Olivia Newton-John on 'Physical': "I Was Horrified" - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

JamesG · 04-13-2017, 12:48 PM

What Made Olivia Newton-John "Horrified" about 'Physical'
by Madison Vain
April 13, 2017

Olivia Newton-John dominated the Hot 100 for 10 straight weeks with her 1981 smash 'Physical'. Nearly four decades later, the Australian singer-actress, now 68, opens up to EW about the making of her unlikely hit — and that crazy sexy video.

Steve Kipner and Terry Shaddick, who wrote 'Physical', originally had Rod Stewart in mind to perform it. How did it make its way to you?

Roger Davies was my manager at the time; he played it for me and I knew it was a very catchy song! Jon Farrar, my producer, and I stuck pretty close to the demo, although he added his amazing guitars.

I wasn’t actually aware at the time that it was written for Rod Stewart. I must talk with him about it one day. Like, did he ever hear it?

With lyrics like “I took you to an intimate restaurant / Then to a suggestive movie / There’s nothing left to talk about / Unless it’s horizontally,” the song was pretty racy for the ’80s.

Did you have second thoughts before releasing it?

I recorded it and then suddenly thought, “Goodness, maybe I’ve gone too far!” It was a bit raunchier than I realized. I called Roger and said, “We’ve got to pull this song!” He said, “It’s too late. It’s already gone to radio and it’s running up the charts.”

I was horrified! [Laughs] I said, “Oh, wow…um…yeah…okay…well, maybe we should do a video and it should be about exercise — yeah! That’s it! Let’s make it about working out!”

Was your family as surprised as you were by the song?

Actually, no. My mom was a very forward-thinking woman. She was really open, so she probably thought it was funny.

My dad may not have. [Laughs] But they were both supportive.

The clip was released in 1981 — the same year MTV launched. What was it like having your video be a part of the music-video revolution?

It was very exciting! And we did the entire [Physical] album with videos. I think it was the first video album, if I’m correct. It was a lot of work. It was like making mini-movies. Each one had a story and different little parts.

Does any memory stick out as the funniest from the shoot?

For the shower scene, [director Brian Grant] originally wanted me to be in a swimsuit or underwear, and I said, “I can’t do that! I’ll do it in my clothes.”

Of course, that made it even sexier. [Laughs] But I didn’t think about it at the time, I just didn’t want to be in a suit or a towel.

This was one of the first times we saw you with that super-short hairdo. Did you cut it specifically for this?

We cut my hair like that the night of the American Music Awards. It was spur-of-the-moment. I had this wild outfit on and it was just like, “Shall we?”

I’ve always been pretty bold with my hair because it grows back. I like change. I get excited by it, not scared by it.

Nearly 40 years later, how do you feel about the song and video?

I watch that video now and I wonder at my energy level. [Laughs] I wish I could still do all that! But I’ve had different periods and things that have been successful for me.

I’ve had the country phase of my life, then I had 'Physical' and Grease and Xanadu — they’re all different. I’m very grateful for all the people who have written music for me.

http://ew.com/music/2017/04/13/olivi...cal-interview/

Retro4Life · 04-13-2017, 01:03 PM

Wow, did I have a crush on her back in the 70's. Such a beautiful lady, with a voice and personality to match. I did get a bit tired of "Physical" but I loved her other hits! She really seems like a down to earth, humble lady.

Bonniegirl · 04-13-2017, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retro4Life

Wow, did I have a crush on her back in the 70's. Such a beautiful lady, with a voice and personality to match. I did get a bit tired of "Physical" but I loved her other hits! She really seems like a down to earth, humble lady.

I think this is my favorite song of hers!!!

It's beautiful!!!

"If you love me let me know"!

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

Retro4Life · 04-13-2017, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bonniegirl

I think this is my favorite song of hers!!!

It's beautiful!!!

"If you love me let me know"!

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

Yes, it is a great song. She had so many! I loved "Please Mr. Postman", "Have You Never Been Mellow?", "Magic", "Xanadu", and so many more.

Zoneboy · 04-13-2017, 01:41 PM

I thought my day couldn't get any worse, I was wrong.

Edward216 · 04-15-2017, 01:54 AM

Retro4Life I think you mean Please Mr. Please and not Please Mr. Postman LOL. And for the record I hate "Physical" and I think she should be horrified by it. I don't understand what she was thinking when she did that. And that's my opinion.

Ed.

Retro4Life · 04-15-2017, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edward216

Retro4Life I think you mean Please Mr. Please and not Please Mr. Postman LOL. And for the record I hate "Physical" and I think she should be horrified by it. I don't understand what she was thinking when she did that. And that's my opinion.

Ed.

Absolutely. Thanks for correcting me. (how often does anyone hear THAT on a message board, lol).

opus · 04-15-2017, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bonniegirl

I think this is my favorite song of hers!!!

It's beautiful!!!

"If you love me let me know"!

