John Farnham - Wind Beneath My Wings @ the 1986 NRL (NSWRL) GRAND FINAL | Reaction

[@danielleoeding2880]

I love how much you love our Aussie talent and we ❤❤❤❤ John sooo much hear.

[@philiphemphill4980]

PS lm so proud to say that John is a very muched loved Aussie what a Voice !!

[@AussieDebb]

Knew you would love this song or masterpiece Nick❤🎉😊

[@Lisa543-_-]

Lol.. you crack me up hi from Australia.. this beautiful John's voice is flawless💜

[@helenfearn2761]

That made me cry. God Bless you John, we love you and want you well. ❤️

[@erikmardiste]

The 1988 nrl rugby league final was also part of Australia's bi centennial 200 years of federation

[@philiphemphill4980]

Man I'm an Aussie and I didn't like this song until I heard this version by John wow that was unbelievable such a great performer there is nothing he can not sing a make his own love him cheers from OZ

[@jaya9950]

I was lucky enough to work for a company whose CEO was personal friends with John, and for our work 'break up' Christmas party, he sang for us. He did an hour+ set comprising of all his classics, for about 100 people and despite his age at the time as this was only a few years ago, he performed an energetic set and his voice was still unbelievable. He made constant jokes about his age and how he couldn't do it like he used to and that he'd need us to "sing it for him" yet every note was perfect and the energy was amazing. Had a chat with him afterwards too as he stuck around for a few beers and chats with people. Absolutely ripping bloke, had time for everyone. If you didn't know who he was you'd just think he was a good bloke down the pub. Anyway, great reaction and great respect to the legend.

[@aaronwynn8114]

Loving your attention to Aussie talent❤❤ other people are finally starting to get it

[@SGI999]

The Voice! Brilliant! Great reaction🔥♥️🌹

[@hernsg144]

Dude, u gotta hear him sing " bridge over trouble water". It's absolutely incredible, best version I've ever heard

[@cherylmccloud8709]

Man 😅....was listening ..& to my shock a tear was falling down my cheek! ....how did we take JF SOOOO for granted? I feel embarrassed.I think this is what is more shocking than the shock of his MAGNIFICENT & AWE inspiring TALENT [sadly-retrospectively].🥺 In addition to this? I really do not think you could meet a more gentle & kind, humble & loyal human being.His wife, family, his friends, his band of EXTRAORDINARILY talented musicians who were with him over the decades as if family, & RESPECT he had from music industry for most of his career. (*Yes. He definitely had some rough periods & rode through them)

[@sarahmill6963]

So excited I have heard this before ❤️

[@debbiehutchinson3119]

So Awesome....Goosebumps material...Love you John get well soon...Love how much you like him and your reactions...😊❤

[@Bellas1717]

I was at that grand final. My brother played in the winning team, Parramatta, who were called the Electric Eels because they gave you goosebumps when they played. John's performance did the same. Made it a perfect day.

[@rosalindegan3485]

He toured the U.S as lead singer of the little river band

[@diannebernau3293]

I have never seen this performance. It’s a beautiful song sung by the best voice ever, and he is ours. Thank you for sharing, Nic. 😘💕🥰🇦🇺

[@claudialeibel6932]

The best version I have ever heard. Seriously good. Thank you. I love your reaction. 💯💕

[@traviscarlson6718]

And this ladys and gentlemen is why John is ONE OF THE GREATEST MALE VOCALISTS OF ALL TIME Bar None 👌❤ With a Voice Like this It'll blow you into the middle of next week John has one of those voices that if you try to outdo or try Surpass him in vocal ability im sorry but you'll fail and fail miserably You cant outdo Farnham He's The VOICE for a Reason He'll be 73 This year and trust me the voice you hear in this Video is exactly the same voice you hear now his voice hasnt Changed One bit and Hes 73 I can be a Testmant to this cause ive seen John in Concert so i know .....Truly one of the Worlds greatest gifts to music👌❤

[@mutchumbo]

The crazy thing is the people in attendance didn't realise they were listening to an angelic voice and we all took John for granted back then. I wish him the speediest of recoveries in this terrible time and thank the lord for this gift he has given us.

[@lindalee-brown5539]

What a beautiful version of this song

[@kaysvensen4000]

He is one of the greatest singers of all time.

[@Jezzmond22]

"Don't get hit man" 🤣 ... you couldn't have summed that up better! .. it's the best version ever!

[@eclecticapoetica]

It’s the best version of this song any of us have ever heard. This cannot be beaten by anyone, past present or future.

[@michelleaus]

💯 agree!

