John Farnham tribute: Céline Dion, Chris Martin and Hugh Jackman honour ‘living legend’ at livestreamed concert

Though the man of the hour is unable to attend, fans flock to Rod Laver Arena and cinemas nationwide to celebrate the songs of an Australian icon

At a Sydney shopping centre on a balmy Sunday evening, hundreds of people gathered to watch a concert that, according to its host, Richard Wilkins, would set a new livestreaming record for Australian cinemas.

Experiencing a Rod Laver Arena event with popcorn in a cinema chair was unusual in itself – but so too was the fact that its hero, John Farnham, would not be performing, or even in attendance.