John Farnham - When The War Is Over | Vocalist From The UK Reacts 

I don't give a fuck what anyone else says.... John Farnham will forever be 'The Voice'..... his personality, his humility, his respect for fellow artists and just his natural gift....... will NEVER be repeated xx

If you think this version is good, you need to check out his version from his "Last Time" concert. He's 53 then, and the emotion and power is dialled up to 11. Many consider it his best performance, ever.

Props to Venetta Fields on backing vocals ❤

Australia has so much musical talent but John Farnham is the greatest of all time! I get chills everytime he sings, the tone of his voice, the passion, the artistry. What a gift! Thankyou for appreciating him as much as we do!

One of the best Aussie songs ever written

John never does a bad performance. Ever.

His voice is liquid gold. Gold.

John you have the voice of a angel it was your destiny mate there will never be a voice like yours let's hope we see you perform again I'm sure you still can sing

John is so humble. A lovely family man. His vocals are heart felt and his range is incredible

Did you feel it?!!! That was John entering your soul, and it will never be the same again...

Love John he is the best Aussie singer ever ,I’m 79 and have seen just about every every concert, god bless you John for giving us such great music.

And the amazing thing is that John's voice got better and better as he got older. Not necessarily higher or louder, just fuller. When John turned fifty, he did not need a backup band. He sang and sang...........

I Went to the football Grand final last year (Sept 2022). Robbie Williams did a great very polished, live performance in front of nearly 100,000 people. He sang a few of his songs and then, much to our surprise he started singing "You're the Voice" as a tribute to Farnsey who was pretty desperately ill at the time. 100,000 people let out the biggest roar you've ever heard when they put up a video of John singing the chorus to this song. There was not one dry eye in the place. We now all love Robbie for showing John such respect. It was a very moving moment. John was watching from hospital as was shocked by the unexpected tribute and enormous love & support he felt from that crowd. ❤❤❤

I genuinely doubt that you would ever find anyone that left a Farnsey concert unhappy lol. He never left a damn thing on that stage.

This song holds so much meaning to Australian veterans . Vietnam . it's deep and beautiful.

I’ve seen John live 5 times over 20+ years. He’s never given a poor vocal performance. He’s awesome EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

This is one of my favorites of John's songs. Such power and passion.

6:20 Brett Garsed is a guitar god! The man can play and OMG was/is HOT 🔥 He was still playing with John in 2020 along with Angus Burchall on drums. The longevity of his band members and back up singers Vanetta, Lisa and Lindsay is a credit to what an amazing human JF is. David Hirschfelder was the musical genius onstage during that era who brought a whole other depth to the stage performances.

There has never been a voice like Farnham's. Just so brilliant, emotional...and effortless. He is a one-off and I've never heard anyone as good as him....ever.

You're spot-on with the word 'ethereal'. John's voice really does seem to come from somewhere else. One of the best singers & performers on the planet!

He is always the epitome of vocal perfection ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

John farnham makes me cry when he sings, I am Australian and first watched him live at Luna Park Sydney when I was 16 years old , he was incredible that first time I heard him singing on a tiny little stage, to a crowd of about 50 people, from that day back in the 70s, was when he was about twenty years of age, I was blown away that day with his voice and charisma, now he has been so sick with cancer, all of us Australians, cherish him, and always will,

So pleased you heard WHEN THE WAR IS OVER, one of John's best. There is a 2nd version he did about 25-30 years later than the one we just heard. I think it is even better. His voice is still amazing and he does the song total justice as always.

We freakin love you too Charlie😊🌏🪐🙏🌕🌺🇦🇺😎🌟👣🦉🏡🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Thank you for your comments Charlie, you actually got me onto John Farnham. Now as an Australian I regret that I never got to any of his concerts. I don't have many regrets in life :)

And his awesome SOH.He is the real deal in every way.❤❤❤❤❤

His voice is just mind blowing. And as you have discovered his back up singers and musicians were second to none. And is there a more beautiful song than this? I have seen him many times and with the Melbourne Symphony orchestra too- that was at another level. And with every performance he was so happy and down to earth. And again as you have discovered, he could swap from a song like this to an AC/DC song effortlessly and captivate the entire audience everytime. He makes me proud to be Australian. I have seen a lot of concerts in my time but his performances have stayed with me. We love him in Australia and I feel so blessed I had the pleasure of seeing his concerts. I pray for his recovery.

I seen John in the 80’s and still the best show I have ever seen. He is a brilliant vocalist and showman. Get well soon John.

There's an even better version of him singing this when he's much older, it blows this out of the water if that's possible.