[@scentials]

I love Colleen Hewett’s version.

[@prickleswithpineapples2362]

Originals are always better

[@fatdoi003]

@@prickleswithpineapples2362 not sure which original you're referring to as many sang this song in the early 80s... Kamahl, Roger Whittaker, Sheena Easton, Lee Greenwood, Colleen Hewett, Lou Rawis, Gladys Knight, Gary Morris etc.....

[@lasentinal]

​@@fatdoi003 Kamahl didn't release his version until well after others. The first to release it was Roger Whittaker. Whittaker's was very good, but so too was Gary Morris's. The Colleen Hewitt version was also very good.

[@kerrypapworth1526]

I am a massive JF fan but I have never actually heard him sing this, absolutely stunning. 💕

[@cristiona22]

Same here ! He had me tearing up 💙

[@mattybond]

It wasn't released so not very well known.

[@jj-if6it]

Me too!

[@deliciabrownlie1915]

John Farnham … the a voice of a nation. He is all that is good about the Australian psyche.

[@alexsmba]

I don’t see it posted here. But interesting fact. Bette Middler’s song “From A Distance” was originally offered to John for the Whispering Jack album, as was “We Built This City.” Farnham turned both songs down.

[@daniellegates6829]

Simply put, John Farnham is a national treasure. Listen to his other music, you will love it. He's the Best....

[@StellasScrappyCrafts]

I have never heard him sing this before. My favourite version ever. I Iove JF.

[@jacobbradbury8823]

As a non-Aussie who heard Farnham for the first time back in the 80s, I was perplexed how this guy wasn't one of the biggest stars in the world. There is absolutely nothing he can't do vocally. The only reason I could come up with was that he was content in Australia and just chose not to go to America (where people want to see their singers as much as hear them). Despite all that, he still had great success in Europe. I think the fact that he's a great guy is the only reason he can get people to sing with him. It must be daunting.

[@Raptormon132]

+Jacob Bradbury Well, sort of. His song "You're The Voice", for some reason, scored low on the USA music chats. And plus, he once said that he was offered to tour around the world, and be with the big names (Elton John, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, ect), but turned it down, because he didn't want to be so long away from his family.

[@jacobbradbury8823]

@@Raptormon132 Interesting. An incredible talent. I remembering ordering his CDs from Australia through the mail when I couldn't find them at the local record store. I also heard once that he almost worked with David Foster? He's certainly a performer's performer.

[@BaxterThewall]

Yes... not everyone wants to be the biggest star in the world :-)

[@mssuziquzi]

@@BaxterThewall Being a huge international star wasn't the most important thing in his life. It was always about home, his family and friends.

[@djizzah]

he loves australia and never wanted to be far away, he tried it with little river band dont forget and got badly burned, hence his reticence to try it again, one thing is for sure, you get this guy as a friend and he is a friend for life

[@vanessapedia]

Watching you is like watching my outer self...You act exactly how I feel when I hear John sing...I cannot believe how perfect his Vocals are all the time...He has a God Given Talent and he sure knows how to use it...Keep up the great work Mate...Love watching your reactions...Jody (Australia) :)

[@VeronicaDavis-e9l]

If he was in the U.S. he would blow everyone away. He sings for real. US most singers lip sync ir backup singers hide the singers vocals but not John. I said what I said. The best singer in history, not just Australia.

[@fransmith3255]

This is particularly poignant right now. I makes me think of Glen Wheatly, John's manager, who recently passed from Covid. That was kind of the relationship between them. Glen was definitely the wings beneath his wings that finally brought him the career he very much deserved, and the career that gave so much to Australia...

[@xaj1543]

fransmith This is another instance where someone is wrongly said to have died of covid. The complications of covid is not dying of covid, he had been seriously ill for weeks before. In truth, hardly anyone dies of covid, they die, WITH covid. I saw the figures from Britain and the average age of, “covid deaths” was 86, the national life expectancy is 82! If an elderly person dies, this month instead of next month and has covid, they are listed as a covid death. It is a ridiculous situation, and has only made the perception of the general public worse.

[@fransmith3255]

@@xaj1543 Okay, well firstly you must have a lot of time on your hands replying to posts that are 8 months old, lol. Secondly, it depends upon whether he was actually dying of the other illnesses doesn't it? If he was going to die of the other illnesses anyway, then sure, I'd agree with you. If he was very ill, but likely to recover, than it is Covid that killed him. If a person would have continued to live if Covid hadn't come along, than it is, in fact, Covid that killed them. And that has nothing to do with how old they are.

