# Farnsey by Shaun Holton **Review** — On Your Markus **Rating:** 5 out of 5 **Published:** 9 March 2025 **Author:** Markus Hamence **Source:** https://onyourmarkus.au/reviews/farnsey-by-shaun-holton/ --- *Review by ****[Markus Hamence](/markus-hamence/)**** – Performance date: Saturday 8 March 2025, Arkaba, Adelaide, South Australia* When it comes to paying tribute to an Australian music icon, you need more than just a good voice – you need passion, stage presence, and an ability to connect with an audience that holds the original artist close to their hearts. Shaun Holton’s **‘Farnsey’**, a one-night-only spectacular at the 2025 Adelaide Fringe, did exactly that. Held at the **Top of the Ark** on March 8, the show was a **rather brilliant celebration of John Farnham’s music**, delivered with both reverence and rockstar energy. Shaun and co. executed an honourable performance that both was high energy and passionate. ![](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/20645/user_crop_Untitled__1200_x_600_px_.jpg) ## **Not an Imitation – A Celebration** The second Shaun Holton took to the stage, it was obvious that this wasn’t going to be a simple tribute gig or cover show. Instead of **impersonating** Farnham, Holton brought his own vocal prowess and dynamic stage presence to the performance, **channeling the spirit of the legendary singer while making the music his own.** It is a credit to the talents and innate capabilities of Holton. Holton, known for his work with **Southern Empire** and his appearance on *The Voice Australia*, has long been admired for his incredible range and powerful delivery. I recently had my first Holton experience a few months back with the Jeff Buckley show he did at The Gov and he blew me away – Shaun’s ability to take a song and breathe his own spirit into it in uncanny. Farnham’s music, with its soaring anthems and emotional ballads, is no easy feat for any performer – but Holton **delivered with confidence, heart, and a voice that felt perfectly suited to the material.** Freakin’ amazing! The setlist covered all the Farnham classics you’d expect, including: - **‘You’re the Voice**‘ – A goosebump-inducing, crowd-singalong moment that felt truly electric. - **‘Pressure Down**‘ – Delivered with raw energy and tight instrumentation. - **‘Two Strong Hearts**‘ – Featuring a stunning vocal interplay that left the audience in awe. - **‘Age of Reason**‘ – A highlight of the night, bringing both nostalgia and powerful messaging. However, the biggest banger for me was the **Jesus Christ Supersta**r belter ‘**Everything’s Aright**‘ – Shaun, Skye and Jessica smashed it of out the Ark’s roof and into the stratosphere effortlessly. Damn! But the real magic of ‘Farnsey’ wasn’t just in the setlist – it was in the **connection** between Holton and the audience. The audience LOVE him – the ladies and the guys. ![](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/repaired/90937205-f770-436a-959b-d55edf686ef2/IMG_6539.jpg) ## **A Band of World-Class Musicians** Backing Holton was an **all-star band of Adelaide’s finest musicians**, and their contribution cannot be overstated. From **soaring guitar solos to precision drumming and rich keyboard arrangements**, they ensured that every song had the full power and depth it deserved. The all-star cast feature Adelaide’s very own luminaries: Nikki Kosmider Heuskes, Andy Seymour, Sean Timms, Zkye Compson-Harris (with mad deep vocals, argh!), Damien Steele Scott, Chris Lau, Luke Whelan, Cat Johns and Priyanka Luxx! A special mention goes to **Priyanka Luxx**, a dream-pop sensation whose **guest vocals added another layer of richness to the show**. Her presence on stage brought a **fresh dynamic** to the performance, particularly in the duets, where she and Holton’s voices blended beautifully. ## **Punters That Didn’t Want It to End** One of the most telling signs of a successful Fringe show? When the audience simply **doesn’t want to leave**. The atmosphere at **Top of the Ark** was electric, with fans **cheering, dancing, singing along, and visibly moved by the performance**. Social media was quickly flooded with **glowing reviews**, with fans praising not only Holton’s vocal ability but also the **band’s incredible musicianship**. Comments ranged from “Absolutely brilliant” to “Wish it went on longer!” and “Shaun Holton *is* the voice!” It’s clear that ‘Farnsey’ **struck a chord** with its audience, proving to be far more than just another tribute show – it was an **experience** that transcended… ## **Final Verdict – A Standout of the 2025 Fringe** With so many shows at the Adelaide Fringe each year, it can be hard to stand out- but **‘Farnsey’ did just that**. **Shaun Holton and his powerhouse band (and voice) delivered a high-energy, heart-felt tribute** that not only celebrated Farnham’s music but also **brought it to life in a way that felt fresh, exciting, and deeply personal.** For those who missed it, let’s hope this **wasn’t a one-time event**– because Adelaide would be lucky to see **‘Farnsey’ return for an encore.** An easy peezy FIVE STARS! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5. ![](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/repaired/f507a69d-2504-4005-b47a-890113082ff6/IMG_6542.jpg)