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Reviewer: Greenway88

How the Whole Thing Started

Some would say, destiny was at Melbourne, Australia, in April of 1975. The two young lads would meet for the very first time. Englishman, Graham Russell and Australian, Russell Hitchcock met as cast members in the stage production Jesus Christ Superstar. Working closely together, a friendship began to evolve. A friendship that would prosper over the next 22 years. Their similar passion for music, led Graham to share his songs he had written, with Russell. As the friendship grew, so did their incredible love for music. The quest to follow their dreams had begun. Settling for hardly any pay at local pubs, Graham and Russell would continue to play their hearts out. They found that their talents were accepted by the small crowds in which began multiplying by the numbers.

In 1976, Graham's dream came into existence. Air Supply was born! The stage production ended and magnificently, with a single already released in Australia, Graham and Russell's moment came. They set out on an adventure; to find success. Then in 1977, the album Love and Other Bruises was released. The amazing talents of Air Supply brought one of many successful songs, (composed by Graham) to the Australian charts at # 2, "Love And Other Bruises", which became a classic, then "Empty Pages" at # 18. This was only the beginning for Air Supply and to the fans around the World. Immediately, the invitation for Air Supply to tour with Rod Stewart, came. Not only in Australia, but in the US and Canada.

In 1977, The Whole Thing Started is released. Song "Do What You Do" reaches #16 on the Australian charts. Air Supply was an eye opener to the music industry. No promotions, no professional training, but yet a success. This would be the first year for Air Supply to tour outside of Australian territory. Opening for Rod Stewart throughout the US and Canada, it was evident enough, that Air Supply crowds were increasing. After the tour ended and Air Supply returned to Australia, Graham and Russell's urgent desire was to get back to the US.

In 1979, Life Support (recorded in 1978), their fourth released album, contained Air Supply's first big hit, #1 one song for the Australian Charts - "Lost In Love". This song would later bring added success, in the US, but as another version. Also, This would be the beginning of a string of world wide hits and songs composed by Graham.

In 1980, Air Supply is welcomed by the US. Lost In Love is released and contained the 3 songs that would hit the top five on US charts. "Lost In Love" at # 3 (5/3/80), "Every Woman In The World" at # 5 (12/31/80) and "All Out Of Love" # 2 (9/13/81). These would be the first of eight Top #5 chart hits for Air Supply. America could not get enough of the 'Australian Boys'. The first album to see the Multi-Platinum.

Air Supply's outstanding efforts seemed to only to surpass the achievements of the present. Air Supply, proclaimed the most "Successful Pop Group" and "Best Pop Group", received awards for most played song, and won awards for outstanding achievements. The media took notice. Soon the American Top 40 and Radio Stations throughout the US, joined in with Air Supply's melodious style of love songs. The increasing number of fans was calculated, infinity. Graham continued to compose, and the more he composed the more hits followed.

1981, sees even further success, The One That You Love album was released, claiming # 2 on the US album charts. Songs "The One That You Love" #1 (8/8/81), "Here I AM" # 5 (11/21/81) and "Sweet Dreams" # 5 (3/20/82), was enjoyed by millions of Americans, making Air Supply's 6th album go Multi-Platinum. The BIM Award was presented to Air Supply in honor of "The One That You Love".

In 1982, Now and Forever was released and became # 25 on the album charts (8/2/82). Bringing into existence, "Even the Nights Are Better" at #5 (9/4/82), "Young Love" at # 38 (10/23/82) and "Two Less Lonely People In The World" at #38 (1/8/83). Success surrounded the Now and Forever claiming yet another Multi-Platinum album.

1983 would give, the Greatest Hits, a success on the album charts, at # 7 (8/18/83). Releasing song "Making Love Out Of Nothing At All" at #2, for 2 weeks (10/8/83). Yet, another BMI Award proclaimed the new hit song. The song that was sung by millions of Americans.

In 1983, the album Making Love, was released in the UK. Establishing a link with more fans throughout the world.

1985 sees the second album named, Air Supply. Claiming # 26 on the album charts. Releasing songs "Just As I Am" # 19 (7/29/85) and "Power Of Love" #60 (8/24/85). VH1, giving "Just As I Am" the # 1 video for 1985. With all the continued success of Air Supply it seemed the music field was at a turning point. "The Love Era" was entering a cycle. Music became less intense with meaning and feeling. The media quickly switched to what the people were growing into. "Power of Love" would be the last song in the top 20's, thus far.

In 1986, Hearts in Motion, claimed the album charts at #84. Giving the song "Lonely Is The Night" at place #76 (9/6/86) and "One More Chance" at #80 (11/1/86). The photo shoot for this album cover has been given the award from the Fan Club as having the Finest album cover.

In 1987, Graham and Russell exercised their talents by performing a seasonal release, for the Christmas Holidays, The Christmas Album. Radio and air play still contributes with the most popular songs "Love Is All" and "Eyes Of A Child", during the Christmas season.

1987-1990 Russell ventures out on his own and releases his solo, self tilted album, Russell Hitchcock, and his release of his one and only single, "Swear To Your Heart". More information on this can be found in Russell Hitchcock's Biography.

In 1991, The Earth Is was released and song "Without You" claimed the # 48 spot on the charts. Air Supply's marginal success slide in the US did not discourage the two incredible performers. Air Supply then concentrated their efforts outside of the US, which brought them touring World Wide. The popularity of Air Supply decreased in the US. Yet, increased overseas, even to this day. Air Supply is held in high regard to the International fans and media.

1993, was the release of the album, Vanishing Race. The song, "Goodbye" claimed #48 on the US charts(7/10/93). However, Internationally, Air Supply's efforts on this album, won them great success. "Its Never Too Late" and " Goodbye" ensured Gold and Platinum sales.

1995, News From Nowhere, released song "Someone" hitting #50, on the US charts. This would begin a busy tour season for Air Supply away from the United States. With the success, as in the beginning for Graham and Russell, the success of Air Supply was on the rise again. International air play and media has supported and continues to support Air Supply. Though Air Supply is together and has remained together, people still are unaware of Air Supply being together. This is due from the lack in air play.

1995, saw the first release of the Now and Forever Live album, performed in Taipei, Taiwan. This was part of Air Supply's Asian tour that took Air Supply to Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Philippines. A 16 piece string section accompanied Air Supply for the making of this album. This album is purely live, containing no overdubs. Introduced to this album, song "The Way I Feel".

The Book Of Love was released November 21, 1997. Produced entirely by Graham Russell, the first to be recorded at his studio in Utah. This album is a tribute to the "love song" and to the message they speak to everyone.

The Definitive Collection was released August 26, 1999 with all the hits, plus the original version of Lost in Love and other songs that became classics, but not necessarily singles. The package has new artwork and notes from Graham and Russell about every song.

The Definitive Collection will become a staple for all Air Supply fans, a work of memorabilia to not miss. A collection of videos from their 25 year career and a special commentary from Russell and Graham will provide a personal insight into the workings of the hearts of Air Supply themselves!

Yours Truly will be released worldwide May of 2001. It is already creating a "buzz" with the live shows in the U.S. Recorded entirely in Utah and produced by Graham Russell and Mark Williams, it is bound to set new boundaries for Air Supply's realm of music.

SOURCE: Air Supply Music