It’s no mystery why Air Supply holds a special place in the hearts and ears of Filipinos.
Songs like "All Out of Love," "Come What May," "I Can Wait Forever," "Two Less Lonely People in the World," and "Making Love Out of Nothing at All," to name a few, perfectly capture their deeply romantic sensibilities.
This is why Air Supply— founded in 1975 by Australian singer-songwriter Graham Russell and singer Russell Hitchcock—continues to return to the country, rekindling the hits that made them a household name in this part of the world.
And they’re doing it again, as Air Supply is set to return to the Philippines this month to mark the group’s 50th anniversary.
The hit-making duo is set to perform at the Passi City Arena in Passi City, Iloilo, on January 11; Jose Rizal Coliseum in Calamba, Laguna, on January 24; Limketkai Center in Cagayan de Oro on January 25; and Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino in Cebu on January 27.
Tickets are available through SM Tickets, Ticketworld, and other outlets.
AIR SUPPLY'S FORMULA FOR LASTING SUCCESS
It’s easy to understand why Air Supply’s songs—often labeled soft rock and characterized by heartfelt lyrics, smooth vocal harmonies, and catchy melodies—have become anthems and are beloved worldwide.
Like countless artists before and after them, Graham and Russell started with modest expectations, making a five-decade performing career feel surreal even today.
"When we first started, we thought maybe we'd be good for a couple of years in Australia. But obviously, you know, this is 50 years later," Russell said during a video interview with members of the press.
"So, we couldn't comprehend, we can't comprehend it still. It's beyond our wildest dreams that we're still doing it. But we're very grateful for the support from all over the world, especially the Philippines."
Beyond their hit songs, Graham and Russell’s outlook on life and their careers as musicians also played a significant role in the group’s lasting success.
They have consistently remained grounded and unassuming, choosing not to concern themselves with matters beyond their control, including how audiences and critics respond to their music.
"When we make an album, it's not up to us if people like it or they don't like it. We just make a record, and then we put it out," said Graham.
"It's up to the people to define how successful it becomes or if one song is more successful than the other.
"It's out of our hands. We've done what we can do, and now it's up to the universe to make judgment."
Russell added, "Once you release it, it's not up to us anymore, right?
"We let them go, and they're like children—they go into the world, and you're not responsible anymore. They have a life of their own, and they create their own life."
The duo avoids comparing themselves to others, choosing instead to remain true to their identity and musical style, even if it is sometimes dismissed as overly sentimental or outdated.
"We don't compete with anybody. And we found in the last five years, everything is cyclical," remarked Graham.
"We're getting a new generation of young fans from 15 to 20s. A lot of guys are coming back to the show—a lot of young couples.
"They're embracing our music once again. We don't compete with anybody. It's never been a competition for us."
ENDURING PASSION FOR MUSIC
Now in their 70s, one might assume the hit-making duo is simply coasting, content to live off their status as globally recognized music icons.
After all, with multiple hit singles and albums, and accolades from both peers and critics, Graham and Russell seemingly have nothing left to prove as artists.
And while it’s true they are enjoying the fruits of their hard work and talent, Graham and Russell remain as passionate and dedicated to their craft as they were in their younger years, when they were still out to prove themselves as musicians.
"I think the way we look at the world, and the way we look at our music now, is more mature than it was in the early days, hopefully," shared Russell.
He continued, "But the dynamic is always the same. We hope we've gotten better at what we do in a live situation and also in the studio."
To mark their 50th anniversary, a biopic titled All Out of Love: The Air Supply Story is in the works.
Air Supply will also be immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the United States.
There's a new album, too. It's titled A Matter of Time, their first studio record in 15 years.
Russell said: "We've realized some ambitions that we had from the start. And to be able to sit here and say that we can mark another one off the list is a great achievement.
"We never stand still. Graham's writing every day, and this latest album, A Matter Of Time, is a combination of many years' work and quite an interesting recording process."
Additionally, Air Supply is currently on tour to celebrate the milestone with fans from around the world.
Graham and Russell have never stopped performing live, which has helped keep their passion for music burning as strong as ever.
"That's never been an issue," Russell remarked, referring to their enduring love for live performance.
"It's the audience. We come to perform for you guys, and you deserve the best that we have, both physically, I mean vocally, and emotionally.
"We have a blueprint that's in our souls and our minds, and that's always there for us.
"We don't take it for granted, but we certainly appreciate it because here we are 50 years later."