Air Supply nurtures bond with Pinoys

GRAHAM Russell (left) and Russell Hitchcock of Air Supply

On May 12, 1975, a guitarist and songwriter from England and a singer from Melbourne, both in their mid-20s, met on the first day of rehearsals for the Sydney production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock became fast friends, instantly bonding over their common love for singing and the genius of The Beatles.

Frequent late-night performances in coffee joints after the shows, with one guitar and two voices, marked the auspicious start of an enduring and enviable career.

Air Supply is about to mark its 40th year in a volatile business. Touring the world with an average of 120-150 shows yearly still amazes Russell and Hitchcock.

“We never dreamed of success at this level for so many years,” Hitchcock told the Inquirer in an e-mail interview.

“Our plan was just to make records, play to as many people as possible [and] to stay passionate about what we do,” added Russell. The way he sees it, Air Supply has endured and remained relevant despite the evolution of musical styles and preferences because its songs are simple and sung with beautiful voices, particularly Hitchcock’s distinctive and soaring tenor.

And they never get tired of singing those songs, though they have performed them thousands of times, particularly their early hits and constant crowd-pleasers, “All Out of Love” and “Lost in Love.”

“[They are] my favorites; I am always excited to sing them in every concert,” said Hitchcock, who still performs those songs in the original keys.

Russell, who wrote almost all of Air Supply’s greatest hits that include “Two Less Lonely People in the World,” “Every Woman in the World” and “The One That You Love,” hesitates to name favorites. “They are like children that go out into the world. It is hard to pick a favorite child!” he said.

But more than just the songs, Air Supply’s success is also due in no small part to the strong partnership that they have, one that has lasted longer than any of their romantic relationships. It’s based on mutual respect and recognition of each other’s talents, they noted.

“We don’t compete with each other,” said Russell. Added Hitchcock, “[We have] the same vision… we never had an argument.”

Filipinos are among their most “loving” and “dedicated” fans, who come out to watch the duo every time they are in Manila.

Steve O’Neal Productions has been bringing them to the Philippines every year since 2008 and the 40th anniversary show in the country is set on March 15 at The Theatre, Solaire Resort and Casino. (For tickets, call 8919999.)

“We have a lasting relationship with the Filipino people that will always be there. It’s a beautiful place that we have great respect for,” said Russell, “[We have a] mutual understanding of music.” Tina Arceo Dumlao

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INCUBUS, from left: Ben Kenney, Brandon Boyd, Jose Pasillas, Mike Einziger and Chris Kilmore

Manila stop

American alternative rock band Incubus kicked off 2015 with an international music tour and the creation of the EP “Trust Fall,” due for release later this month.

Choice songs from “Trust Fall” are expected to be included in Incubus’ song list when the group performs in a one-night concert tonight at 8, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Billed as “Incubus Live in Manila 2015,” the Manila stop of the rock band is part of its 2015 Asian tour, which kicked off at the Soundwave Music Festival in Australia in February.

To be featured as opening act is American YouTube sensation Lindsey Stirling, also known as the “dancing violinist.”

Incubus is composed of Brandon Boyd (lead vocals), Mike Einziger (lead guitar, piano, backing vocals), Jose Pasillas (drums), Ben Kenney (bass guitar, backing vocals) and Chris Kilmore (turntables, keyboards).

Tickets are available at SM Tickets outlets and online at www.smtickets.com. For inquiries, call 4792222.

‘Araw ng Dabaw 2015’

GMA 7 stars will be in this year’s “Araw ng Dabaw” celebrations. On March 15, Dennis Trillo and Tom Rodriguez will be in Davao City’s Gaisano Mall Atrium for a Kapuso Mall Show at 4 p.m. On March 16, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera will be at the Activity Center of Abreeza Mall at 3 p.m. On the same day, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid will be at SM City Davao for a Fans’ Day at the Annex.