-By Kim Parnell-
Australian singer and award-winning songwriter Simon Shapiro has built a career defined by powerful vocals, heartfelt storytelling and a genuine connection with audiences. Many will remember him from his decade as bass player and songwriter with iconic Australian band 1927, where his musicianship helped shape a chapter of pop-rock history. Now, Simon is bringing that same passion and vocal power to the Fraser Coast, with One Voice – Greatest Hits of John Farnham arriving on March 6 — a soaring live show celebrating one of Australia’s most loved performers and the songs generations know by heart.
I caught up with Simon ahead of the bands arrival to talk about the show, his connection to Farnham’s music and why now feels like the right time to bring it to the stage.
Simon is quick to point out that One Voice is not a tribute show, but a celebration — of the music and of the full John Farnham concert experience.
“We want people to experience what his band was like,” Simon explains. “The band was almost as important as he was. He always had incredible musicians and backing singers, and hopefully we’re delivering that same total experience with our show.”
Simon remembers that during his time with 1927, the band shared the bill with Farnham on the festival circuit in 2018.
“We did about ten shows around the country with John headlining. I stood side of stage at almost every gig and watched him sing. Seeing him from that perspective and from the audience’s perspective was a great experience. Meeting him and his band was a bonus.
Simon’s connection toward singing John Farnham’s songs began much earlier. At 19, after joining his first band, he was told he needed singing lessons.
“In my very first class, the teacher pulled me aside and said, ‘Have you ever thought about teaching singing?’ I laughed — I was there to learn. But she gave me one piece of advice that changed everything: ‘Sing every John Farnham song. If you can do that, you’ll become a better singer.’”
He took that advice seriously — and in the process, fell in love with the songs.
“At the time I was more into folk and acoustic music, but Farnham’s voice and musicianship made a huge impression. If you were a young male singer in the ’80s, it was impossible not to learn something from John Farnham’s music.
“The idea for One Voice itself came together much more recently on a cruise ship. “We had been doing some themed cruises. It was just one of the ideas we had for an 80s cruise. So, we performed a handful of Farnham classics.
“It worked so well that we decided to bring it ashore. We did a test run at a bowling club, and the response was amazing. From there, it grew into a full theatre show.”
Originally, Simon wasn’t even planning to step into the lead role.
“We were looking for someone who could sing John’s range — and it turns out that range is mine. Once I stepped into it, everything just clicked. Singing his songs felt natural, challenging and incredibly rewarding.”
John Farnham is such a talented artist, “John doesn’t just sing songs — he interprets them. Many of his biggest hits, like Sadie, Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head and Help, were other people’s songs, but he made them his own through interpreting a melody. Learning those inflections, without impersonating him, is the real challenge — and that’s what makes it fun.”
Vocally, Simon’s long-standing focus on range has prepared him well.
“I sang along to everything from John to Whitney Houston when I was younger. But Farnham’s genius is knowing when not to overdo it. He takes audiences on a journey, and that’s what I try to honour.”
Audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Many arrive skeptical — and leave surprised.
“People often apologise afterwards and say they didn’t expect anyone to be able to pull it off. They also love the band. These aren’t backing musicians, but accomplished artists in their own right — they’re a huge part of the show, and that authenticity really lifts the whole experience.”
Behind the scenes, every performance is carefully crafted, from musical dynamics and vocal arrangements to movement and audience connection.
“You never stop learning. For me, keeping my voice strong is about balance — rest, talking quietly and hydration. I’m certainly not an example of the cleanest living person in the world, but at the same time, I don’t abuse myself.”
Ultimately, Simon says the show is about celebration — and timing.
“With no certainty that John will ever perform again, it feels like the right moment to keep this music alive. We’re performing it in the original keys, with respect, heart and honesty. I don’t look like John Farnham — and we even joke about that — but once the first song begins, people forget.”
When he’s not performing, Simon divides his time between songwriting, mentoring emerging artists and life on his semi-rural outer Brisbane property.
One Voice – Greatest Hits of John Farnham
March 6
Brolga Theatre, Maryborough
Tickets: www.brolga.org.
(Cover image – Photo credit – Michelle Cop Photography)
