Olivia Newton John RIP

Sad news indeed.

Such a classy lady who lived her life with such dignity and grace.So glad I got to see her twice on her last UK concert tour in 2013. Still remember that performance, one of the best concerts I have been to. RIP.

Really sad. I love her voice. Of course, all the hits, but Suspended in Time is beautiful.



Weightless from ‘A Few Best Men’ is great too. A fun film she’s in as well.

And there's Physical, the Glee! version

One of her less well known songs which I have always loved is Boats against the current from her Totally Hot album.

Eric Carmen is one of the best pop songwriters of his generation. He co-wrote "Almost Paradise," featured in "Footloose," as well as "Hungry Eyes," featured in "Dirty Dancing." And his work with his original power pop band The Raspberries turns up in a number of film soundtracks as well. I'll always love his ballads. I had no idea Olivia had covered that song - Eric's "Boats Against the Current" LP was considered to his masterwork at the time, and I sometimes marvel that he could write such emotionally deep lyrics when he was still in his 20s.

At The Osmond's musical the other night Olivia was mentioned. It was a scene about the Bing Crosby show and all of the stars who had appeared on it and her name was there.
I think it was before her time so maybe they inserted it into the script. She got a lovely round of applause from the Manchester audience.

I remember when in the queue waiting to go into the Manchester concert in 2013 that theatre staff were coming out with loads of things Olivia had signed as the fans had handed them into the theatre asking for a signature. Not many artists of her stature would do that but then there will only ever be one Olivia.

Listened to an old podcast she did with Iain Dale while in London a few years back. She really did come across as such a genuine spirit and a kind soul; someone with strongly-held views (about the environment, animal welfare etc) but that she was able to put across in such a considered and respectful way - unlike so much of the "noise" surrounding debate these days.

It was also fascinating that it was Helen Reddy who told ONJ she must moved to the States if she wanted an international career and that it was Helen who introduced Olivia to the producer of 'Grease' at a dinner party Reddy hosted with her husband.

Two classy Aussie ladies - and two distinctive, timeless voices - we've lost way too close to each other.

Oh, I wouldn't put it past Helen Reddy. Unfortunately she was a little before my time before leaving for America but as an Australian, I'm certainly aware if her. Especially '(I Am Woman) Hear Me Roar' and her presence in the original Disney film Pete's Dragon and 'Candle On The Water'.

Without Googling I don't know much about her husband, marriage (I think she got divorced) or personal life. I do know that towards the end of her life she had dementia.

Although the world has changed a lot, in many ways it still remains the same.

We are so far away and if you are a performer in Australia (singer, actor, dancer) the only way to achieve success on an international scale is to leave- think Kylie, Jason Donovan, Guy Pierce, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie, Isla Fisher, Peter Allen, Darren Hayes, Air Supply, Hugh Jackman, Rebel Wilson, Sigrid Thornton, the Hemsworth brothers, Toni Collette, Tina Arena, The Bee Gees, Natalie Imbruglia.

In Australia, any success you achieve is limited and yes whilst you may be constantly working and a household name, to hone your craft and be recognised internationally, you must leave.

Now people who choose to stay (obviously) have their reasons for doing so and may have fleeting moments of international success -think Delta Goodrem) but to maintain it, they need to leave.

I have an Academy Award nominated Uncle in the film industry in Australia who works behind the scenes, on set with actors of all levels of success and as an 'outsider looking in' he totally agrees.

A bit of an Olivia Newton John night yesterday on BBC2. Starting at 10.15 with Olivia at the BBC, then Xanadu, and ending with Only Olivia. All available on iPlayer.