John Farnham- "Age Of Reason" [Live] from the 'Classic Jack Live!' DVD | Reaction

[@Mirrorgirl492]

"All those instruments" are collectively called The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. To quote Australian music Icon Molly Meldrum: "Do yourself a favor." Undoubtedly your nearest big city will have a Symphony Orchestra; go an see them. Nothing compares to hearing a live orchestra.

[@kimbeddow5926]

It gives us Aussie so much joy to see you loving John Farnham

[@coreywilliams6481]

It does aye. I've only discovered him tonight. I've spent my night listening to the classics I haven't listened to since I was a child and hearing his reactions has had me smiling all night. Makes me realise I under appreciated some of the Aussie greats as a kid. To me as a child it was just how it was meant to be. I now see how much talent we truly has in Australia

[@luketraill2127]

@@coreywilliams6481 100%!

[@lyndam67]

@@coreywilliams6481 welcome to the rabbit hole!!

[@carol-d-60s]

Yes! :D

[@AnnaOh99]

Come on George Washington! Lmao

[@IdonthaveatwittersoFoff.]

Imagine having EVERY instrument on stage and STILL being the shining light…..that’s Farnsey.

[@adjoho1]

To be fair, John WAS the best instrument on stage with everyone there. :P

[@IdonthaveatwittersoFoff.]

@@adjoho1 💯

[@Cass1985]

Loving your work, mate! I got back into Farnsey after hearing the news of his cancer. As a 37 year old Aussie I grew up with John on radio and telly and took him for granted - your reaction vids have shown me just what an incredible singer he is. I'm off on a roadtrip on Friday and I'm going to dig out my old cd of the concert he did with Olivia and Warlow and blast it!

[@railiedouglas3018]

Double album plays in my car every road trip without fail. Every classic Farnham anthem & all the rest. Wouldn’t be without him.

[@simmov9489]

I'm glad you touched on his rasp. As a singer myself, what amazes me is how he can turn it on and off and create 2 voices in one. He can hit a note so cleanly or attack the note with so much rasp from the selective engagement of his false vocal folds. That combined with his enormous/high range and pitch control that can only be equalled by a piano, all topped off with a natural vocal tone and frequency that you can't train makes the one and only John farnham 🙏

[@edwinastawski6033]

My new favorite thing is watching you watch John Farnham. Your authentic love for him & appreciation of Australian artists is so thrilling to me i can barely contain myself. We have such a salt of the Earth music history in Oz & there is soooooooo much you would absolutely love.. its endless.

[@cherylmccloud8709]

My heart is bursting with pride & joy- how 'bout you??? To think we may have taken JF for granted!!!!!!!!!!?????? Words cannot describe his TALENT💯❤🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺👌👌👌👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@mazza7419]

I don’t think any Aussie had ever taken John for granted. His fans of his first days are still his fans today. Whether he never sings again (pray it’s not true) his fans remain loyal. I know I have and will. Who can forget Sadie the cleaning lady. That was my first John sing and it’s still fresh in my mind.

[@grant5603]

@@mazza7419nah we definitely have when it comes to his vocal abilities. He’s just always just been there

[@cathryn5304]

John Farnham LIVE was ALWAYS, ALWAYS the best experience. He and the musicians around him are immensely talented and passionate. Best of all though, he is hilarious and he always gave so much of himself to his audience. So much positive energy in the venue. Actually, Guy Sebastian concerts have VERY much the same vibe. . with crowd involvement, humour and positive energy.

[@carolynh8866]

love watching John live as every performance he adds something completely different to the last concert or a recorded version, sometimes extra little vocal run or two, sometimes changes up another octave some times down, sometimes a little joke or pulls a funy face, or some mike stand acrobatics and he always put someone from the band up front and centre during the performance. And absolutely no auto tune here

[@kerrypapworth1526]

Cathryn agree 100% I have seen him live many many times, he never disappoints. 💗💗

[@dominiquemmaurice]

His band & backing singers have been with him for 40 years. That says it all. He is a genuinely great guy! Thanks Nick.

