News

via The Gazette

Air Supply couldn’t be busier on the eve of its 50th anniversary.

The rock duo, which formed in Australia in 1975, is working on a biography.

“(Vocalist/guitarist) Graham (Russell) has done his version, but I’ve yet to complete my part,” vocalist Russell Hitchcock said while calling from his Huntington Beach, Calif., home. “We have a lot on our plate.”

A bio pic is also in the works, and the duo is touring as hard as ever. Air Supply, which will perform a sold-out concert Friday, June 14, 2024, at the Riverside Casino Event Center, is in the midst of a 150-date jaunt

“We’ve done at least that amount of shows every year since the ’70s,” Hitchcock said. “It’s what we do.”

Prior to the duo’s American gigs, Air Supply toured Latin America and will perform in Asia before 2024 concludes.

“We’re so lucky to have devoted fans that have been with us forever,” Hitchcock said. “They are loyal since it’s not that they just like our songs, they love our songs.”

The catchy, sweet ballads propelled Air Supply to the top of the American charts during the ’80s and the rabid fan base has never let go of the hit parade.

Air Supply has sold more than 100 million albums, buoyed by eight top-five hits on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. “Lost in Love,” “All Out of Love,” “Every Woman in the World,” “The One That You Love,” “Here I Am,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Even the Nights are Better” and “Making Love Out of Nothing at All” enabled Air Supply to become one of the most successful acts of the ’80s, despite receiving little media coverage.

“I’ve always been anti-Rolling Stone (magazine) since they never mentioned us, even when we were one of the biggest groups in the universe,” Hitchcock said. “You couldn’t get into that magazine back then unless you were Elvis Costello or Bruce Springsteen. You weren’t valid if you weren’t in Rolling Stone. We weren’t on the (Rolling Stone) top 100 greatest singers list. Beyonce is number 5. Please. God bless her, but no way Beyonce is in the top 100, in my opinion.”

(Actually Jay-Z’s better half is ranked at number 8 on Rolling Stone’s latest list from 2023)

Hitchcock, 74, admits that he doesn’t listen to much contemporary music, but he raves about Taylor Swift.

“I’m a big Taylor Swift fan,” he said. “I watched her concert film and I was blown away. She is a brilliant lyricist, a great storyteller. Taylor opens herself up, and to her credit, doesn’t give a crap about what anyone thinks. It’s a very (gutsy) thing for someone so young.

“Compare her to Beyonce and you see that Beyonce has 15 songwriters. … Taylor writes all of her own material with one producer. There’s no comparison as far as talent is concerned,” he said. “Beyonce is great. She markets herself in a brilliant manner. I don’t begrudge anyone’s success. I believe we should all support each other in the music industry, which is such a small community.”

However, Air Supply has been a butt of jokes during its career. During a recent chat with KISS’ Gene Simmons, I asked the business-minded bassist about pyrotechnics. “Where do you think that came from — Air Supply,” Simmons replied.

“That’s very funny,” Hitchcock said.

Air Supply never lost its sense of humor or vulnerability in song. Russell and Hitchcock always laid it out via love songs.

“It’s not an easy thing to do,” Hitchcock said. “But that’s what my favorite recording artists have done.”

The Beatles, who Hitchcock caught in Melbourne in 1964, changed the laid-back Aussie’s life.

“Before I heard the Beatles, all I heard at home was Frank Sinatra, Perry Como and singers like that,” Hitchcock said. “And then I saw the Beatles in this 10,000-seat arena, and it was sheer pandemonium.

“There was no band like them. They changed everything. They changed clothing, hairstyles, the language and of course, music. The Beatles changed the world. Part of the reason they changed the world is because they had the songs, and many of those great songs are love songs.”

Love songs aren’t as ubiquitous as they were a generation or two ago. Many contemporary songs are about “things” as opposed to “people,” and Hitchcock has noticed.

