A host of celebrities including Keith Urban, Jimmy Barnes and Celine Dion have paid tribute to Australian music legend John Farnham at an emotional concert on Sunday night attended by thousands.

But the stricken 77-year-old was unable to be there, with Farnham’s family revealing his health had deteriorated and he needed 24-hour nursing care.

The music-industry giant was honoured by local and international performing greats at a blockbuster charity gig at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena.

The star-studded event saw the likes of Jimmy Barnes, Tina Arena, Human Nature, and Jessica Mauboy on the live stage.

MC Richard Wilkins introduced the “cavalcade of supreme talent”, including one very special guest all the way from Nashville, Tennessee.

“Tonight, he is back home, and he’s all ours,” Wilkins said, introducing Keith Urban, who performed Farnham’s moving 1990’s song Burn For You.

Others who called in for cameos were Celine Dion, Coldplay’s Chris Martin and actor Hugh Jackman.

Farnham, who has undergone several surgeries for oral cancer, now requires continuous oxygen support and 24-hour care.

A day before the sold-out event, Farnham’s wife Jill and the couple’s sons Robert and James, said they were “deeply moved by everything happening” at Rod Laver Arena.

“John’s health has deteriorated in recent months,” read a family statement posted to social media.

“He now requires continuous oxygen support and uses a wheelchair for mobility.

“It has also become necessary for John to receive 24-hour nursing care at home, ensuring trained support is always available when he needs it.

“We have kept these matters private while our family has adjusted to John’s changing needs.

“However, we now feel it is important that John’s fans and supporters understand his circumstances and why he cannot be there this weekend.”

The charity event sold out within hours of going on sale, with premium tickets priced at $1650.

The concert was held to raise funds for Head and Neck Cancer Australia, which supported the much-loved singer when he was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour in his mouth.

Farnham underwent a 12-hour operation to remove the growth in 2022 and was later given the all-clear by his medical team.

The You’re The Voice singer would have loved nothing more than to attend the concert, his family added in their statement.

“He would undoubtedly have been a little overwhelmed by all the fuss, but he would also have wanted to thank everyone involved in person,” Farnham’s family said.

“As a family, we have decided that it is best for John to remain at home, where he can be safe and comfortable.

“Thank you for your understanding and for the many messages of love and support John continues to receive.”

-with AAP