[@stephenanthony6508]

I could argue that, Lindsay was playing with Caddy in 83/84. He was playing rhythm guitar and Rhodes piano, I should know that. I was their stage roadie for the tour. I only found out Lindsay was singing backing for farnham on a support to them. Good old Lindsay, made sure that I was supplied with drinks after the concert. I've seen the the sisters from big pig doing backing on a Farhnam clip.

[@JoSedunary]

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra gigs were awesome - the percussionist is John Clark, who did this 88 tour with John's band... he literally plays everything (xylophone, bongos, triangle etc )... very talented. He started playing with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra when he was 17.... crazy ...

[@amandamckenna]

David Hirshfelder plays my all-time favourite piano solo in this song. A true virtuoso.

[@r.fairlie7186]

It’s my favourite too! By coincidence I was just watching Charlie Smith in the UK react to this and he really liked David’s piano solo too. He said it reminded him of a Bruce Hornsby song. Ever since I first listened to David’s solo I’ve been trying to think of a certain song from the same era but couldn’t recall its name. Then it hit me - it’s “The Way It Is”. I’ve just watched it again on KZbin and I don’t there’s any plagiarism involved - just two great pianists who each composed a song that has a positive energy and similar tempo. Have a listen and see if you agree. 😊🎶🎹 Robyn F.

[@Cantariani]

Venetta Lee Fields, John Farnham's backing singer (born 1941) is an American-born singer, musical theater actress and vocal coach. She was a backing vocalist for American and British rock and pop acts of the 1960s and 1970s, including Ike & Tina Turner (was an Ikette), Pink Floyd, Humble Pie, Barbra Streisand, Elkie Brooks, Neil Diamond, Steely Dan, Bob Seger, and the Rolling Stones. Fields worked as a session vocalist from about 1969, often with Clydie King and Sherlie Matthews, for Quincy Jones, Paul Butterfield, Tim Buckley, Steely Dan, Joe Walsh, Joe Cocker, Elkie Brooks, Neil Diamond, Leonard Cohen, Bob Seger, Burt Bacharach and Burton Cummings. Others: Diana Ross, Bette Midler, Bob Dylan, the Supremes, and for Aretha Franklin - her mentor and inspiration. Notable performances during this time included Wish You Were Here (September 1975) with Pink Floyd, and recording the Rolling Stones' album Exile on Main St. (May 1972). After emigrating to Australia in 1982, she became an Australian citizen. She recorded or toured as a backing singer for Australian artists Richard Clapton, Australian Crawl, Cold Chisel, Jimmy Barnes, James Morrison and John Farnham and Boz Scaggs. Fields has lived on the Gold Coast since 2000 and no longer tours or records with visiting artists.[8] She released her solo album At Last in 2005. Fields is active as a vocal coach with several students including 2005 Australian Idol winner Kate DeAraugo, singer-songwriter Cody Simpson, and 2011 Australia's Got Talent, finalist Bree De Rome. - Wikepedia

[@railiedouglas3018]

Thanks for that potted history. Australia is very lucky to have attracted such amazing talent.

[@EileenSpeakman]

Hi. I really appreciate learning all this background about Venetta. I've been googling all John's backing singers and band members - that's one mega mountain of talent on stage with him. And his audiences - his fans - - when they join in he let's them take over, and you can see on his face and in his demeanour that he just loves sharing with them. He's a most exceptional singer, and a most exceptional person. Jan. '24. UK. E❤

[@anth5189]

That is the type of person that John Farnham is, these people are his family, not just a band and backing singers.

[@rugmop]

Try to imagine any other singer doing a better job on this song, or for that matter, any of John's performances, especially the live ones. A mate of my son's, a sound engineer, did three tours with John. When I pointed out that Farnham was the best singer in the world, he thought about it and said doubtfully, "Really?" He thought some more and finally said, "Then again, you could be right. Not once in any of those dozens of gigs, did I have to adjust the levels on John's voice. " - perfect mike technique.

[@markcera3230]

It's the full Melbourne Symphony Orchestra....so pretty much everything!

[@baird55aus]

even congas!

[@marynoonan6111]

He was a musicians' dream. He promoted talented musicians and they loved him for it. BIG productions, BIG talent we miss it dearly.

[@aaronsensei7637]

I love that you have found John Farnham and you clearly love him and his music. You are very respectful too.

