Shane Warne Memorial: true stars were daughters Summer and Brooke, son Jackson and father Keith

For all the Hollywood stars, the rock stars, the sports stars, Premiers and Prime Ministers, the true stars of Shane Warne‘s memorial were his family.  

In front of 50,000 fans, both famous and humble, Warne’s nearest and dearest did their father, son, brother proud at the packed Melbourne Cricket Ground. 

Summer, 20, crushed the toughest heart as she recalled singing and dancing with her dad ‘without a care in the world – and we couldn’t stop laughing at each other’. 

Two days later, he was gone, cut down by a heart attack in Thailand.

‘You will always be with us, dad – just not in the way that we had hoped,’ said Summer, known as SJ to Warne. 

‘You lived 100 lives, Dad. You never took anything for granted and you made sure that you lived every day to the absolute fullest.’

Jackson, 23, looking every inch his father’s son, confidently wowed the MCG with his poise as he talked about his hero who was taken too soon.

‘I feel like I’ve been robbed,’ he said.  

Daughter Brooke, 24, the last of Warne’s children to speak, managed to end on a high note.

Her touching tales brought chuckles from the crowd even as she wept while describing all the reasons why the loss of her father will leave a huge hole in her life.

Through tears, Brooke said: ‘I will miss grabbing your big wrists and feeling your hands and saying that I have big fat fingers just like you.

‘I will miss our chats about how big our double chins are and how big our bellies are looking, especially after we’ve just eaten our bodyweight in cheese, pizza and pasta.’

She added: ‘Dad was our shining star in life and now he’s shining down on all of us.

‘We will do you so proud, Dad and we are so proud of everything you have achieved. 

‘We’re going to do what you always told us – try our best…and we will try our best to live in a world without you. I love you always, Dad.’ 

From the man who gave Australia so many great memories, Warne’s final gift was his farewell.

Despite the grief, the heartache, the shock and dismay at his sudden loss, the memorial service at the MCG was a triumphant celebration of an Australian legend.

But it was his father Keith’s stumble in his magnificent eulogy that broke the nation, watching as one, broadcast live on every major channel, non-stop and ad-free.

After flawlessly paying tribute to his big-hearted son, proud dad Keith cracked as he came to a close.

‘Shane, the Aussie boy from Black Rock, said of himself: ‘I smoked, I drank. I played a little cricket…’

And then it all became too much for Keith – and Australia. 

His stoic father paused, as the moment engulfed him and the 50,000 star-studded fans paying homage at the MCG.

The sun-bleached blond icon of the sport, of Australia, has gone forever.

Keith gathered himself once more and pushed through, his voice trembling with emotion: ‘Mate, your mother and I cannot imagine life without you.’

Nor can we, Keith. Nor can we.

How memorial unfolded 

Hollywood star Eric Bana was the first voice at the memorial, looking back at Warne’s famous life, describing the ‘rockstar cricketer’s’ rise to becoming the King of Spin. 

Warne’s father Keith then offered the first eulogy, thanking officials for organising the event and helping bring his body home, before he revealed the family’s heartbreak at his devastating loss.

‘Our family loss of a loved son, a loving brother to Jason and a devoted father to Brooke, Jackson and Summer. And the world lost a much-loved cricketing legend whose feats on and off the cricket field will go down in history for all time,’ he said through tears.

‘Looking forward to a future without Shane is inconceivable. We do take comfort in knowing that Shane packed more in his life of 52 years, five months and 19 days than most people would in two lifetimes.’

Keith said he was a ‘special person’ who deeply cared for children, particularly sick children, and wanted to help as many as he could through his foundation.    