[@antoniettaemilyschettino9097]

Someone needs to contact John and show him that u are his number 1 fan! Big time x

[@curiouscath7629]

Sending U positive vibes my friend... always Awesome 💯 ✌️🍷🖤💛❤️

[@marciaherbst3351]

First sung by Australia singer Colleen Hewitt in 1983, Bette Midler sang it in 1988, this was the 1986 NSW Rugby League grand final.

[@glendamears3618]

Glad your gona be ok ❤😊

[@georgeibrahim7945]

Thanks for doing my request brother much appreciated especially with your situation, bro hope your doing well. John sang this in 1986 I believe in the footy grand final. This song was actually written for John but he rejected it and Bette Midler ended up making it a hit but your right John made this the best version of this song ever and no one can do it any better

[@Beejay2946]

Bette Midler recorded it a few years AFTER Colleen Hewitt had the original (and best ) version that charted in 1982.Prior to that ,KAMAHL and Roger Whittaker had versions that did not make the charts.

[@HelenBeeee]

@@Beejay2946 oooooh Colleen Hewitt I forgot about her! she is awesome we havent even covered her on this channel

[@artistjoh]

John was covering Colleen Hewitt's version from 1982. The song was written for Kamahl, and he recorded it, but decided not to release it (one of those dumbest decisions of his career) so there were four others who recorded it, but it was the Hewitt version that charted in Australia. The following year Lou Rawls popularized it in the US and reached #65. Gladys Knight and the Pips also recorded it.

[@mrmockatoo6786]

A few fact-checkers having a peck at your arse, George? I haven't heard this, so thanks for the request.

[@user_angelmum]

@@artistjoh I would have loved to hear Kamahl sing it

[@bron.plknghrne7896]

I agree with your statement ❤

[@lesleymeldrum7142]

Just beautiful

[@bonoroo5313]

First time hearing John sing that, thanks Nick and welcome back, you light up our lives.

[@SueMccorkell]

I heard John was offered this song first to record by the song writers, but decided against it.

[@Joshualuv13]

Man !Just doesn't get better than that right there .So glad to have U back Nick but sorry for your awful week that was .Please look after yourself and much love to you .X

[@falcon7121]

I've actually never liked this song but after watching this I cannot stop watching it. His vocals on this are absolutely stunning. I absolutely agree he's one of the best singers in history

[@rickandersen2284]

Thank you. Thank you George and Dr Kap!

[@smink8]

Wow!... he made that sound like a completely new song. I was a little worried I was going to see my 13 year old self in that 80's "'Rugba League"' crowd. 😆

[@bennine888]

WOW, I had never seen this before! Definitely the best version I've ever heard too. Complete different levels, he ups everything he does like no other.

[@aries898]

Can you believe - this was only 2-4 weeks before the biggest selling album in Australian history was released? The man was at possibly the lowest point in his career and had no idea what was coming to him right around the corner. This is the best version of this song (sorry Bette!)

[@aries898]

I kind of wish he had released this as a single on whispering jack but it would not have been as strong as those that he did record on the album I don’t think I dare say the video on KZbin is the only existing recording of this…. The picture is terrible…. I wonder if the NRL or channel 10 holds a better copy in their archives? And I love that he actually sang for the rugby league- has he ever done that again?

[@svendbosanvovski4241]

Yes, you could see him singing for peanuts to a small audience. The same for Daryll Braithwaite. Well, history was kinder to both. What's that about cream rising to the top?

[@aries898]

Re watching this reaction having watched the finding the voice documentary…. This was September/October 1986…. This would have to be the SAME WEEK Glenn Wheatley marched into the offices of 2Day FM in Sydney (cos they don’t live in Sydney so this would have been their only chance) and demanded the program manager listen to you’re the voice while John hid under the board room table, convinced of another rejection…. Because Cherie Romano liked the song so much, she then went and forced the on air talent to play the song and it starts appearing in the charts about 2 weeks later, hitting number 1 at the end of October following public demands/requests for stations to play the song

[@kethlyfallon5095]

Wow this information makes this performance even more impressive

[@sarahmill6963]

Probably made a lot of people buy it, I would

[@coraliemoller3896]

Bette Miller’s version was about the 24th cover version. First was Roger Whittaker, of UK. An Aussie woman, Colleen Hewitt, had about 6th cover version, long before Bette. That is the version Aussies first knew.

[@helenfearn2761]

Standing there are legends Norm Provan and Arthur Summons who are immortalised on the Trophy.