[@pikemeredith5604]

Vanetta Fields was one of the backup singers in the Orios for Barbra Streisand in the movie A Star Is Born (1976) just in case u didn't realise it & JF had a great band behind him, his concerts were phenomenal.

[@sooboese3211]

It was a great hit Back in time in Germany and still is

[@jenniferdavies7683]

God love you John, wishing you a speedy recovery. Love and Light. Fellow Aussie xox

[@paulrodsted3905]

I don't know if it had been commented on but I was always blown away by John belting out a massive vocal while bent over high 5ing someone in the crowd.... amazing

[@kanesanders6669]

When I saw him live (2005ish) he spent so much time bent over being handed flowers by middle-age women, it was annoying to watch but it did not affect his vocals in any way. It was amazing!

[@paulrodsted3905]

Yep shows how effortless his sing is for him

[@marynoonan6111]

Me too! Sometimes he spent 3/4 of the concert on that angle and he'd be belting out a number and I'd think "How the hell ya doing that Farnsey? Your diaphragm is restricted!!

[@BryanParnell]

Great reaction. You can see the genuine joy on your face while watching it. It still amazes me to think how many million more people around the world would have the same smile on their faces watching him perform- if only they knew of him.

[@cherylb309]

The magic of John Farnham has never stopped 🔥🎶❤️

[@chich61]

And never will 🇦🇺 💖

[@MichaelMollard]

The piano player, David Hirschfelder is one of the best in the business, and from memory, he is the one who did the arrangements for the orchestra. I remember arriving early for a John Farnham concert, just to meet David (girlfriend was a big fan) , really nice guy.

[@ianmontgomery7534]

I used to see David play with the Peter Cupples band before he joined John. he was always a terrific guy to talk to..

[@MichaelMollard]

@@ianmontgomery7534 I remember seeing Peter Cupples perform. That's a blast from the past.. 😁

[@helenpinchen4712]

David has been so under celebrated, his arrangements were a huge part of the ‘sound’ created for John’s revival. He is a successful composer in his own right.

[@jennygavrilovic7415]

John Farnham just doesn’t put a show on. HE “PUTS” a show on! He’s awesome. ❤️ him.

[@pricey6177]

This is one of his best songs. So gooooooooooood

[@sunshyne8539]

Stevie Wonder wanted to work with John back in the 80s but John didn't want to leave his family and farm. True story.

[@HelenBeeee]

Backing vocalists are Vanetta Fields, Lisa Edwards and Lindsay Field. They are amazing artists in their own right....then there is Mr David Hirschfelder world class and the rest of the band the orchestra how could it not impress us and take our breath away. Apart from the fashion and hairstyles this is timeless 😂

[@colingram8785]

he is so phenomenal a vocalist, that even the word 'phenomenal' feels underwhelming! We need to coin a new term for how good this man is...he is 'electricophenomassive'. Words don't do him justice. Incredible

[@trevorholden7423]

This track is absolutely phenomenal, and John's slightly improvised variations on the chorus are nothing short of genius. Luv ya John, rest up and get well good fella..

[@mlml7966]

I love your comments and love for our Australian artists

[@MsWilson]

There are just so many songs of John’s that I listen to that has me saying “Ooooh this is my favourite” and then I hear another and it’s “Oh no, THIS” is my favourite, that I should just give up and say - “He is my favourite - doesn’t matter what he is singing”. Then, when I hear Age of Reason and especially this performance, I realise it is a song that slips under my radar so often, and then when I hear it again, I am reminded just how much I love it. The words, the rhythm/beat, his voice. It is such a good song. He has so many.

[@jadethompson5269]

I’m an 80’s baby, and have loved Johnny since I was a child. These songs take me back. What an Aussie Icon. And a legend of a bloke.

[@wnood]

The 80s and 90s were phenomenal. John would book tours around Australia back then in each major city in Australia. Itd start with 3-4 concerts in each city, but popular demand would see concerts sold out in minutes (pre internet too!). Theyd then sell 6-7 concerts in each city and theyd also sell out in hrs. He was HUGE and crossed so many genres. Hes had many "last tour" around Australia, only to have such popular interest he comes back. Nowadays he only does odd performances with other artists, but they are all awesome. He is known as The Voice for a reason. Ty for finding him and extending his work to others.