“It is different today,” he said. “The ’60s were great. The ’70s were amazing and the ’80s were terrific. Things went south for me at the beginning of the ’90s. There was Nirvana, who had some really great songs, but it wasn’t cool to be happy anymore. You had to be angry.”

Hitchcock is in a terrific mood, particularly when he belts out Air Supply’s feel-good love songs.

“It’s a great time for Graham and I,” Hitchcock said. “We’ve been at this for so long and we’ve never had an argument.”

Hitchcock and Russell sound like Paul and Linda McCartney, who claimed to have never fought.

“That’s a funny comparison,” Hitchcock said. “But it’s true. We really enjoy working with each other or we wouldn’t still be doing this all these years later.”

Via Sungazette.com

For longtime lovers of rock music, Air Supply is a group that needs little introduction. With a slew of hits that have charted near the top of Billboard’s Hot 100 — “Lost in Love,” “All Out of Love,” “Every Woman in the World,” “The One That You Love,” “Here I Am,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Even the Nights Are Better” and “Making Love Out of Nothing at All” — and 16 studio albums under their belt, the band’s body of work over the last five decades speaks for itself.

That said, fans that haven’t yet made it to one of the group’s 5,000-plus live shows would likely be surprised by how hard they can rock in person. For as great as their recordings are, the orchestrated and mellow sound found on the albums doesn’t fully reflect the high-energy performances Air Supply brings to the stage.

Luckily, local followers of the band will get a chance to experience Air Supply’s’ spirited show for themselves, when they perform at 7:30 p.m. on June 9 at the Community Arts Center, 220 West Fourth St.

“(The show) is very loud. If people aren’t expecting that then maybe they should bring some earplugs,” said Air Supply lead vocalist Russell Hitchcock. “It’s not soft rock. It’s a rock ‘n’ roll show and it has been for many years.”

Hitchcock helped found Air Supply along with guitarist and songwriter Graham Russell back in 1975. While dozens of other members have joined and left the group through the years, those two have been a constant presence in the band for the entirety of its 49-year run. Hitchcock credited the pair’s great friendship, mutual respect and shared vision as the primary reasons they have been able to work together for so long in an industry where that rarely happens.

“Our decisions for Air Supply’s future are always very democratic,” Hitchcock said. “Graham says in the show that we have never had an argument. People find that impossible to believe, but it is the absolute truth. We don’t fight because we have never had any reason to.

“We have always presented a united front and that’s not just for the public, that is who we are,” he added. “I won’t let anybody say a bad word about him, and he’s the same.”

Nowadays, Hitchcock and Russell are joined in Air Supply by a youthful group of talented musicians that includes Aaron McLain (lead guitarist, musical director), Mirko Tessandori (keyboard), Doug Gild (bass) and Pavel Valdman (drums).

“We have got it all. That’s probably bragging, but they sound great, and they look great,” Hitchcock said. “Fortunately for us, they are all younger, so they probably have a lot more energy than we do; and they have more current influences than we do.”

With a rigorous touring schedule that often sees the band performing upwards of 100 shows per year, Hitchcock said he doesn’t have to work too hard to keep his powerful tenor voice in good shape, since his vocal cords are constantly being exercised. But he has tried to live a healthier lifestyle, adjusting his eating habits and cutting out alcohol about two-and-a-half years ago.

“You have to be in great shape to complete our schedule,” he said.

When asked why Air Supply has been able to enjoy the longevity it has seen, where droves of fans still turn out night after night to watch them perform, Hitchcock said it all comes down to the songs.

“If the song isn’t there to start with, then you don’t have any chance,” he said. “Especially when you have songs like ours, which really are simple and straight forward, but they really are straight-to-the-heart songs.

“It’s the content and the emotional connection we have with people that keeps us going,” he added.

Air Supply’s discography and live shows have resonated so much with some fans that they’ve become part of an ultra-dedicated group that the band affectionately refers to as “Airheads.” Unlike casual fans that might have seen the band perform once or twice, most of the members of this club have seen them dozens of times in person.

