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AIR SUPPLY

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2007-06-13. Air Supply play concerts in Tokyo, Osaka & Fukuoka, in.Japan from Oct. 08 to 17 2007.

The History of Air Supply Music

The history of Air Supply began when a young Englishman, Graham Russell, met a young Australian, Russell Hitchcock, while they were cast members of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Australian production of the stage musical "Jesus Christ Superstar", in 1975. They soon learned that they had a similar, growing appreciation and love for all things involving music, prompting Graham to show the songs he had written to Russell; and quickly a desire to follow their hopes and dreams involving that world of music developed. The guys could be found singing and playing at local pubs finding that the crowds were amazingly receptive to their sound and to their style of soft rock ballads. Then, in 1976, the stage production came to it's end; and taking on the name "Air Supply" they released a single, "Love and Other Bruises" which was met with modest success and interest in Australia. Now, totally dedicated to the serious task of making music, the guys recorded an album in 1977 which they named "Love and Other Bruises" that reached #2 on the Australian charts. Air Supply was delighted to learn of a invitation to tour Australia, Canada and the U.S. opening for well-known singer Rod Stewart. Their album "The Whole Thing Started" was released later on in 1977, with the song "Do What You Do" reaching #16 on the Australian charts. Air Supply certainly wowed the music industry. Up until now there had been no promotions or professional training, but they met with successes at every turn. The additional notice by the public that the duo got while opening for Rod Stewart gave Air Supply their wider, international attention. So, after that tour ended and Air Supply returned to Australia, Graham and Russell's thoughts were to get back to the US.A. pronto!

Introduced in 1979, "Life Support" became their fourth album. This one contained Air Supply's first huge hit, "Lost In Love," which ended up a #1 one song on the Australian Charts. It was then re-recorded for release in the United States and turned out to be the beginning of a long string of worldwide hits, composed by Graham Russell. By the time 1980 arrived, Air Supply had finally landed on the U.S. public. With some help from promoter/manager Clive Davis, an album entitled "Lost In Love" was released containing three songs that would hit the top five on U.S. charts. "Lost In Love" hit the # 3 spot (5/1980), "Every Woman In The World" landed at # 5 (12/1980) and "All Out Of Love" scooted up to # 2 (9/1981). They were the first of eight Top #5 chart hits for Air Supply. America clambered for the "Australian Boys", as their album achieved Multi-Platinum status.

They were acclaimed "Best Pop Group of 1981", received awards for "Most Played Song,". The fans grew in number and fervor while Graham continued to compose, leaving more hits on the scene.

Huge success arrived as "The One That You Love", a 1981 album, jumped to #2, on the US album charts. These singles: "The One That You Love" - #1 (8/1981), "Here I Am" - #5 (11/1981) and "Sweet Dreams" - # 5 (3/1982), were enjoyed by millions, causing this to be Air Supply's 6th album go Multi-Platinum. A cherished BMI Award was presented to Air Supply in honor of "The One That You Love".

In 1982, "Now and Forever" was released, but lingered at # 25 on the album charts (8/1982), but the first single from the album, "Even the Nights Are Better," soared its way up to #5 (9/1982). With two more single following, "Now and Forever" claimed yet another Multi-Platinum award.

Due to constant demand in stores, the 1983 album "Greatest Hits" peaked at #7 (8/1983), and the song "Making Love Out Of Nothing At All" lingered on at #2, for 2 weeks (10/1983).

Another album, also named "Air Supply," found its way to # 26 on the album charts, followed by the popular album , "Power Of Love" (8/1985).

In 1986, "Hearts in Motion" arrived in stores and the singles "Lonely Is The Night" and "One More Chance" became personal favorites of Air Supply fans everywhere.

In 1987, Graham and Russell developed and performed a much-longed-for seasonal release, "The Christmas Album". Two of the most popular and beautiful songs from that album, "Love Is All" and "Eyes Of A Child" (both written by Graham) remain seasonal favourites of radio stations across the USA

During a period between 1987 and 1990, Russell ventured out on his own, recorded a solo album, "Russell Hitchcock"; and he released his one and only single, "Swear To Your Heart". Graham went to a favorite secluded spot to write and compose. He was also developing some ideas he had in the back of his mind since childhood. The beginnings of his future, two-CD "Heart of the Rose" album probably were nourished then and there.

Luckily for fans, Graham and Russell got back together in 1991, generating "The Earth Is . . " album, with its cult-like following, and the single "Without You". The popularity of Air Supply grew by leaps and bounds overseas as time went by. Since then, Air Supply has been held in high regard by both the international fans and the media alike.

"Vanishing Race" was a unique 1993 album with personal meaning for the guys because of a book about the plight of Native American's Graham received as a gift. The song, "Goodbye". Air Supply's work on this album won them more successes. "Its Never Too Late" and "Goodbye" produced Gold and Platinum results.

Another album with personal meaning for the guys, entitled "News From Nowhere", debuted in 1995. Air Supply touring extensively overseas steadily growing their fan base and spreading their message. International air play and media continued to support Air Supply as did the fans, new and old, in many countries worldwide. The band enjoyed an Asian tour that whirled them through Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Philippines. Also in 1995, a 16 piece string section accompanied Air Supply for the making of their "Greatest Hits Live" album, a CD and video (also later made into DVD) of a live concert in Taipei, Taiwan.

"The Book Of Love", produced entirely by Graham Russell and released in November of 1997, was the first to be recorded at his own studio in Utah, where he also has his and his wife's wildlife rehabilitation area. "The Book Of Love" includes the musical number, "Once" Air Supply's only instrumental, composed by Jed Moss (Air Supply pianist) with some touches by Graham. Air Supply continues to be a steadfast favorite of FM radio stations, being played many times daily all over the world, much to the delight of fans traveling to and from work (and most likely while at work); and Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock continue to tour internationally.

Only a year after their successful "For Lover's Only" tour, Air Supply has the distinction of celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year with big shows at the Casino Rama in Canada, this August, where footage was shot towards the making their new DVD & CD. "It Was 30 Years Ago Today".

Some people might question, "How long will Air Supply continue to record and tour?" Other bands and musicians have called it quits, but Air Supply goes on into the 2000's with more fresh ideas, energy, talent, and dedication than ever before. New fans are drawn in on a daily basis. An Official AirHead's Club has fans from nearly 90 countries. Fan-based web sites and message boards are popping up all over the worldwide web, complimenting the informative Official Air Supply web site at www.airsupplymusic.com, managed beautifully by Graham's wife, Jodi.

The band today is solid - with members Jed Moss (keyboards), Jonni Lightfoot (bass guitar), and Mike Zerbe (drums) - each well-known, extremely talented musicians in their own right. Together with the original duo, Graham and Russell, they make Air Supply one of the finer groups recording and entertaining today. And entertain they do! If you haven't seen a live show yet, better make your plans now.

As Russell once said years ago (and Graham nodded in agreement), if it comes to the point where it isn't fun anymore, they'd just "pack it in." Luckily for their many fans, it still must be a whole lot of fun for the guys. Fans KNOW beyond any doubt - it's amazingly fun for them!

Nothing else can compare . . . nothing else ever will. more...