So thankful that you have such appreciation for this beautiful man and his amazing talent. Just a shame the rest of the world didn't ever get to feel and experience him in concert. I have adored him since I was a child and will do so until the day I die. His voice is incomparable. Thank you Mr Farnham for sharing your God given talent with us. Wishing you health love and happiness. From your FOREVER Fan xx

Farnsey delivering as he always does. Just awesome. Great reaction Charlie. ❤️🇦🇺

I've loved this song ever since I heard Chisel do it for the first time, but when I heard John version of it, it rocked my world even more, so much more feeling, the angst!! He knows how to sing a story & feel the emotion behind the lyrics. So glad you actually get it Charlie, & he makes you feel the way he's been making us all feel for many decades now. John was my sons first ever concert, he was young but he still remembers it! For his birthdays & Christmas', artists tours permitting, I've always given him the gift (tickets) of live music. That to me is the education I gave him & hope he remembers most when I'm gone. But JF will always be his first & best 😁👍

Absolutely correct re: John's live performances. For example he was on a live variety show one night here in Aus (with Steve Vizard as the host, from memory) Steve asked him to perform an impromptu song. With just a piano accompaniment. (And sore ribs, i think) and his voice, as always gave me goosebumps. Johns voice doesn't need to be digitally mastered. The interview itself just shows you what an everyday and genuinely nice guy he is ( and not forgetting funny. Lol. Best sense of humour.) Google John interviews on live tv... You'll probably come across many as well as, Hey Hey its Saturday where his performing a short sample with Tom Jones. Do check that out as well. We LOVE john for so many reasons!! I never missed a concert in Melbourne. Because i always left, feeling sooo happy in my heart.

Hi Charlie. Yeh, def check out his version of this called Live, The Last Time. Runs circles around this version (had to believe, I know). Brett Garsed on guitar is an amazing guitarist, very under-rated.

John got to know steve Preswych when they both were in the Little River Band. The female backing singer is Venetta Fields, one of the most respected vocalist of the 60/70/80 and onwards...she sang for Ike and Tina Turner...Diana Ross, Bette Midler, Bob Dylan, the Supremes, and for Aretha Franklin - Wish You Were Here with Pink Floyd, and recording the Rolling Stones' album Exile on Main St; Tumblng Dice and three others.. her bio is huge... thats the quality that john Farnham attracts.

Oh Charlie, you need to go back on and keep watching the next song after that one. Amazing Grace with his back up singers Vendetta and Lindsay.. another goosebump performance 👌❤️

His original stage name was johnny farnham, but he fought to cast it off as by the time he got the You're the voice gig. The industry had all but wrote him off as being a twee 60's teeny bopper (yes he started in the 60's). With the name change a hero became a legend.

I’ve seen this great man live many times over the years even in small pub settings. He is truly remarkable. 💕💕

John is perfection in music. I have seen interviews with musicians who have called around to John's house to discuss and try future songs for John and have been 'blown away' by his singing from the seat- no warm-ups, no accompaniment- just John. The same thing has also happened on TV shows. John was not expected to sing but on off-chance did and delivered a professional performance with no help. Regarding his 'help', John only has the BEST musicians and singers - all are well-known, and he always acknowledges and pays respect to them.

His ability to be top shelf at so many different genre's is crazy. I've just watched him cover Led Zeppelin, do a duet with Olivia Newton John, and now cover Cold Chisel phenomenally. The man is a beast!

my 2 fav singers - Elvis & John F. both unrivaled

I absolutely love your reactions to John. I’m so proud of him for all the joy he’s given all of these years and to watch people like yourself who are seeing these songs for the first time makes me fall in love with him over and over again! He’s a very special man to us in Australia also. If I wanted one person to never get old and to be in great health (I can’t remember the scientific name for it) it would be John ❤❤❤

He consistently brings tears to my eyes.

Did you get to see the following clip from the show? Vanetta, Lindsay and John belting out Amazing Grace is phenomenal!

One of the guarantees with John is that you will always have an emotional reaction to his every performance. Another is that he will take his voice to new and more amazing heights that stun you.

Aww ya stopped short of Amazing Grace….great reaction again

The guitarist Brett Garsed is still with him when he sings this at his Last Time concert all those years later. Along with most of his band.

Been listening to the video concert, and this track in particular, for so many years. Easily the best song of the night in my opinion. Still gives me goosebumps whenever I hear it 36 years on. What a performance!!!!