[@badgebadge8946]

It's just effortless for him. That's talent you you born with I guess. He has been singing in the spotlight since the 60s

[@katea6885]

Whispering Jack at his finest. Nothing like a truly great singer backed by not only a note-perfect rock band but a full world class symphony orchestra.

[@leighrussell4625]

Omg Nick, you are so funny I just like it when your cheeky and goofy Australia loves you. Keep doing what your doing bc you beat all the rest of the reaction You tubers with your humour and love for music.

[@TheDodge34]

Love it mate. John farnham quite possibly the best singer ever?

[@noelinsley8057]

See how far he can hold the mic from his mouth and still had heaps of vocal power, absolutely awesome!! Had the pleasure of meeting David Hirschfelder once, a quiet and humble guy with heaps of talent...

[@wesleygalvin9983]

This is how you rock an orchestra. Love this song and love this version.

[@claireadams3814]

Every John Farnham song is your fav 😂😊🎉🎉

[@annettemensforth5619]

Thanks for your genuine reactions to our Aussie singers. I saw John in his last concert about 10 years ago and he was great..that voice of his is amazing. I think he did a lot of last concerts over the years 😁. Kudos to John. He's a great bloke 😁❤

[@suave-rider]

yes we lost count of the farewell tours, but he's hung up his mullet for good.

[@coreywilliams6481]

You know what I was actually thinking listening to this guys reactions tonight John should come out with a single or something. Just one more 🤣😂

[@annettemensforth5619]

John's still cool 😎..a legend in his own right 😁

[@julzhunt7790]

Farnsey… Legend, all round nice guy. GOAT

[@ProjectCrystalJane]

You sir are waaaay cool. Proud Aussie here with a big smile on my face. I’ve literally spent half the afternoon watching you fall in love with our Farnsey!! That first JF reaction video you did was a delight to watch.

[@markjames3522]

I was waiting for Age Of Reason. Age Of Reason is John Farnham’s 2nd most successful song after You’re The Voice . Age Of Reason was another number 1 in Australia for John and last number 1 song . Originally written by Todd Hunter bassist from New Zealand formed but based in Australia band Dragon and his Aussie wife Johanna Pigott making the song the first number 1 song in Australia to involve Australian female songwriter in 1988 . John Farnham asked Todd Hunter can he write him a song and this was the result . Apparently the original demo featured Todd’s brother the late Mark Hunter vocals . Mark Hunter didn’t think Age Of Reason suited his voice , and agreed the song shouldn’t be a Dragon song and encouraged Todd to give the song to John Farnham. John still has the original demo in his possession today he said in a interview a few years ago . And that it’s he’s favourite song that was ever written for him and given to him . Happy Birthday Nick 🥳

[@roygeorge5364]

I didn't realise the dragon connection, thanx for the music history mate. 👍

[@spidif2544]

Jo Piggot also co-wrote Rain for Dragon and many songs for band Scribble.

[@mrscrub7724]

It's great to see how much you enjoy John's voice and Music.

[@kilgh]

Even more valid now this song too.

[@alexandriagarnar6056]

One of my favourite songs of his 🎵

[@rickandersen2284]

Me too

[@jyellygert6780]

Same

[@robertmccance1280]

Ummm… WOW!! He’s just that good…. really good… just… The GOAT! IMHO only… LOVED your enjoyment of this video, you can’t fake that! Great day to you!! 👏👏👏🙏🇦🇺

[@mark_22222]

Big respect to you for reacting to something so different from other music reaction youtubers. Not only are your reactions original they are of songs and artists that most definitely deserve the attention.

[@amishgirl1000]

Fantastic song. John sings the hell out of it!!!!!

[@JoRiceRenegade4Eva]

Thankful everyday I found your Chanel & even more grateful you discovered John, Jimmy, diesel, delta, Tina, guy, Matt, crowded house, the black sorrows etc etc etc!! our historic and current Aussie legendary musicians live on and through you & your wonderful reactions, interpretations, understanding & respect for music AND you have a beautiful voice - pure bliss you bring 🙏❤️

[@cinemaipswich4636]

John Farnham has a voice that just can't be beat. No modern singer can compete with him. When was the last time you saw a live performance like this.