“For me, I would see the same faces at shows and I would think, ‘Well that’s pretty weird.’ I mean, I wouldn’t go and see me 20 times,” said Hitchcock. “But as our reputation grew and our career continued to flourish, we would see more and more of these Airhead fans.

“We are on a first-name basis with a lot of them and will have conversations at shows when we see them,” added Hitchcock. “They are just a great bunch of people, and they support us to the death.”

For the members of Air Supply, showing respect for their fans is of paramount importance. Hitchcock said he has seen many bands and musicians show a dismissive attitude towards their supporters when approached by them, and that isn’t something that sits well with him.

“It’s just something we would never think about doing ever,” he said. “If you sign up for this and you enjoy everything about it, like the fame — whatever that is — and the monetary rewards, then you should respect the fact that the people who come and see you are responsible for that.

“Turning anybody away for something as simple as a photograph or autograph is so disrespectful, because they have paid a lot of money to see you perform,” he added. “If it wasn’t for our fans we wouldn’t be here, and we recognize that.”

To this day, Air Supply continues to grow its fan base, as they now often find themselves performing not only for their original fans, but also the children and grandchildren of those fans. That’s something Hitchcock loves to see, because he knows the influx of new followers will only extend the legacy of the band.

“You can see them singing along with us, and they know the lyrics,” Hitchcock said, of the group’s younger fans. “It’s something else, because it probably isn’t cool to go to school and say you’re an Air Supply fan if you are 15.

“It’s wonderful, and we know for years to come people are still going to listen to our stuff.”

Whether you’re a new fan or have been with the band for its full ride, the members of Air Supply leave it all on the stage each night to make sure they create a lasting impression on all of those in the audience.

“One of the greatest things about playing live, is that it’s an instant verification of whether they like it or they don’t like it,” said Hitchcock. “You don’t have to wonder, because you can see and feel how they have been affected by the music.

“We have always considered ourselves to be a touring band more than a recording studio act,” he added. “We do it because we love it, and we do it because people want to see us. We still think that we sound pretty good and look respectable.”

For more information on Air Supply’s show at the Community Arts Center, visit caclive.com or call 570-326-2424.

Via KTLA.com 

Graham and Russell tell KTLA 5 Morning News about Air Supply’s 50th Anniversary, the key to success, and more ahead of their back to back shows in Las Vegas!

Tickets for the Air Supply tour can be bought at AirsupplyMusic.com. This segment aired on the KTLA 5 Morning News on May 27, 2024.

Watch the full interview HERE

Via Fox5Vegas

Air Supply will perform LIVE in Las Vegas, at The Westgate International Theater on May 31st and June 1st, 2024

Watch Graham and Russell talk 50th Anniversary plans, upcoming biopic and more on Fox5Vegas!

Watch the full interview below

Click here to see the full segment: WATCH NOW

Via Americansongwriter.com

Air Supply steadily succeeded with a stream of soft rock hits that played off their strengths: Graham Russell’s songwriting and Russell Hitchcock’s vocals. They dented the charts with regularity, and fans of sorrowful, dramatic ballads have a soft spot in their hearts for the duo’s 1980 hit “All Out of Love.”

What was the song about? Why did Graham Russell take lead vocals on verses on this one? And how did legendary music industry executive Clive Davis end up with a songwriting credit? Read on and go all in with “All Out of Love.”

“Love” Hangover

Air Supply were already several years into their recording career when a rerecording of “Lost in Love,” a song that they’d already released in their home base of Australia, rocketed to the top of the U.S. charts. For a follow-up, they’d release another “love” song, but this one with a much more anguished take on the subject.

Graham Russell wrote the song one day in his Sydney apartment on a piano he’d had delivered solely for the purpose of writing on the instrument. That proved to be a good decision, as he came up with a touching melody that demanded a relatively high vocal range, something that seemingly fit perfectly with Hitchcock’s powerhouse vocals.