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

The comments on that video praise the guy with the deep voice who sings along on the chorus. It always majorly annoyed me. It's like being at a concert trying to enjoy the show, but the drunk guy next to you won't stop trying to sing along.

1960'sTVfan · 04-15-2017, 02:13 PM

I don't care much for "Physical" either, but I like several of her other hits. "Please Mr. Please" is a good tune, "Sam" is another one I like.

"If You Love Me Let Me Know" is basically a re-write of "Let Me Be There", both songs have similarities. Glen Campbell did the same thing with "Country Boy", which is basically a re-write of "Rhinestone Cowboy".

04-13-2017, 12:48 PM	#1
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,039	Olivia Newton-John on 'Physical': "I Was Horrified" *What Made Olivia Newton-John "Horrified" about 'Physical'* by Madison Vain April 13, 2017 Olivia Newton-John dominated the Hot 100 for 10 straight weeks with her 1981 smash 'Physical'. Nearly four decades later, the Australian singer-actress, now 68, opens up to EW about the making of her unlikely hit — and that crazy sexy video. Steve Kipner and Terry Shaddick, who wrote 'Physical', originally had Rod Stewart in mind to perform it. How did it make its way to you? Roger Davies was my manager at the time; he played it for me and I knew it was a very catchy song! Jon Farrar, my producer, and I stuck pretty close to the demo, although he added his amazing guitars. I wasn’t actually aware at the time that it was written for Rod Stewart. I must talk with him about it one day. Like, did he ever hear it? With lyrics like “I took you to an intimate restaurant / Then to a suggestive movie / There’s nothing left to talk about / Unless it’s horizontally,” the song was pretty racy for the ’80s. Did you have second thoughts before releasing it? I recorded it and then suddenly thought, “Goodness, maybe I’ve gone too far!” It was a bit raunchier than I realized. I called Roger and said, “We’ve got to pull this song!” He said, “It’s too late. It’s already gone to radio and it’s running up the charts.” I was horrified! [Laughs] I said, “Oh, wow…um…yeah…okay…well, maybe we should do a video and it should be about exercise — yeah! That’s it! Let’s make it about working out!” Was your family as surprised as you were by the song? Actually, no. My mom was a very forward-thinking woman. She was really open, so she probably thought it was funny. My dad may not have. [Laughs] But they were both supportive. The clip was released in 1981 — the same year MTV launched. What was it like having your video be a part of the music-video revolution? It was very exciting! And we did the entire [Physical] album with videos. I think it was the first video album, if I’m correct. It was a lot of work. It was like making mini-movies. Each one had a story and different little parts. Does any memory stick out as the funniest from the shoot? For the shower scene, [director Brian Grant] originally wanted me to be in a swimsuit or underwear, and I said, “I can’t do that! I’ll do it in my clothes.” Of course, that made it even sexier. [Laughs] But I didn’t think about it at the time, I just didn’t want to be in a suit or a towel. This was one of the first times we saw you with that super-short hairdo. Did you cut it specifically for this? We cut my hair like that the night of the American Music Awards. It was spur-of-the-moment. I had this wild outfit on and it was just like, “Shall we?” I’ve always been pretty bold with my hair because it grows back. I like change. I get excited by it, not scared by it. Nearly 40 years later, how do you feel about the song and video? I watch that video now and I wonder at my energy level. [Laughs] I wish I could still do all that! But I’ve had different periods and things that have been successful for me. I’ve had the country phase of my life, then I had 'Physical' and Grease and Xanadu — they’re all different. I’m very grateful for all the people who have written music for me. http://ew.com/music/2017/04/13/olivi...cal-interview/

04-13-2017, 01:03 PM	#2
Retro4Life Accept No Substitutes Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 04, 2009 Location: IL Posts: 6,708	Wow, did I have a crush on her back in the 70's. Such a beautiful lady, with a voice and personality to match. I did get a bit tired of "Physical" but I loved her other hits! She really seems like a down to earth, humble lady.
	__________________ Alex Reiger :[Trying to convince Louie not to antagonize Bobby] "It's not hard to make people feel bad about their lives. What's hard is making people feel good about their lives."

04-13-2017, 01:41 PM	#5
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,349	I thought my day couldn't get any worse, I was wrong.
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04-15-2017, 01:54 AM	#6
Edward216 Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 18, 2014 Location: Central Time Zone Posts: 4,630	Retro4Life I think you mean Please Mr. Please and not Please Mr. Postman LOL. And for the record I hate "Physical" and I think she should be horrified by it. I don't understand what she was thinking when she did that. And that's my opinion. Ed.

04-15-2017, 02:13 PM	#9
1960'sTVfan Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 30, 2009 Posts: 6,075	I don't care much for "Physical" either, but I like several of her other hits. "Please Mr. Please" is a good tune, "Sam" is another one I like. "If You Love Me Let Me Know" is basically a re-write of "Let Me Be There", both songs have similarities. Glen Campbell did the same thing with "Country Boy", which is basically a re-write of "Rhinestone Cowboy".