by Jenny Nolte
The Main Event : "A NIGHT OF AUSSIE MAGIC!"StarringJOHN FARNHAM, OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN and ANTHONY WARLOW at Melbourne Park on the 28 October, 1998. (Opening night).
|
|
 With three of
Australia's greatest singing talents, I was in for
something special. Backed by a 40 piece orchestra and the
John Farnham Band, John opened the show with 'Age of
Reason'. Anthony entered the stage and sang 'Phantom of
the Opera'. The boys looked handsome in their suits.
Olivia then joined the boys on stage wearing a long white
satin, open weave own with matching shawl, and singing 'A
Little More Love'. The three finished with a chorus of
'Age of Reason' before leaving the stage to generous
applause. Anthony entered the stage for his excellent
solo set, leaving the stage to loud audience
appreciation.
|
 Olivia danced and
sang her way through 'Not Gonna Give Into It' with
Anthony joining her on stage, dancing around her blowing
a whistle. The audience really loved this. Olivia and
Anthony then sat down, (centre stage) on stools to sing a
tribute to people who are no longer with us. 'The Long
And Winding Road' Linda McCartney). 'Take Me Home Country
Roads (John Denver), 'I Honestly Love You' (Peter Allen),
finishing their set with a beautiful version of Olivia's
song 'Love Is A Gift accompanied by Chong Lim on piano.
Olivia and Anthony both left the stage to a warm ovation.
Anthony and John entered the stage for a few songs and a
very funny comedy  routine which the audience
loved. Next came one of the best finales I have seen,
beginning with the 'Righteous Brothers' ' You've Lost
that Lovin' Feeling', Olivia looking lovely in a
silver/grey suit with a black cape. The three sang a
short but cheeky version of 'Summer Nights', 'If Not For
You' and 'Let Me Be There' followed by 'A Touch Of
Paradise' performed by John and Olivia. Anthony and
Olivia then handed John a red umbrella as the two sang
Johns' old hit 'Rain Drops Keep Falling On My Head',
strolling arm in arm around the stage. Next came 'Banks
Of The Ohio', Olivia sang a very funny version of
'Jolene' with the boys clowning around behind her. The
three finished by singing some of john's hits, starting
with 'Hearts On Fire' and finishing of with 'Don't You
Know It's Magic', before leaving the stage to a standing
ovation.
ALL PHOTOS BY Jenny Nolte |
This page brought to you by the Olivia Newton-John fan club Only Olivia.
last updated January 13, 2003
Olivia entered the stage
wearing a long red sleeveless gown with a gold pattern
She looked lovely. Opening her set with 'Magic', followed
by 'If You Love Me Let Me Know', taking her microphone
and lassooing it through the air screaming 'Yea Ha'.
Olivia then said 'Hello Melbourne. It's great to be
home'. She spoke about her new album, then performed
'Back With A Heart' and, accompanied by pianist Chong Lim
from John Farnham's Band, sang 'Precious Love' which she
introduced as being her new single. She finished her set
with the classic hit, 'Hopelessly Devoted To You' again,
leaving the stage to a loud audience ovation. She looked
beautiful and sounded wonderful, although a little
nervous. She still hit every note, her voice strong.
Truly the professional. 
John entered the stage to a very loud
reception; he sang his set and got the place rocking for
more great music to come. After a 20 minute break, Olivia
opened the second half with a moving performance of
'Don't Cry For Me Argentina', looking just gorgeous in a
long red velvet gown with matching shawl and black shoes.
Ending the song with her arms stretched out, her shawl
around her shoulders and arms, highlighted by a raised
stage and beautiful lighting displays, Olivia received a
very loud ovation. John then joined Olivia on stage, the
two singing an excellent version of John' s old song
'Please Don't Ask me', ending with the two kissing and
hugging. Then the two vamped things up with John helping
Olivia on with her black leather jacket to Olivia's
comments of 'It still fits...amazing! '. They sang the
Grease hit 'You're The One That I Want'. The audience
really loved this. Minus her leather jacket, the two sang
a great duet version of John's hit 'Two Strong Hearts'.
John then left the stage. 
For an encore, the three sang 'You're
Always In My Prayers', Olivia adding a long rhinestone
scarf. over her black cape. Olivia and Anthony left the
stage, while 3ohn sang a melody of Australian Rock Songs
before also leaving the stage. By then the audience
couldn't get enough. For the second encore, Olivia
entered the stage wearing a long gold, sleeveless gown
and danced around the stage singing her hit song
'Physical'. The boys joined her on stage for an excellent
finish to the best concert I have seen, a moving version
of John's hit ' You're The Voice' with bag- pipers
joining them at the edge of the stage. The three taking
their final bows again to a standing ovation. What a
magical performance. Something so unique and special. I
was not disappointed. What talent! What a show! 