Newton-John energizes crowd
Physical and Totally Hot: not merely albums, but adjectives for Olivia Newton-John, who brought her “Physical” tour to Rupp Arena Saturday night.
The concert began with Newton-John emerging from behind a series of snapshots detailing various stages of her life and career while she sang “Deeper than the Night.”
Following history, and possibly playing up to a Kentucky crowd, she sang her country hits of the mid 1970s: “Let Me Be There,” “If Not for You” and “If You Love Me Let Me Know.”
Then the mood switched from mystery to magic, as Newton-John escaped into “Xanadu.”
After a break, she reappeared singing “Silvery Rain,” which was heightened by silver glitter that fell from the heights.
The crowds went wild when Newton-John asked them to “Make a Move on Me.” She seemed surprised at the overwhelming response to the blatantly sexual song.
As an encore, she jumped to the beat of “Physical” in a white shirt with a UK logo.
Physical she was. Calisthenics replaced dance while the crowd, the band and Newton-John achieved unity.
The adrenaline soon slowed and exhaustion set in. So, sitting down, drained of energy, she sang her final song, “I Honestly Love You,” which spoke of an impossible love interrupted by social constraints. It was truly a tribute, relating at last the reason for the concert.
Whatever the reason, she was very physical and totally hot.
By Ken Altine