Teresa C. | 16 Aug 2000

Their hits have spanned over two decades, but their appeal still remains a long-standing one. Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock came together in 1975 during a production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Jesus Christ Superstar to turn out a solid string of seven US Top 5 singles by 1982, and many more as their road to stardom became much more defined through the years.

It was no wonder, then, that Air Supply has had a steady stream of fans who continue to support this soft-rock band when they came down to Singapore last week. The duo came up close and personal with the audience during their press conference and autograph session at Lot 1 Shopping Centre’s Atrium located right alongside Chua Chu Kang MRT station. Posters were given to waiting fans before the pair appeared a little after 7pm, where they made confessions about their favourite song (Graham’s was "All Out Of Love", while Russell’s was "Lost in Love"), and described their songs as "wonderful, fabulous and incredible". Before the fans were treated to an autograph signing session, Air Supply assured us they would continue singing for as long as they could and would have a new album, complete with new material, close to completion. Singapore would probably get wind of it only next year, but locals would have a larger surprise waiting for them the next day at the Harbour Pavilion.

With 95% of the tickets sold, the turnout was a large and expecting one. To spice things up, official radio station Gold 90FM DJs Jim and Jessica played some pre-concert games to get the spirits of the crowd up. With station premiums and a hearty Australian cheer, the crowd was roaring to go by the time Air Supply came on stage, complete with a dramatic entrance as three lit candles placed on the piano took centrestage in the darkness before lights flashed and a loud ‘boom!’ emitted from the speakers in front.

Although it was not the first time they have been to Singapore, they have described each trip down as different. It was different, too, for the fans, especially since the duo has aged considerably since their days of glory. Not to say that their singing prowess have diminished, though. Each ballad was sung with strong, resounding vocals which only Russell Hitchcock was capable of. Besides a polite conversation between the guitar and the piano at one point of the concert, the musicians who played for Graham and Russell were also given the limelight. At different points of the concert, the guitarist, pianist and drummer were given solo parts which highlighted each instrument’s capabilities as well as showcasing the talents and skills of the men who used them.

Fans were clearly not disappointed with the lineup, for the concert was not titled "Air Supply’s Greatest Hits 2000" for nothing. Many classics such as "Here I Am", "Even The Nights Are Better", "Every Woman In The World", and "Without You" were crooned to the delight of the crowd. Perhaps the highlight of the performance came as both men came down to the floor for some up close and personals. The audience cracked up as Graham asked if anyone in the audience had seen what he was going to do before commenting that those who did not were branded "air supply virgins". Taking an impromptu picture with one and giving his guitar pick away to another, he then took up his guitar.

"The next song I am going to sing is from my new album, which is about being far from home, from Australia, where we came from". With a shout of approval from an expatriate amongst the audience, he then gave as a sample of what we can expect in their release next year.

The turnout was mature, but the crowd obviously loved the brilliant charisma and commanding stage presence Air Supply exuberated on stage. But they could have been more responsive for such a proactive performance. As the last strains of Making Love (Out of Nothing At All) faded from the speakers and the lights dimmed, Singapore was not satisfied. Shouts of "Encore" were loud, prevalent. Not about to disappoint, Air Supply came back on with Goodbye. By then some of the crowd had moved to the front, providing a livelier atmosphere, clapping, waving and singing along as loud as they could to the chorus of All Out Of Love, before Air Supply finally called it a day at 10.20pm. As an added touch, the three candles which sat in the middle of the piano were burnt to the end by the time the concert ended, a well timed procedure for those who noticed.

Air Supply was also gracious enough to attend a reception after the party where they touched base with some handicapped people who were special guests at the concert. Besides giving their autographs and taking pictures with them, Graham and Russell also spent some time talking to them about the concert and how they felt about it. While some stars can be disgustingly haughty, Air Supply has shown the compassionate side of themselves which their songs have so often portrayed. It is no wonder they are still so warmly received even after 25 years in the scene, and you can bet your ass they will be back for another chart-topping lineup of tracks soon.