The speeches came during an emotionally charged service where: 

• It was revealed Warne nearly died at age 13 after jumping off a wharf. However, he was saved from drowning by a mate, David Beck 
• The family shared a letter Warne’s brother, Jason, wrote him in 1993, predicting his future success if he tried hard enough: ‘Give people the opportunity in 20 years’ time to say: ‘Remember Shane Warne? We’ll never get another leggy like him. He was The Best Spinner Australia has ever had.’
• Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Hugh Jackman, Robbie Williams, Jon Stevensand Coldplay’s Chris Martin shared video tributes to the cricket legend, as well as mates including Sam Newman and Eddie McGuire 
• Shane’s father, Keith, teared up as he kicked off the proceedings with a moving eulogy. His comments came shortly after those in the stands chanted ‘Warnieeeee, Warnieeee’
• Warne’s children unveiled the Shane Keith Warne memorial stand at the MCG – the same area he sat in as a child before embarking on his legendary career

‘I remember I picked Shane up at Melbourne Airport when he arrived home after an extensive overseas test series. He asked me, ‘What’s been happening, Dad?’ As soon as I mentioned a little boy who had terminal canc had been hanging on, hoping to meet Shane, he had me contact the father and see if it was OK for him to pop in and say hello,’ Keith said.

‘We got the OK and went directly to the boy’s home. Shane stayed until the lad was starting to fall asleep which was a good two hours later. Then I drove Shane home to see his own children. 

‘This is who he was. This summed up Shane’s character as a man who took great responsibility in using his profile and privilege to bring good into the lives of people less fortunate than himself.’ 

He said he will remember the spin-bowler for his ‘unconditional love’ and said their family will never be the same without him.

‘Shane said of himself, ‘I smoked, I drank, and I played a little cricket.’ Mate, your mother and I can’t imagine a life without you,’ he said through tears.

‘You have been taken too soon and our hearts are broken. Thank you for all you did for us. And for being such a loving and caring son. Rest in peace, mate. Love you, Mum and Dad.’

The heartfelt speech by Shane’s dad reduced many fans to tears, especially when the heartbroken dad stumbled himself during the touching eulogy. 

‘Keith Warne farewelling his son broke me,’ tweeted one user. ‘So the first speaker at the Shame Warne Memorial is his dad, and he has me in tears,’ added another.

Aaron Bailey added: ‘What a magnificent speech by Keith Warne. No father should have to bury his son. What immense courage and dignity.’ 

Elton John then performed a pre-recorded performance of ‘Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’, with Warne’s family and friends overcome by emotion during the song.

The iconic singer dedicated it to Warne’s children, saying he wished he’d been able to perform in person.

 ‘This song is in memory of Shane, probably one of the greatest sportsman ever. One of the most amazing Australian cricketers of all time,’ John said. 

‘It’s a sad day today but it’s not in some ways because his legacy lives on and he will live on through future generations because he was mesmerising, brilliant and loved to play cricket and loved life.

I want to dedicate this song to Brooke, to Summer and Jackson and to all the people that came out today. God bless you, Shane. God bless the family.’  

Warne’s former Fox Sports co-commentator Mark Howard then hosted a Q&A with a series of cricket legends – Alan Border, Mark Taylor, Brian Lara, Nasser Hussain and Merv Hughes.

The group shared stories of Warne’s larrikin nature, cheeky pranks and honest heart, with Hughes saying: ‘as good as he was on the cricket field, he was five times better off it’. 

Hussein revealed how Warne would torment his English sides with both his bowling and sledging, as they played a famous moment of the King of Spin taking the former England captain’s wicket during an ODI match in the early 2000s.

Howard then asked the participants what they would say to the 52-year-old if he were still there, cracking even the tough Border who spoke through tears of how Warne ‘revitalised’ his career.

Hussain thanked him for being a ‘friend’ and called him the ‘greatest bowler ever’, while Lara said he was always ‘honoured to be in your presence’. 

Chris Martin then performed an acoustic version of Yellow for Warne from a jungle in Central America

‘It’s true, we are going to miss you. Oh, yeah, it’s true. We are going to miss you,’ the Coldplay lead singer said.

