper26]

Thanks Adam, but I'm running out of tissues. RIP Glen. Too soon, mate, too soon.

[@adamstolfo]

Thanks so much for the kind words Li22ie. I'm glad it had the effect it had. That was certainly my intention.

[@alyn927]

Thankyou again

[@user-oz5sy1cw6s]

Brother❤

[@choying38]

Thank you for making this ❤

[@alliegal45]

😢😢🥺

[@stevemurrell6167]

6:53.....Red shirt, the guy who stole LRB from LRB. Steve Housden.....a-hole with an imposter band. Anyway, I digress. RIP Glenn.....a huge figure in Oz music's history. Will be missed. Nice tribute.