[@ChElevenEleven]

Yes another banger from Jack!!! Ugh I wish he’d stay this age forever. The best🥇👌🏻

[@jayweb51]

Firstly you have You're The Voice from the album Whispering Jack; then you have Age Of Reason from the follow up album Age Of Reason. Both songs send a message about how we can affect our future.

[@geetee4459]

Love the way you recognise Venetta Fields. Love your reaction videos. Love you man.

[@dolfyn73]

@ThatSingerReactions I'm loving your genuine love of our BEST singer, John Farnham; you have become my favourite reactor. The first time I heard You're The Voice it changed my life forever. I quickly became a lifelong fan of John's singing, his humour, his charisma, his showmanship, & the truly kind & generous person he is. I recommend searching out John's interview clips on KZbin so you can better get to know the type of guy he was & is, & I guarantee those will make you an even bigger fan of his than you already are.

[@NowVs1980s]

I was taken over by his music in the eighties growing up and continued to love his music and his showmanship 💜✨🙏🏾🌺

[@claudialeibel6932]

This introduction orchestral music reminds me of a classic movie overture - very dramatic theatrical type of music. So good!!!

[@MatthewStephensAU]

7:10 I agree totally with what you say here. There are two ways to end a "hook" line in a song. One is by going 'big finish' and the other is y brining all the sound down so that its something the performer sings straight to you. I don't know if there's a term for it, but JF can do both, so can Delta Goodrem.

[@m.l.b.2908]

It's pretty much the singing equivalent of choosing to speak rather than shout. Big vocal = everyone hearing. Buttoning off is intimate. That's not to say that a big vocal is obnoxious like someone shouting, it's just we're used to picking the difference in volume and power with speech and sometimes our minds transpose that to music.

[@marialegge1200]

Such joy in your reaction. Love it 🥰 Johns a Legend! ❤️

[@Stormyday-zg7iz]

This is my favourite song of his, and live is the best, gives me chills every time I hear it.

[@Lisa543-_-]

I love your passion for music and singing you also have a nice voice.. love your reactions 💜

[@aussiesheila9495]

Nick, you make me smile when I Wach you react to John I can see how much you love listerning to his voice and waiting for John's runs and high notes 😊

[@obnoxiousbluebird6634]

Nostalgia brings me here as today John is going in for cancer surgery and he's been my favourite since I was a kid!

[@merrickbutler4747]

I just love your reactions but seeing you react to John it’s just pure joy on your face I love it you have such a respect for music it’s lovely to see 😊🙌🏼

[@elthamborn5411]

And you watch so much of his performances live. Still magnificent.

[@pruegallagher1410]

What a great way to open a concert. Thanks for your reaction!

[@belindagibson9895]

This is how you should have listened to “You’re the voice”. It is spectacular with this orchestra

[@jasonandbelindajordan5044]

Another loved song by a very much loved Aussie legend 👍👍, great lyrics, great artist, great " band", and great reaction Nick, much appreciated Nick👍

[@MrNeilandrew]

Did you know that John is a plumber by trade? Has there ever such a transformation in music history? Tradie to world best and most versatile singer and performer!!

[@lindaadams5030]

Yep Joe Cocker was a plumber too I believe,

[@Legweak]

I've always liked John Been listening to him for over 40 years

[@georgeibrahim7945]

Love this song and performance.

[@judeinthevines]

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing John and the band many times now and you can always rely on an on point performance. The band is super slick and it’s always been a absolute delight to see them. 😊👌

[@JJ-fr3id]

This is my favourite song of John Farnham ever!!!

[@showbags7]

Thanks for this brother... you're awesome!

[@fotoautomatmusic]

Such amazing song writers, his delivery is key but so many of the songs he was given or cowrote some were just powerful messages and melodies.

[@gigisplayground4657]

Wow!!! I haven’t seen this full version with the orchestral intro before “the age of reason” intro started. How spectacular!!! I love orchestras ❤ And then with the legendary John Farnham it’s pure perfection 🥰❤️❤️❤️

[@jacquieholmes4064]

He's the best of all time!