Sports stars Greg Norman and Kelly Slater then offered video tributes for Warne from their homes in America, with the golf legend saying he was ‘one of the best human beings I have ever met’.

‘You are a wonderful, wonderful human being. It delivered so much to your friends, your family and to your country,’ Norman said.

Slater revealed him and Warne had become friends playing golf together, saying they’d joke about hair transplants, had fun ‘gulping’ together and described the King of Spin as a ‘classic guy’.

‘Thank you for letting me say a few words and Warnie, we will miss you and love you. You are a good man,’ the 11-time world champion surfer said.       

Dannii Minogue also recorded a video for Warne, saying she would miss his smiling face.

‘You are absolutely Mr Sunshine, you have always been so incredible to my family as so much love to you and your family from all of us and I miss you,’ the Aussie singer said. 

Warne’s close friends then hit the stage, including former St Kilda star Aaron Hamill who shared a hilarious story about his obsession with Netflix show Peaky Blinders.

‘He said, ‘I’ve got this great idea,’ as he always did. He said, ‘I’ve sent off an email to the producers of Peaky Blinders. ‘ He was a binge Netflix watcher. He loved it,’ Hamill told the crowd. 

He was up to be teed up to be on Suits at one point. He didn’t stop there. With his email, he can hunt numbers up in his own way. He got the email of the producer up there. Off he sent themail. ‘I’d love to be part of your show. I’m a keen viewer.’ 

So he did all that and he rang back and said, ‘I got the email back.’ I said, ‘Please, read it out to me.’ ‘Dear Shane, thanks very much. We love your enthusiasm, but unfortunately porcelain venears weren’t around in Birmingham in 1931.’ But we live your support. Thank you very much.’

The audience burst out laughing, including close friend Michael Clarke.  

Popstar Robbie Williams then dedicated a heartwrenching performance of Angels to his ‘mate’.

‘Before you meet him you think he’s my mate. And then when you meet him you know he’s definitely your mate. He was kind, charismatic, funny, charming and a gentleman. I was looking forward to spending more time with him because you seldom come across that kind of energy with people,’ Williams said.

‘Everybody on the planet who have seen him play and experienced – I don’t know – Warnie being Warnie, thinks he’s one of us. Very few people on the planet can do that. And he’s one of them. A very special man. Very special talent. 

‘And that’s why I’m here today, to sing this song. God bless you, Warnie.’ 

Sachin Tendulkar, Glenn McGrath and Ian Botham then offered tributes to the spin king, with the Indian superstar noting his fairness to the opposition.

‘When someone batted well he was the first one to walk up to you and congratulate. That is how our friendship and respect for each other was,’ Tendulkar said. 

‘Warnie, my friend, I will miss you. I will miss you big time. You will continue to live in my heart. May your soul rest in peace.’

‘Warnie, there was only ever going to be one Shane Warne. You were magnificent, on or off the field. A magnificent advert for the game of cricket. You will never be replaced, mate. Rest in peace,’ Botham added.

Warne’s brother Jason then spoke about their childhood and relationship, noting the way they’d torment each other, the destruction of the Monopoly board and how much it made the King of Spin crazy he wasn’t 6foot tall.

He then shared a letter he sent his older brother in his youth, asking about ‘this girl Simone’ and admitting how proud he was to be ‘your brother’.

Ed Sheeran offered another musical performance following Jason’s euology, performing Warne’s favourite song of his ‘Speaking Out Loud’.   

Warne’s parents and children shed tears as the memorial started, with host Eddie McGuire introducing Sir Donald Bradman’s granddaughter to sing the national anthem.

Kellie Carter-Bell had a portrait of Warne tattooed on her leg last week. Standing beside Warne’s statue, the mother of five said Warne had given her strength to leave an abusive relationship.

‘I suffered 23 years of domestic violence and Shane Warne taught me to love myself again,’ she told Daily Mail Australia.

She met the cricketer 17 years ago in a cafe in leafy Kew, when Warne provided her some life changing advice.

