When Barry Gibb and Olivia Newton-John sang 'Islands in the Stream' and it was glorious

23 September 2020, 15:27 | Updated: 28 January 2021, 17:26

Barry Gibb and Olivia Newton-John in 2009
Barry Gibb and Olivia Newton-John in 2009. Picture: Getty

By Tom Eames

The Bee Gees wrote 'Islands in the Stream' for Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, but that hasn't stopped Barry Gibb from belting it out every now and then.

One such performance saw Sir Barry Gibb team up with good friend Olivia Newton-John at a charity concert, and the result was pure musical joy.

The moment happened at the Sound Relief charity concert in 2009, to raise funds for those affected by Victorian bushfires earlier that year.

Read more: 8 songs you didn't know were written by Barry Gibb and the Bee Gees

The event was held simultaneously at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Barry Gibb headlined the Sydney event, performing many classic Bee Gees hits including 'Jive Talkin'' and 'You Should Be Dancing'.

Read more: Teenage Barry Gibb and 10-year-old Robin and Maurice make first TV appearance as the Bee Gees

In the middle of his set, Barry welcomed Olivia to the stage for a one-off performance of the classic Kenny and Dolly duet. Watch the song below:

Barry Gibb & Olivia Newton-John - Island In The Stream

Describing Olivia as "the greatest female singer in the world" and "a true artist who I've admired all my life", Barry was clearly very pleased to be duetting with the Grease icon.

Read more: The Story of... 'Islands in the Stream'

Barry and Olivia have been friends for decades. In fact, they also teamed up for the duet 'Face to Face' in 1984 for his solo Now Voyager album.

Meanwhile, a film based on the Bee Gees is said to be in the works from the people who made Bohemian Rhapsody, with Bradley Cooper speculated to be playing Barry Gibb.