[@kathydurow6814]

Bette Midler's version was released in 1988. This performance was in 1986! 😃 Turns out that Aussies Kamahl ( unreleased) and Colleen Hewitt ( released & charted) both recorded this song in 1982, as well as others elsewhere prior to the best selling version by Midler. All the best in your recovery.

[@panelvanman7671]

kamahl sang it pretty well , why are people soooo unkind

[@kathydurow6814]

@@panelvanman7671 😆😆😆 wouldn't fly today, the pc crowd'd get em ( the unkind ones, to be clear)

[@JudeAussie]

@@panelvanman7671 🤣🤣 ahhh the memories!

[@panelvanman7671]

@@JudeAussie yes lol he has such a great sense of humour too

[@PsychInOz]

@@panelvanman7671 Would love to see a reaction to Kamahl - seriously underrated outside of Australia.

[@daniellegates6829]

Listen to him with the Melbourne symphony orchestra singing "you're the voice", you'll love this song too. Danielle from Melbourne.

[@mezz444]

The absolute 💯 🔥 best version of that legendary song 🙌👏👏👏👏

[@emjem99]

I love how the smile appears on your face as soon as his vocal starts. Lifted my flagging spirit right there. Thanks.

[@kathybaker3136]

I have watched this video so many times as it is also my favourite version of this song (and i loved Bette's version). But as always when John does a cover, he makes it his own and blows it out of the water! Your reaction to this is the BEST!!! You make me appreciate his talents even more, so thank you! Im just going to replay it again now......

[@kennnyrobo8138]

i can remember expo 88 and seeing him live for the first time great voice fantastic person

[@bisonnn]

Called it like a King - Farnsy was cruising easy and then went BOOM !!! Aussies take for granted John Farnham could you imagine if he was in US in his prime !!!!!!

[@jenniferroberts6093]

I don’t think Aussie Take John for granted.I think they see him as the National Treasure that he is,kind funny and loveable,also a true friend and loving family man.Love him to bits

[@aries898]

He was in the US in his prime but they refused to market him as he refused to stick to one genre

[@amandameale6000]

John passed on this and it was recorded by Australian singer Colleen Hewett.

[@raelenewilliams2763]

Such a shame. He sang it brilliantly. I wish I could add it to my favourite JF playlist. ❤

[@sharenedrennan1602]

John always sings it his way......and it is always the best 😁

[@justlinsu]

I hadn't seen this before....wow...John never gives anything but his 'all' This was before the Grand Final of the Rugby League Grand final (not Rugby) It was dedicated to our past 'hero's and our future players. Your love and respect for his talent really makes me so proud...lol I get all teary watching your face as you hear another brilliant run or high note. Thanks again Nick...

[@stevelayton1271]

You can fall over a broom for all I care..... best reaction ever!

[@hollygranger3734]

Oh my goodness, wow! I had never seen this and I’m shook! How amazing

[@kayty9743]

Glad you appreciate our John Farnham. I've seen him live in concert so many times since early 80s that I've lost count. And yes this is a brilliant version of the song. But kudos also need to go to his dear friend Colleen Hewett who was renowned for this song from 1983 onwards (well before Bette's version) and when she sings it live it rips your heart out even to this day. I see her whenever she tours - regularly but Covid put a stop to gigs here for two years. PS get well soon. Look after your throat.

[@Sunnygirl01]

I only heard this version very recently and I love it! 😁 Love how John put his own spin on it. Amazing 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Beejay2946]

Anything John sets his mind to turns out GREAT--I still like Colleen Hewitt's version from 1982 but John does a beautiful job on this one.

[@jasonandbelindajordan5044]

Awww, love John xxx, can sing anything , we love him forever 💕💕

[@neridahicks7160]

Wow 😍😍😍that was incredible .

[@Dr_KAP]

Haha I’m so excited to see my blow up finger !!! This is great 😊

[@nadinerichings4259]

Thank YOU! I love John Farnham, have followed him since the early 70s (when I was just under 10yo). Am sincerely enjoying your reviews and many others across the internet are now reviewing this spectacularly talented singer. I too love this song, but have not heard him sing it...seriously...he amazes me. Brought tears to my eyes...he is a superstar🥺

[@kirstenbell688]

Thank you so much for reacting to this John F rendition. As an Aussie I had not heard this either. His genius gift should be recognised world wide but we do love to keep him for ourselves. 😁 Hope you’re feeling much better soon mate.

[@andyschnell58]

Nick, great to have you back and awesome to hear you are feeling much better. I wish you all the very best as you continue the grieving process for your friend. Hoping you have a long stretch of good luck after your recent difficult stretch.

