How Air Supply has stayed relevant for 5 decades

Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell said they have never felt a shift in their working relationship throughout their five decades together as Air Supply.

“Graham gets to write the songs, and I just sing them,” Hitchcock told Philippine media during a recent virtual press conference. “The way we look at the world, and the way we look at our music has matured since we started in the early days, yet the dynamic has always been the same. We just got better at what we do in a live show and recording in the studio.”

The Aussie soft rock duo will tour the Philippines once again in January for their 50th anniversary concert, culminating in Cebu City at Waterfront Lahug on January 27, following earlier stops in Passi City, Iloilo on Jan. 11 and Calamba City, Laguna, on the 24th.

“Filipinos are people with open hearts. They appreciate us being there,” Hitchcock said. “You have lots of great singers, they sing along at our shows, and that’s always a good thing to hear as a performer. The Philippines took us to their hearts as early as the ’80s. Our audience got bigger. It’s a fantastic thing, and it’s a very specific thing to the Philippines. Wonderful people, wonderful energy, very romantic.”

While the duo has performed in Cebu multiple times, they continue to enjoy serenading Cebuanos with their hits “Here I Am” and “Sweet Dreams,” as well as their personal favorites “Lost in Love” and “All Out of Love” — staples of their set list.

“We’ve been to Cebu many times. We have a lot of fans there, and we don't like to disappoint them. We are going to bring our beautiful sound to the island of Cebu, and we look forward to it because they’re great people,” Russell said.

“You deserve the best, physically, vocally, and emotionally. We try to give our all every night,” Hitchcock added.

On how the duo has managed to last 50 years as an active act, they cited the staying power of their classics and their authenticity as performers as reasons audiences continue to watch them onstage.

“People have embraced our music for four generations now. Without the songs, you are nothing,” Hitchcock said.

“We believe in ourselves, and that goes a long way as a performer. We don’t let anything get in our way. We don’t listen to the critics. We just come and play to people, and they love it, and that’s all we do. It’s very simple,” Russell added.

The duo also said they feel flattered that their love songs have become part of the soundtrack for many couples.

“It feels good. It’s a responsibility. We would like to think we are role models for people. We care about other people, and everyone should. It’s a beautiful thing,” Hitchcock said.

Another factor in their longevity, they speculated, is how some of their songs have been featured in films, such as when “All Out of Love” appeared in the soundtrack of “Deadpool 2.”

“It’s a great compliment to be associated with these blockbusters. That means we produced great music, and whoever made the choice to feature our songs in their movies has great taste,” Hitchcock said.

But most importantly, they said, working with a good management team has helped Air Supply remain active after five decades.

“Make sure you are surrounded by good, honest people. Do your homework with whoever you work with,” Hitchcock said. “We have been with the same agency for 50 years because they are great people who know what they are doing. They have good advice, and they don’t take advantage of you.”

As the duo’s primary songwriter, Russell stressed that authenticity, uniqueness, and self-confidence are essential in crafting music. “They should follow their heart and not listen to other people. Don’t do something that’s already been done. Create something new.”

With Christmas fast approaching, the duo shared what they described as a cliched but timely wish: world peace.

“The Earth needs it right now,” Russell said, to which Hitchcock added, “Let’s find a solution to all of the chaos and war that’s going on.”

Russell continued, “All the natural disasters, the hurricanes, the floods. We should all come together and help each other this year.”

Tickets to the “Air Supply 50th Anniversary Celebration” concert in Cebu City are available at SM Tickets and SISTIC, starting at P3,500 for Bronze seats up to P14,000 for SVIP. A 12 percent discount is available at SISTIC until December 14 as part of its 12.12 sale.