I cry every time I see this firstly because we have lost our beautiful Olivia to cancer and secondly knowing our John is currently fighting throat cancer. Yes they are two of Australia’s greatest singers and ambassadors. RIP Olivia ❤

Hi Charlie, thankyou for your insightful & honest reactions to our beloved John. The look of pure joy & amazement on your face as you watch John's performances are wonderful, and mirror those of us who love seeing John. I've been fortunate to be at 14 of his concerts over his amazing career, and each one was outstanding. John has never had any formal vocal lessons or training, it is pure natural ability. Please react to John's live a-cappella version of Love's In Need (written by Stevie Wonder & including his entire band & BV's) You will not be disappointed. Much love from Australia. 💕

Such a great song and no one can cover this song any better. John’s vocals are just on another level. Gotta check out though Cold Chisel singing this song live in 2003 Ringside.

I love how you love our John Farnham ❤️ he's an Aussie Legend & we appreciate you & your love for our Legend, our humble beautiful soul John is the best. Thank you for showing the world our amazing John ❤

Please do Farnsey's songs 'Burn for You' and 'Two of hearts' next. One is a beautiful ballad he wrote for his wife and the other is more of a catchy poppy song. 'Playing to Win' live from the same concert as the 'Help'/'You're the voice' reactions you did is also a fiery vibe. xx

Brett Garsed on the guitar. Same guy who was playing lead at the MSO concert. Remember It’s a Long Way to the Top?

You need to listen to song John was introducing when you stopped. It is Amazing Grace done in a cappella with Venetta, Lindsay and John. It is so good. John takes 10 minutes halfway through a concert to put on dry clothes. He gives every song what he has to give. Thank you.

You should do the one he did of this in his 50s straight up. Mind blowing

Oh Charlie I'm sitting here nodding and agreeing with all your comments lol. I love your analysis of John's performances. I noticed others have pointed out that John did perform this years later at 53. He just smashed it and left us all in awe of his performance. Hope you get a chance to see that one too. Also from this same concert John and his the two backup singers perform 'Amazing Grace' Venetta Fields has a killer voice too. recommend that one too lol. Ok over and out from your Aussie fan

There are so many versions of this song done by John Farnham and Jimmy Barnes… check out the one they did together … they have a wonderful screaming duel at the end… still can’t decide on a favourite ❤❤❤❤❤

There's also a live version with jimmy showing up on stage with him you should check it out

you can call him Farnesy. Its a fine version, he is an amazing singer. for me it will always remain a chisel song and i love the harmonies with Barnsey and Mossy

Great to see someone other than an Aussie appreciate this gorgeous talented and loveable man. He is going thru a tough time at the moment. Love to him n family.❤

This song always gives me the shivers , He’s the best 😮

Absolute perfection! Love John Farnham!❤

Get well John. We need you. You are the best thing to ever come out of Australia ❤🎉

When the video stopped he was about to do an amazing version of amazing grace with his backup singers check it out

I absolutely love your reactions to John Farnham. He is a freaking legend. I’m new to these video review things, but I LOVE them!! John has just faced his biggest battle- the big C (ancer) 😭💔❤️‍🩹. He had to have part of his jaw removed…he may never get back on stage again- but…..he’s a trooper and never say never. Thank you so much for acknowledging him. His talent is off the Richter scale!! Knowing that he’s getting seen and reviewed globally is absolutely sensational. So thank you again ❤x

John Farnham is the GOAT and gives a 💯percent with every performance!!! There is no in his league.

As others have said, this is stupendous, but somehow there’s an even better one, performed around 30 years later. Absolutely ASTOUNDING vocal

Poor John, he must have thought his stylist hated his guts for putting him in that silk shirt under those lights hahaha... he took it like a trooper though...even though he spent most of the concert sweating buckets haha.... Legend...

Love your reaction. If you think this is impressive, watch his 2003 The Last Time concert and the same song - he’s about 54 years old and I think delivers his most beautiful rendition of this song. You’d be interested in the differences in delivery. His best version IMO. The guitar work in that version is also outstanding.

In this concert John does an epic version of “Amazing Grace with two of his backing vocalists. It’s probably the best version I’ve heard. The song just after this.

I think John was just leading into Amazing Grace with Vanetta and Lindsay at the end of this. It's really something amazing to see. It would be good to check out John's later version of When the war is over, The Last Time Melbourne 2003 when he was around 53 or 54. It's an emotional performance and John knock's it out of the ballpark.😊

Gives me Goosebumps ♥️

I just realized that's the bass player from The Little River Band

We have been so blessed to have had decades of John sharing his talent. In addition to his stage musical career and concert performances he also made a couple of very popular TV musical variety series with other artists like Colleen Hewitt and Debbie Byrnes. Always kind, funny, generous and humble.