[@debbiehutchinson3119]

THANKYOU SO MUCH for bringing back to me all My Favourite Memories...You are sso entertaining and Love how you see too...❤

[@debbiehutchinson3119]

God Bless You John and Thinking of You and with You on this Long road to recovery......If anyone can get through this long hall he Can....we Love You John and Beautiful Family and Friends. XOXOXOXO ❤️

[@PrincessGold1]

The brilliant Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and the brilliant David Herschfelder!!! John always features his backing musicians and singers. Their are 26 million Australians today , and over his career John sold something like (from memory) 4 million tickets - please correct me if I've got that wrong. During the series where the incomparable The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (TMSO)backed him, it. was probably the only time many people would get the chance to hear any orchestra live, let alone one of the quality of TMSO. How fabulous the TMSO get to play some orchestral music, very cleverly arranged, before John goes into the song. The David Herschfelder's incredible piano playing on top. Brilliant! Just brilliant. And in his concerts John frequently lent over and took gifts and fliwers from the audience while never a skeric of change or difficulty in those high notes. A freak of nature, and so glad I'm around during John's career. Thank you for your reaction - always good! Happy birthday!

[@AussieDebb]

Love your reactions to our John. Love watching the joy on your face 😊❤

[@JoSedunary]

Fun fact - Age of Reason was co written by Todd Hunter from the Aussie/New Zealand band Dragon....

[@yorumsfield556]

Dragon are awsome. Would cool if he reacted to one of their songs.

[@timk5371]

Cry off dragon live would be cool.

[@Prismatic_Truth]

Wow, I didn't know that. Huge Dragon fan here, Kiwi living in USA.✌️💕

[@thatseventiesguy]

The greatest documented live music performance in modern Australia in my opinion. The atmosphere from the orchestra was palpable. David wove those keys through the piece like a master craftsman. George Washington would be proud;) Lindsay and the girls with that heartfelt drone. Kudos to the awesome mulleted percussionist who would ordinarily be more at home in a singlet but harnessed on the buttoned shirt. Filming/editing on point including a synchronised triangle moment. Last but not least, John Far-out Farnham gave the performance of his life.

[@joanneelson749]

He always likes to help out fellow artist. He lives preity simply.He deserved more than he gets. But that is him

[@sarahmill6963]

I remember this from as a massive TV event in about 1989. I got to stay up late to watch it 😆❤️ what a fantastic song, I've forgotten how great he is 🌟

[@thisistheonlywayd]

Watching you appreciate John Farnham makes me so happy

[@MatthewStephensAU]

My favorite JF song!

[@annettemensforth5619]

I like the way you shimmy to the beat as you're listening to the songs 🎵

[@secondlook]

Thanks for doing this! The best singer Australia will ever see and one of my all-time favourite songs. Lovely to hear your take :)

[@DavidSweetnam]

And hope you have a wonderful birthday Nick! 🍷

[@maccart67]

Brilliant!

[@eight3467]

Love you Johnny!!!

[@edwinastawski6033]

What a joy you are to us Nick ❣️

[@emmanuelwolfmusic410]

you know your stuff dude, awesome

[@ooloncolluphid360]

Yeah Venetta fields was John's long term backline. She is lurking on a crazy number of big hit songs - Pink Floyd Shine on you Crazy Diamond. The Stones. Neil Diamond... She settled in Australia in the 80s and basically lived on the late evening variety TV circuit here.

[@kristyhawes]

Love this song hsve put ut on repeat so many times

[@laurawallis7093]

Lisa Edwards his back up singer had a song in 1993 called Cry its a cover but she is still awesome solo.

[@patelliott8724]

I'm 60 years old and I've grown up listening to him for as long as I can remember. We have and had, some of the best singers/bands ever, here in Australia! We have in our music collection pretty much every single or LP released by INXS. If you haven't heard anything from them, you yourself a favour and check them out while you're looking into Australian music. I watch most of your John Farnham reviews and I've love watching your excitement!

[@leannemclean9024]

Love watching your reaction even though it's months later. Imagine if you were fully in amongst the crowd it's like being reborn he's a Legend. You were always energised after his concerts.😊 They were all in sync with one another a tight knit family..😊