[@michelleaus]

Just beautiful! I like this so much more than the original.

[@JouJouOuiOui]

Wow. I’ve never heard this before. Only Divine Miss M but wow he does an incredible version

[@kelvinripia1196]

You sir give me the greatest breakdown of music yet. I thank you and appreciate your musings. If I don't watch myself I may even think that I too am a musical expert. God bless you and your family and friends.

[@ChristinePomeroy]

Spectacular vocal performance as always

[@narellesmith7932]

Absolutely wonderful performance

[@mssuziquzi]

Best version ever. I’ve always loved Colleen Hewett‘s version, but John’s is off the charts amazing!

[@paulmortimer2505]

What a bloody great singer and bloke is John Farnham! Quite simply, a national institution. (Great hosting and commentary on this clip as well.)

[@jasonandbelindajordan5044]

🥰☺️☺️☺️awwww, love John, thanks Nick👍👍, great job

[@kennykarlsson6691]

He is the very definition of singing.

[@wesleygalvin9983]

Thank you for playing this song, outstanding as always!! All the very best, and hope you get better soon. Cheers mate.

[@briangill4000]

Good on ya George. Quickest Farnsey fan on the planet.

[@johnfranke9655]

Pre match entertainment at Sydney Rugby league grand final

[@skatie0569]

Never seen this, oh please take me back to 1986, loved this so much x

[@markwatkins6618]

I hope you are feeling better my friend. From an Australian fan.

[@shoresaresandy]

Awesome choice George. Great reaction Nick. I sure hope you’re feeling better.

[@wren1960]

Ahh Nick you don't need to hear another version. What ain't broke doesn't need fixing.. Hope you are on the mend soon 🤒😃🥰

[@nailuxenicky5100]

Hope your feeling better. Great to see u back and ty for covering this version it’s one of my all time favourites.

[@winsomeblandford1076]

Thanks for this. I hadn't seen this clip. Wrong footy code for me. Love the song. He did so well in that huge arena.

[@alexandriagarnar6056]

Oh I loved that, I didn't know he sung this. Just incredible 😍

[@AmandaHallPsychic]

This was only a month before John Released Whispering Jack in Oct 1986 that went on to be Australia's Best Selling Album. This was sung prior to the game commencing for the Grand Final of the NSWRL 1986.

[@samsta65]

Love Johns version because…John. But Colleens version will make you cry along with her.

[@phillipsmith5405]

Happy that you feel great. This is hands down greatest version of this song

[@paulmortimer2505]

Great hosting and commentary on this clip

[@panelvanman7671]

HAHAHAHA thank you for covering your mouth when you cough for us mate lol

[@chrisraines7732]

Yep laughed too.. courteous as ..! 😊

[@viking1au]

Pre show to New South Wales Rugby League. 1986.

[@edwardbrett6133]

I enjoy you - thankyou!

[@carolynh8866]

Stunning version. Loved it

[@whiteapple2313]

I love this song.

[@artistjoh]

This is not a Bette Middler original, she was just another cover of this song. Kamahl, the Australian singer was first to record it in 1982, but then decided not to release it because he didn't think it fitted with his more country and western style, and so Roger Whittaker recorded it in the UK, Sheana Easton, the Scottish singer recorded it, and American Lee Greenwood also recorded it. It was Colleen Hewitt's Australian version recorded a few weeks later that most Australians are familiar with, however it was American Lou Rawls who first had chart success with the song in the US. Gladys Knight and the Pips recored it in 1983, and Gary Morris also recorded it around that time. Bette Middler covered it five years later in 1988. This version many people remember because it was used as the soundtrack for the movie Beaches. But when Farnham is covering it, he was covering the Colleen Hewitt version because Middler had not recorded it yet, (this Farnham version was two years before Bette Middler recorded her version) the song however was already an Aussie favorite long before Middler, all because of Colleen Hewitt's hit. Here is a 1983 performance of the song. I love this performance because Colleen actually cries as she sings the song, but like a trooper she hides her face but keeps singing without missing a beat.Her emotion makes this my favorite version of the song kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWnaqK2IidiLbdE

[@artistjoh]

@@serenepeacefulrelaxingmusi3874 The tears streaming down her face suggest it was deeply meaningful to her.

[@samsta65]

I’d forgotten about Colleens version of this. This is so good, I hope Nick watches this version too.

[@artistjoh]

@@samsta65 Yes, it is well worth a reaction video. Middler's version may be better known, but Colleen Hewitt needs recognition for setting the standard that all others have followed.

[@smink8]

.....and he sang this 2 years before Bette Midler released her version!.