‘I had a chat with him and we were friends ever since,’ Ms Carter-Bell said.

‘The charisma of the man. The intelligence and not just to do with cricket. The legacy of him teaching me to love myself has made a difference in 10 lives already.’

Famous faces have started rolling into the MCG, with AFL legends Garry Lyon and Sam Newman, former cricketers David Boon, Andrew Symonds and Chris O’Donnell and music icon Molly Meldrum all in attendance.

Colourful Melbourne figure Mick Gatto, ex-footy stars Nick Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna and ex-cricketer Darren Berry are also in attendance.

Politicians including Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Labor leader Anthony Albanese, former PM John Howard and Victorian Premier Dan Andrews are among the 50,000+ packing the ground.

Melbourne’s pubs began firing up while the sun was still high in tribute to Warne. Iconic pub Young & Jackson was brimming with Warne fans in the general bar from lunchtime.

Many would not make it the short walk along the Yarra River to the MCG to watch the memorial in person.

‘We’ll be having a beer for the great man right here,’ one punter told Daily Mail Australia. 

Entering the MCG, AFL great Garry Lyon said the atmosphere entering the ground had a completely different feeling.

‘Given what we’ve been through for two years, of course we’d much rather be doing it under different circumstances, but if this was happening a year ago we wouldn’t of had the opportunity. So it’s great and people are here for the right reasons,’ he said.

Lyon said it was fitting the memorial was held under the freshly named Shane Warne stand.

‘It’s just another standing ovation for Warney,’ Lyon said. 

A stone’s throw away, at popular MCG meeting point under Flinders Street Station, Clocks was offering $5 beers to Warney fans.

Further up Flinders Street, closer to the hallowed ground where Warne will be honoured, the Duke of Wellington was equally brimming with those sharing a beer and yarn about the great man.

Dressed in a $620 Nicola Finetti dress, Versace shoes and a Bulgari handbag, reality star Arabella Del Busso was spotted entering the pub for drinks honouring Warne.

‘He was a good friend of mine,’ she told Daily Mail Australia.

‘I knew him for at least six years. We met through the boxing world, Jeff Fenech and those boys. He was a beautiful man.’

Across the road, outside the MCG, crowds had gathered outside the members section in anticipation of the gates opening.

Streams of people continue to flow into the ground hours before the celebration is expected to commence. 

Jackson was spotted outside the family’s Melbourne home earlier in the afternoon with vodka cruisers and -196 Suntori lemon and vodka mixers ahead of the 7pm service.

The 22-year-old was dressed in ACB cricket shorts from the early 2000s, possibly belonging to his late father. 

Jackson said there was ‘no better place in the whole world’ to say goodbye to his father than the place where the King of Spin took his 700th test wicket. 

‘It’s very special for a lot of us, especially our family,’ he said.

‘We’ve been lucky enough to come here (to the MCG) our whole lives and watch him play and put lots of hard work in on this very ground.

‘Dad always loved a crowd, putting on a performance … I think, sad day as it is, with more people here it won’t be as sad.’   

His mother Simone Callahan also made an appearance on Wednesday afternoon, parading the family’s Insta-famous dog, Mason, in front of the cameras as she took out the bins.  

Jackson told Jam TV – owned by family friend Eddie McGuire – the MCG is the perfect place to farewell his father because he had so many great moments on the ground. 

‘I think there’s no other better place in the whole world for Melburnians, Victorians, Australians and people from around the world that loved him as a cricketer and a mate – to come and say goodbye,’ he said.

‘He’s got a statue out the front, and to have a grandstand named after him now is just unbelievable.

‘As sad as it is for all of us, to come and sit down at this ground for the rest of our lives and be able to say we’re sitting in Dad’s stand forever is pretty special, and I couldn’t think of a better place around the world to have a send-off for him because this is what he deserves.

‘I think Dad always loved a crowd, he always loved putting on a performance.’ 

Source: Daily Mail