But something was amiss when they tried the song with Hitchcock singing the whole thing. Hitchcock convinced Russell to take the lead vocals in the verses, even as they pushed his range to the limit. That allowed Hitchcock to come swooping in on the choruses, providing a give-and-take similar to what Air Supply had done with “Lost in Love.”

Clive to the Rescue

When Air Supply turned “All Out of Love” in to Clive Davis, who had championed the band at Arista Records, the exec famously known for picking hits knew he had a winner on hand. But he had an issue with the lyrics, as Russell explained to this author for the book Playing Back the ‘80s: A Decade of Unstoppable Hits:

“Clive got ‘Lost in Love’ first, which he loved. And he said, ‘We’re gonna go with ‘All Out of Love’ next, but for the American market, there’s a lyric change that needs to happen.’ And I wasn’t very happy about it. It was originally, I’m all out of love / I want to arrest you. In that context, I meant to get one’s attention. But he said, ‘No, in America, people will think getting arrested by the police.’

“So he said, ‘What about I’m so lost without you? This was Clive Davis and I couldn’t say no. And he said to me, ‘If you make that lyric change, it will be one of the biggest songs of the year.’ So I said, ‘OK, let’s do it.’ And he got credit for that, quite rightly, ‘cause it was his line.”

What is the Meaning of “All Out of Love”?

The splitting up of the vocal duties makes it seem like narrator of “All Out of Love” is making a two-pronged approach to winning back his girl. In the verses, Russell makes a cerebral case, explaining in detail all the ways that he’s suffering. He suggests it might be a mutual longing to reunite: I’m reaching for you, are you feeling it too / Does the feeling seem oh so right.

As he continues his speech, he gets to a point where he implies his very existence is in question without her: Please love me or I’ll be gone. When the chorus comes around each time, Hitchcock arrives by laying it all on the line, both his sorry state (I’m all out love) and naked apology (I can’t be too late to say that I was so wrong.) And when he rises another octave in the final moments, it sounds like all the walls of his life are crashing down around him as he desperately pleads for her to come back.

It seems the romantic crime this poor sap committed was a lack of faith in the relationship to start. Who knows whether the girl in question will believe his change of heart? What we can say for sure is Air Supply makes a grand, romantic, dramatic gesture with the words and notes of the remarkable “All Out of Love.”

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Via Variety.com 

Air Supply may be the latest chart-topping musical act to get the big screen treatment.

Altit Media Group said it plans to make biopic about the band that will, in a nod to one of the group’s biggest hits, be entitled,  “All Out of Love: The Air Supply Story.” The film will be released in summer 2025 to celebrate Air Supply’s 50th anniversary. Filming is set to take place in Australia and the U.K. during the fourth quarter of 2024.

Air Supply found success with a series of romantic ballads. Their hits include “Here I Am,” “Lost in Love,” “The One That You Love”, “All Out of Love”, “Every Woman in the World” and “Even the Nights Are Better.” The group scored seven Top 5 singles in a row, tying the Beatles’ consecutive run, and went on to sell more than 100 million albums worldwide while playing over 5,000 shows. Members Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock have continued to tour the world

Hollywood has been on a hot streak when it comes to biopics about music legends, with recent releases like “Elvis” and “Bob Marley: One Love” scoring with audiences. Studios have announced upcoming films about the Beatles and the Bee Gees, as the popularity of the genre grows.

According to the producers, “All Out of Love: The Air Supply Story” will explore “the highs and lows of the band’s career and their rise to international fame.” It follows Russell and Hitchcock, the two founding members of Air Supply, as they pursue their musical dreams, rising from humble beginnings in Australia to a breakthrough in the United States.

Altit Media Group’s Dean Altit will produce the film, with Barry Siegel, Jesse Weiner and Julia Xu serving as executive producers.

