XANADU – A Tribute to Olivia Newton John

The year was 1980. I was 12 years old. I was in my first year of high school and Xanadu, the movie and song title, came out. Roller skating was huge. Big hair, shoulder pads, lycra, new moves on the dance floor and a new decade were upon us. My sister Lena and I would attempt to roller skate at the local rink to Xanadu. Xanadu and Olivia Newton John instilled hope, dreams and a wondrous future in us. Think ‘Stranger Things’ but without the monsters. A simpler time.

I had no idea that the passing of Olivia Newton John yesterday would impact me as much as it has. Olivia was such an icon, an incredible talent, an inspiration, a joy, bringing hope, love, music, purity and laughter in all her movies and music, spanning so many years. Then there is the amazing legacy that she has left with her Olivia Newton John Cancer, Wellness and Research Centre in Melbourne. A strong, graceful, fighter to the end.

Losing Olivia Newton John meant that I lost my youth and my innocence, yesterday. I lost the beacon of hope, the splendour of the 80’s and Xanadu with her. It also reminded me of my dear friend Tom, and his battle with cancer too. Still so raw.

“Xanadu, your neon lights will shine. For you Xanadu.”

Liv, your neon light will shine forever, to you, Olivia Newton John, thank you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKSB2O2Shts