Air Supply says Filipino fans are everything they could ask for

Over the years, rock duo Air Supply has been to the Philippines quite a few times, and the connection and passion of the Filipino fans are a few reasons they keep coming back. 

During a press conference on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at a hotel in Parañaque City, ahead of their three-night show in Manila this week, lead vocalist Russell Hitchcock and guitarist Graham Russell shared what is special about Filipinos that keeps them returning.

“A few things. Filipino fans, including you guys, of course, are very passionate. Since the very first time we played here, there was an immediate connection with the music and the songs. Four or five generations have now been introduced to our music here. We love the way they sing at the concerts. They show their emotions on their sleeves, as we say. Everything you could ask for from a fan is in the Philippines, certainly,” said Hitchcock. 

The band, which is celebrating 50 years in the music industry, noted that being able to come back and play for Filipino fans time and time again is a great bonus for them as musicians. 

“Being here after 50 years is an amazing achievement, considering so many bands over the last 50 years have come and gone, but we’re still here, still enjoying an incredible career, and being able to come back to the Philippines is obviously a great bonus for us,” expressed Hitchcock. 

Despite not having the chance to explore the Philippines, given that “work always comes first” for them, Russell explained that their visits to the country have always been “historical.” 

“Being in the Philippines is a history lesson. We first came here in 1981. That’s a long time ago, before even some of you were born. So, you know, we love being here , and we’ve seen it grow. We’ve seen the people grow, and we recognize those who come to our shows every year. So it’s a great thing for us. That alone is the historical part of our coming here,” said the guitarist. 

“But also, we never really leave because every show we play, it doesn’t matter where it is, there’s always a large contingent of Filipino people. I mean, there really is. We just played Australia, and there were a lot of Filipinos at every show in the audience. Even if we play anywhere – in Europe or, you know… Anywhere in the U.S. There are Filipinos there. They’re everywhere,” added Russell. 

New album

The rock duo is set to release a new album on December 1 as part of their 50th anniversary celebration. A biopic about them, starring Golden Globe awardee Cody McPhee and “Peaky Blinders” actor Finn Cole, is also set to be released sometime next year. 

When asked about the secret to their longevity, Russell explained that they don’t try to be something they’re not, and being romantic is what the fans love them for. 

“There’s not really any secrets. We just do what we love to do. But, as I said earlier to the other gentleman, we never try to be somebody else. We never try to be something we’re not. So whatever we are, that’s ourselves. For instance, we’re very romantic people, both of us. But if we tried to be romantic and we weren’t, it wouldn’t be right. So we’re being very real with everybody. We don’t hold any secrets or any weird things going on. This is who we are, for better or worse , but usually it’s good,” he said.

Hitchcock added that the love elements in their music are what they believe set them apart from others. 

“This is going to sound corny, but love makes the world go round. And love is the basis of our career. You don’t know anyone who hasn’t fallen in love, is falling in love, or has fallen out of love. Or who doesn’t love their dog or their cat. Love is universal, love is perennial, love is eternal,” he stated. 

Air Supply is set to stage their three-night sold-out concert on Sept. 18, 19, and 20 at the Solaire Resort. /edv