Air Supply: Did You Know?

Fun Facts & Untold Stories About Air Supply

Air Supply, the soft rock duo made up of Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock, became a global sensation in the late 70s and early 80s with hits like "All Out of Love" and "Making Love Out of Nothing at All." Known for their heartfelt ballads and timeless love songs, Air Supply has been a favorite for romantics across generations. However, there’s much more to their story than their signature sound. Here are some fun facts and lesser-known stories about the iconic duo.

1. They Met During a Production of Jesus Christ Superstar

Air Supply’s origin story is like something out of a musical. In 1975, both Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock were cast in the Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Graham was a guitarist and singer-songwriter, and Russell was working as a singer in the production. The two quickly bonded over their shared love for The Beatles and soft rock. In between performances, they would play together backstage and eventually decided to form a band. Little did they know, that musical would change the course of their lives.

2. The Band Name Came to Graham in a Dream

The name Air Supply has a mysterious, almost ethereal quality to it, and that’s no coincidence. According to Graham Russell, the name came to him in a dream. He woke up one morning with the phrase "Air Supply" in his mind, and he couldn't shake the feeling that it was important. He suggested it to Russell Hitchcock, who loved it, and they decided to make it the band’s official name. While the meaning behind the name has never been fully explained, it fits perfectly with the band’s light, romantic sound.

3. Their Early Success in Australia Was Surprising

Before conquering the global stage, Air Supply started as a local favorite in Australia. Their debut album Air Supply(1976) didn’t initially make waves internationally, but in Australia, they quickly gained a following. The song "Love and Other Bruises" became a hit, and they were invited to open for Rod Stewart during his 1977 Australian tour. This exposure helped them grow their fanbase, but it would be a few more years before their music took off in the United States.

4. "Lost in Love" Was a Game-Changer

Though they had some success in Australia, it wasn’t until the release of "Lost in Love" in 1980 that Air Supply became a household name. What many fans don’t know is that Graham Russell originally wrote the song in just 15 minutes while sitting on his porch in Australia. The song became a massive hit, topping the charts in multiple countries and earning them a record deal with Arista Records. The album Lost in Love went platinum, solidifying their place in the global music scene.

5. They Have a Connection to Jim Steinman

One of Air Supply’s most famous songs, "Making Love Out of Nothing at All", was written by none other than Jim Steinman, the legendary songwriter behind hits like "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and Meat Loaf’s Bat Out of Hell. Steinman was known for his grand, operatic rock ballads, and his influence is clear in the dramatic, soaring sound of "Making Love Out of Nothing at All." The song became a massive hit, adding a touch of epic rock flair to Air Supply’s romantic repertoire.

6. A Place in the Guinness Book of World Records

Air Supply achieved a unique feat in 1983 that earned them a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. During a 7-day stretch, they performed for more than 20,000 people each night across six cities in Japan, culminating in a performance at the famous Nippon Budokan arena in Tokyo. This tour cemented their status as global superstars and highlighted their popularity outside of the English-speaking world, particularly in Asia.

7. Graham Russell is a Poet and Novelist

While most fans know Graham Russell as the primary songwriter for Air Supply, not many are aware that he’s also a published poet and novelist. Graham’s writing has always had a deeply introspective and philosophical side, and he channels that into his poetry and prose. Over the years, he has published collections of his work, reflecting on themes of love, nature, and life’s complexities. His passion for words extends beyond the lyrics of the band’s famous ballads.

8. Their Songs Almost Weren't Hits in the U.S.

Air Supply’s early success in the U.S. wasn’t a sure thing. When the band first started to gain traction, their label, Arista Records, wasn't certain if the American audience would embrace their soft rock ballads. To test the waters, Arista's legendary founder Clive Davis arranged for a “test release” of "Lost in Love" in just a few U.S. cities. To everyone’s surprise, the song quickly became a radio hit, leading to the band’s rapid rise in the American market.

9. They've Never Stopped Touring

Unlike many bands from the 80s that faded from the spotlight, Air Supply has never stopped touring. In fact, they are known for their relentless work ethic and continue to perform around 130 concerts a year, even into the 21st century. Fans from all over the world still flock to see them perform live, and they continue to attract new generations of listeners who discover their timeless hits. Their global tours have taken them to places as far as India, Israel, and South America.

10. "All Out of Love" Has Had Many Lives

One of Air Supply’s biggest hits, "All Out of Love", has had a surprisingly long and varied life in pop culture. The song has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials over the decades. It’s even been covered by artists from different genres, including Andru Donalds, who released a reggae version in the 90s. More recently, it was featured in the animated movie Deadpool 2, introducing a new generation of fans to the band’s classic sound.

Air Supply's success story is a testament to their enduring appeal and the timeless quality of their music. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering their heartfelt ballads, there's no denying that Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock have left an indelible mark on the music world. From their humble beginnings in an Australian musical to their place on the world stage, Air Supply’s journey is filled with passion, creativity, and a lot of love.

One of the most meaningful lyrics from Air Supply comes from their hit song "All Out of Love":

"I'm all out of love, I'm so lost without you, I know you were right, believing for so long."

This lyric resonates with listeners because it expresses deep vulnerability and longing. It captures the raw emotion of realizing the importance of someone after they've gone and the pain of feeling lost without them. The heartfelt honesty in this line has made it one of the most iconic and beloved lyrics in Air Supply's catalog, touching the hearts of millions over the years.