Air Supply’s Hitchcock said, “What a great occasion to celebrate our 50th Anniversary! And a personal thrill for me to see Graham’s songs be the basis for the biopic.” Air Supply’s Russell added, “We are absolutely thrilled that the Air Supply story will now be made into a biopic and set for release in 2025, the year of our 50th anniversary. The timing is so perfect.”

Altit added, “As a fan myself, I am thrilled to bring this iconic band’s extraordinary journey to life on the big screen. With their timeless melodies and heartfelt lyrics, Air Supply has captured the hearts of millions. The film will not only celebrate their music, but also take audiences on a captivating voyage into the world of love.”

Altit’s producing credits include “Not Without Hope” starring Zachary Levi and Josh Duhamel, “The Misfits” starring Pierce Brosnan and “The Good Neighbor” starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers. He recently wrapped production on “Home Sweet Home Rebirth” starring Michele Morrone and Urassaya Sperbund, adapted from the popular video game franchise “Home Sweet Home.”

Via Today.com

An Air Supply biopic is reportedly in the works called “All Out of Love: The Air Supply Story” and is slated to be released in honor of the band’s 50th anniversary.

via DigitalBeat Magazine

Miami, Fl – After a long hiatus, Air Supply makes a triumphant return to the Magic City Casino stage in Miami, Florida, on March 8, 2024. Coming off the heels of their performance on the 80’s cruise, expectations are high for this iconic duo, returning to the Magic City Casino for the first time since November of 2021.

From the moment Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell step onto the stage, it evident that they haven’t missed a beat. Opening with their timeless hit “Sweet Dreams,” Air Supply instantly transports the audience back to the 80s, eliciting nostalgic smiles and swaying bodies throughout the venue.

One of the most striking aspects of the performance is the undeniable chemistry that exists between Hitchcock and Russell. Despite decades in the spotlight, their harmonies are as tight tonight as they have ever been, weaving seamlessly through each song with effortless precision. Whether belting out power ballads like “All Out of Love” or delivering softer, more introspective tracks like “Making Love Out of Nothing at All,” Air Supply’s vocal prowess is simply mesmerizing.

But it isn’t just their voices that captivate the audience; it istheir genuine connection with each other and with the fans. Between songs, Hitchcock and Russell share stories from their storied career, offering glimpses into the inspiration behind their music and the journey that brought them to this moment. It is clear that they are not just performing for the crowd but inviting them into their world, creating an intimate and unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance. The band’s backing musicians also deserve praise for their impeccable performance, providing a solid foundation for Air Supply’s iconic sound while adding their own flair to the mix. From soaring guitar solos to intricate keyboard melodies, every note is played with passion and precision, enhancing the overall sonic experience. Band members include Aaron McLain (Guitar), Doug Gild (Bass), Mirko Tessansori (Keyboards) and Pavel Valdman (Drums).

As the night draws to a close and the final chords of “Making Love Out of Nothing At All” fade into the air, the audience erupts into a standing ovation, unwilling to let Air Supply leave the stage without an encore. And true to form, the duo returns for two more songs, sending the crowd off into the night with a sense of euphoria that will undoubtedly linger long after the final notes fade away.

Air Supply’s long-awaited sold out return to Magic City Casino is nothing short of magical. With their timeless music, unparalleled talent, and genuine connection with the audience, they prove once again why they are legends of the 80s and beyond. Here’s to many more unforgettable performances in the years to come.

Hey Everyone!!! As we approach the 50th anniversary we are calling out to all AIRHEADS to help us celebrate. We will be announcing the final plans for the party that will start around May 12, 2025 so set your vacation calendars to plan for the 50th!!! As we get closer to the big event, we want to augment our live performance presentations, so we are looking for video, pictures and any other visuals that you might have.

We will need hard copies or high resolution images but anything you can provide would be wonderful.

Send physical things to the office:

AIR SUPPLY

3130 Wilshire Blvd.

Suite 600 Santa Monica, Ca..

90403

If you would rather send the input electronically please forward to AirSupply50th@gmail.com

Thanks,

Graham and Russell