Air Supply reminds Manila fans why its love songs endure!
Via ABS-CBN.com
MANILA — More than four decades after their first visit to the Philippines in 1981, soft rock duo Air Supply returned to Araneta Coliseum on Monday, October 26, for a concert featuring the enduring hits that have kept Filipino fans singing along through the years.
After a brief blackout then strobe lights followed as the legendary duo Air Supply finally appeared on stage to perform for their Filipino fans once again for their “A Matter of Time” concert, starting with their hit “Sweet Dreams.”
After their opening number, the duo of of Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock performed “Even The Nights Are Better” and “Just As I Am,” as their fans sang along.
“Always a pleasure to be with you guys. You guys are welcoming. Thank you so much. I say this every night because it’s the truth, we take nothing for granted, we do appreciate you guys coming here to see us. Bless you guys. We love you, thank you,” Hitchcock said.
Air Supply continued to rock the Big Dome performing their hits “Every Woman in the World,” “Here I Am” and “Chances.”
“We’ve been coming to the Philippines for many, many years. We first came here in 1981. That’s a long time, probably older than most of you in the audience. We are going to have some a wonderful show tonight. We are so excited to be here again. … Tonight ladies and gentlemen we are yours, but in return you are ours. Are you ready?” said Russell before he and Hitchcock started to perform one of their massive hits “Goodbye.”
Russell recalled a time when nobody wanted to do anything with them. But he said they kept going because they don’t want to quit.
“With our music we try to have a positive influence on everyone, to bring people together. And, also to tell people, whatever you are doing in your life don’t give up chasing your dreams, because your dreams are waiting for you. … What I’m saying to you now, whatever you do in your life, don’t stop, don’t give up because whatever you want in life will come to you, it’s just a matter of time,” says Russell before he was joined again by Hitchcock to sing “A Matter of Time.”
As Hitchcock took a short break, it was Russell time to entertain the audience as he recited his own poem “Invisible.”
He then introduced their touring band members Kat Findlay (cello), Jessika Soli (cello), Doug Gild (bass), Pavel Valdman (drums), and Mirko Tessandori (musical director, piano, keyboard).
Russell then performed one of his favorites, “Just Between The Lines,” which is about friendship.
Before performing “Two Less Lonely People,” Russell recalled meeting Hitchcock at a rehearsal in Sydney, Australia, 51 years ago. He said Hitchcock was seated beside him and immediately caught his attention with his incredible voice. After the rehearsal, Russell introduced himself to Hitchcock, and the two discovered they had much in common. They eventually decided to form a band, marking the beginning of their five-decade musical partnership.
“Although that’s quite a long time, the greatest thing is the friendship he and I have together. In our friendship we have never had an argument in any kind ever at all. People find that hard to believe but it’s true. And if you knew this gentleman like I do, you would understand why that is possible. Ladies and gentlemen, my closest friend Rusell Hitchcock,” Russell said.
Inviting the crowd to sing their hit “The One That You Love” was one of the highlights of the show.
Air Supply also performed “Lost in Love,” “Making Love Out of Nothing at All,” and “Without You.”
The duo concluded their Manila concert with “All Out of Love“ and left the stage past 9 p.m. with “All You Need Is Love” playing in the background.