This is one of my favs to from "Johnny".

Well done Charlie, good to have someone doing honest natural reactions to musicians (all the ones I have viewed). It's a credit to you. Keep it up, and thank you. Cheers

Beautiful song, great performance. My favorite For me it was about conscription during the Vietnam war.

Ty for sharing Appropriate during these times

I've always preferred this version to The Last Time tour version but that's just me. Both are awesome obviously but you can hear the subtle changes in his voice over the years which is actually cool, when you listen to both.

I have so many favourite songs that John sings, but When the War is Over is my all time favourite. No-one can sing it like he does. He took a beautiful song by Cold Chisel and simply perfected it! Those high notes sung with such passion! It's just perfection. I have been lucky enough to hear him sing this live on a few occasions and it is just memorising with thousands of people just living in the moment and in the presence of greatness. What a singer and, even better, what a great human

We seriously love him, that’s all I can say.

Awesome reaction! Luv from Australia 🎼❤️🎼❤️

Just some trivia that I have heard over the years growing up listening to JF. He was originally referred to as Johnny Farnham and one of his earliest songs was 'Sadie the cleaning lady', but he wanted an image change as he evolved and didn't like being referred to as Johnny, or to be reminded of that song. He originally had trouble singing those high notes but his voice evolved over time. He said that if he tried a high belt and it worked then he knew he was ok for the rest of the night. He seemed to overcome this problem later on. He couldn't read music, and didn't play an instrument (as far as I am aware).. pure vocalist. He was the lead singer of 'Little River Band' during one period.. and he nailed that role as well. Glenn Shorrock was lead singer before then (also a brilliant vocalist).

The really amazing thing (IMO) is that I can still hear Barnsie's vpice in this, yet it's still John Farnham. Wow.

He's an amazing bloke xoxo

Hi Charlie, at the end of this song he introduces two of his back up singers, Venetta Fields and Lindsay Field (not related to each other). They both come up to the front of the stage and the trio do their rendition of Amazing Grace. If you like gospel you will absolutely love this. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_x6N94OEkZQ.html I have always loved the way that John encourages the musicians around him to shine, here he lets Venetta take the lead and she is incredible!!!!

Charlie U have to listen to ... When the war is over, Melbourne 2003, the last time. It's INSANE

I'm in tears listening to this song & this amazing performance. You should also check out the original version from one of Australia's greatest bands Cold Chisel.

His backup singer, Vendetta Fields, was in a group called The Blackberrys. They toured with many famous groups. One was Humple Pie. Black Coffee was the song. She moved to Australia and toured with John.

As a Kiwi I'm glad this master is getting introduced to the world. As Steve Hardie said check this version out I still think it's the best 'ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BekbvlLzMWc.html'. Also I'd like to thank you for sharing this legend around and getting John's music out there to get the recognition he deserves.

Hi Charlie here are a few more song from John that you need to listen to.Burn For You,Amazing Grace and the two songs that he sang at Carols by Candlelight.There so many others that could be recommended to you but I think that you need to listen to some of his live concerts.Like the one he did in Brisbane.I listen to a lot of John's songs as I have been a fan of his for many many years.I love his voice and it is one of a kind.No one could ever sound like John.Even if John is never able to sing again,which I pray it never happens and he has a full recovery after his major operation.He has left Australia with the most amazing collection of song and concerts as well as his performance in Jesus Christ Superstar.He is the most love performer in my opinion and always will be.

If you want to call him by a nickname, he is known buy most Aussies as farnsy pronounce it like Fonzie only replace the o sound with an ah sound to make up the ar letters.

You haven’t reacted to John singing Burn for You. It showcases his vocal control so well.

Another great one is John Farnham/John Diesel/jimmy Barnes - when something is wrong with my baby. It's gold

Have a look at Venetta Fields and John Farnham plus 1 singing Amazing Grace live!

Chills

His music IS beautiful, but with all things in life you get nothing for free. His voice and our pleasure was to come at a steep cost. I suppose part of the timber of that incredible sound came because he was a smoker. John is now recovering from throat surgery for cancer. But damn you have to admit we will never experience John Farnham's like again? At least I won't. THANK YOU JOHN, it's been a pleasure.

I just can't help but laugh when I see your reactions to Farnsy. Not becuase their funny mate, but because of how he threw out the lines and pulls you in. Hook, Line and Sinker... Thanks for the reaction.

The guitarist is Brett Garsed. An absolute beast.