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Wheatley's son describes 'tough' moment seeing father in Farnham film
The untold story of Aussie music legend John Farnham has been laid bare in a new documentary detailing the highs and lows of the singer's career.
The documentary, John Farnham: Finding The Voice, was a passion project for Farnham's long-time friend and manager Glenn Wheatley who passed away in February last year.
Since Wheatley died, his son Tim has taken the reigns to bring his father's vision to life in the film.
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It hasn't been without its difficulties, Tim told Today, who described the process as "confronting" to watch his late father speak.
"It's tough," he said.
"I was in London for the last two years so I didn't get to spend much time with him sadly.
"Seeing that and all the extended parts we were privileged to see as well."
However, he said Wheatley would have been jealous not seeing the final product.
"I think he'd be incredibly jealous that I'm sitting here and he's not," Tim said.
"He loved showing off his work as well.
"As a kid, I've grown up listening to him scream every story from the rooftop so it's nothing new to me. He would have loved it."
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Tim said the film is more of a "movie to a soundtrack" instead of the opposite and will feature a new spin on some old songs.
But Farnham hasn't seen the film yet and Tim suspects it will be some time until he does.
"He honestly hasn't watched an interview he's ever done or any performances or live things, not even listening back," he said.
"I think that's a testament to him and how he continues to move forward."
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It comes as Farnham has faced health battles in recent months after he was hospitalised with a chest infection seven months after undergoing a gruelling 12-hour surgery, requiring 26 surgeons, to remove a cancerous growth in his mouth.
The 73-year-old has since recovered from the chest infection and is continuing to undergo treatment.
The film will be released to the public on May 18.
Farnham's 1986 album Whispering Jack, featuring the single You're the Voice, remains the second-highest-selling album in Australia, behind only Meat Loaf's Bat Out Of Hell.
He has received 19 ARIA awards and was named an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1996, and Australian of the Year in 1987.
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