This Photo Tribute Blog celebrates my fun-filled friendship with Dame Olivia Newton-John, a legendary Icon, a tireless Angel, an astute Warrior, and my kind Matey.
Dame Olivia Newton-John left us much too soon on 8 August 2022, four years ago. How times flies!
I deeply cherish Dame Olivia’s amazing fond memories and kind gifts (both ways), the shots I took of her at her sold-out concerts, backstage hangouts, countless email correspondences and numerous gift exchanges (pleasant surprises) via snail mail. I share some highlights with you below.
In my humblest of opinions, Dame Olivia Newton-John (above image) is one of the two greatest female voices ever recorded in a studio. The other is Karen Carpenter. ONJ has sold over 100 million records sales globally. I rest my case.
Deeply honoured to be considered Dame Olivia’s Friend (above image).
Beneath Dame Olivia’s beauty lies an unbelievable reservoir of strength, radiance, and endless energy of helping people, charity and causes. She even has a cancer research and wellness hospital named after her. She was bestowed a Dame by the English monarchy in 2019.
Dame Olivia Newton-John Impromptu Backstage Portrait (above image).
I believe we are born three times in our lives. First, when we emerge from our mother’s womb. Second, when we discover our purpose, the reason why we are put into this world. Finally, we have done what we were supposed to impart and our mortal coil is done and we embark on a more colourful spiritual journey beyond our earthly comprehension. Imagine a dull and grey caterpillar transforming in a spectacular butterfly.
The Eternal Gorgeous Butterfly (above image). “Grace and Gratitude” indeed, A butterfly mirror-image featured in page 42 from my “Sonic Solitude: Wondrous Tales From The Amplified World” rock photography book. Dame Olivia loved this concert image I took of her, she told me so after receiving the book.
Over the years, Dame Olivia sent signed All Access concert passes and her latest signed CDs, nice surprises in the mail to me (above image).
Signed Concert Pass (above image).
My Fun Book Message To Dame Olivia (above image), When my fourth book “ACCESS: Into The Wilderness Of Rock & Roll” got published, Dame Olivia was included in my first batch of oversea buddies to receive my books. Some of whom (my rock star subjects) have graced the pages in my book.
I intentionally featured Dame Olivia and her soul-mate Sir Cliff Richard side-by-side in my book (above image). Her reply was predictable – “Love the “Cliff and me” double page!!”.
Dame Olivia‘s appreciation in receiving my book (above image).
Speaking of books, she sent me her signed autobiography “Don’t Stop Believin’”. I will especially treasure this as she featured my image and name in the best-selling book.
Imagine my “Surprise!” to see a mysterious parcel suddenly appearing at my home (above image). With the word “Surprise!” cheekily written on the inner wrapper!
“Check out! Page 327” (above image). Yes, Ma’am!
My beloved jolly concert image of Dame Olivia is featured in her autobiography (above image). Page 327! Dame Olivia even signed that page!
There really is nothing more awesome than to receive nice compliments on my photographic journey (above image), especially from one’s legendary iconic rock/pop heroes, especially from one at the top hierarchy of all-time personal favourites.
Nice to be included with her Legendary Buddies on the same page in her Charity Auction Catalogue (above image).
I sent her a bunch of signed prints (above image) for her to put for international auction with proceeds going to her Cancer Research and Wellness Centre in Melbourne, Australia. Above is one such print – where she provided her signature together with mine.
It’s my first bona-fide Art Collab with a Superstar!
Dame Olivia and I were Email Mateys ( above image). We talk about families, the pandemic, jokes, and what else, music and photography. I would email her something in the quiet of a late night and I’ll see her reply first thing in the morning when I check my emails. Like clockwork.
My genuine used US license plates, GREASE and LIV 4EVR (above image). The well-travelled plates symbolise long fruitful journeys along the Road of Life, and the Lessons learnt and the Wisdom acquired. Perhaps more of this will be discussed in another article down the … Road.
The b/w images below are some of my favourites, and Olivia’s.
Enjoying My “Access All Areas” Photo Privilege – 1 – Concert Soundcheck (above image).
Enjoying My “Access All Areas” Photo Privilege – 2 – On Stage (above image). A few feet from Dame Olivia.
Enjoying My “Access All Areas” Photo Privilege – 3 – The Bowing Shot (above image).
Pointing To The Higher Power (above image).
She Sees Me! (above image).
Above was the last email, 4:08AM 20 June 2022, that I received from Dame Olivia, wishing me a Happy Father’s Day. Shorter than her usual emails, I suspected but rather prefer to think happy healthy thoughts. Fifty days later, I learned, as with the rest of the shocked world, she accepted an invitation by her Creator for greater divine missions above.
“Grease” Is The Word! (above image).
As my well-travelled and weathered US license plate states (above image), Olivia will fondly “LIV 4EVR” in all our hearts, in Xanadu!
I bid you a reluctant Adios – my dear Accomplished Angel, Tireless Activist, Iconic Singer and My Dear Matey!
