AIR SUPPLY

Twin River Casino Event Center
Lincoln, Rhode Island
January 31, 2020

Photos & Review by Dan Wenc

Air Supply have maintained their place in the hearts of fans for the past five decades by way of their songs and live performances. Having formed in 1975, Air Supply were one of the iconic bands that grew on the cusp of the rock era of the 70’s and 80’s. The band quickly rose to the top of the musical charts with their romantic melodies. A band that was monumental in creating the music of the times, music that became the soundtrack to the lives of many.

Original founding members Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell continue to bring the legacy of their music to the fans on stages all around the world. The sound of their live performances are of studio quality, the unmistakeable sound they created is unchanged. Air Supply achieved their success through the 1980’s with many great hits such as, “All out of Love”, “The One That You Love”, “Making Love Out of Nothing At All” and “Even the Nights Are Better”, to mention only a few. The music of Air Supply is what helped to define life as we knew it in the 80’s. Their iconic musical sound dominated the adult contemporary airwaves and turntables and cassette decks, Air Supply had amassed seventeen studio albums to their name.

Air Supply took to the stage that night at theTwin River Casino Event Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island. A night to sit, enjoy and take in the music that had defined an era. The venue was filled and appeared to be a sold out show. There was an assortment of fans, some who had seen the band many times before, along some first timers. Looking around the room that night, one could find a good mix among the crowd, younger, older and many who were there with their parents, sharing in the joy of the music was part everyone’s lives growing up 80’s.

Guitarist, singer and songwriter, Graham Russell entered the stage with his guitar slung upon him, wearing long overcoat, arms raised in the air. Almost as if he was taking in the energy from the room, Graham displayed a passionate vibe for the music he has created and was about to perform. Then came vocalist, Russell Hitchcock with all smiles and waves to the crowd, the night opened with “Sweet Dreams.” The moment that Russell Hitchcock began singing was an astounding moment, to hear his unmistakable voice, live and in person, a sound that is Air Supply. The energy of the audience surged as they performed one song to the next. The voice that we have all heard on the radio and albums through the years, was there performing right in front of us. The night continued on with “Even the Nights Are Better” and “Just As I Am.” See the full song set list below.

Air Supply lit up the room as they performed. Looking around the room, all that could be seen were smiling faces of glowing joy, entranced by the music. The live performance and songs of Air Supply enraptured the audience. Everyone was singing along, how could you not? It is what a band like Air Supply does, a display of the power of their music, people of all ages can rock out, sing and enjoy themselves to great music. Its what music does, keeps us young at heart and makes us feel good.

As I watched Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell perform I could not help but think about the music that they had created together. Timeless classics that for many, have evoked feelings of love, romance and relationships spanning the past forty-five years. In that time, just imagine how many times an Air Supply song has been played at a wedding, a prom or other significant romantic point in a couple’s life. Air Supply created melodic love anthems that relationships were built by.

The rest of the band is comprised of Aaron McLain music director and lead guitarist, Doug Gild on bass, Aviv Cohen on drums and Mirko Tessandori on keyboards. A selection of talented musicians that provided the backdrop to the night.

There was a moment when the band departed the stage, leaving only Graham Russell who took a few moments to speak to the audience. Graham said that he had four minutes as Russell took a break. Graham spoke of his love for words and that he had been writing since he was 11 years old. His vision for writing great things is apparent though his writing of music, as well as his poetry. Graham said that he was going to read a poem from his third poetry book, “Turn Left at Greenland”. He read the poem, “Am I”. Followed up with his acoustic guitar, lead into the moving song, “Son of a Father”, with a prelude of what lead to the writing of the song.

Russell Hitchcock soon returned to the stage, telling the story of how the two met in 1975 during Jesus Christ Superstar. He told us of a history of jobs he had before that, leading to that point in his life. The two sat upon stools at the front of the stage. Russell said that Graham writes the songs and Russell just performs them with him, joking that the only thing that he writes is alimony payments.

One will notice that Graham Russell plays a right handed guitar with his left hand, and strings are not turned around. Russell noted this one of the reasons for their sound. As they sat center stage, Russell announced Graham as his best friend in the world, thanking the crowd for keeping their dreams alive. The band went into “Two Less Lonely People in the World”.

Then the house lights went up, some people could be heard thinking the show was over. Far from it, they were just getting going. It was time for “The One That You Love”, with an interactive performance. Graham and Russell exited the stage and went out into the audience, walking from one end of the venue to the others, connecting with the fans as they performed. They made it back to the stage and then played “Lost in Love” and “Making Love Out of Nothing at All”.

The night closed out with a three song encore of “Without You”, “Shake It” and “All Out of Love”.

Be sure to take in a show when they come to a city near you.

AIR SUPPLY Photo Gallery:

For more Air Supply music, news, tour dates and information visit: http://www.airsupplymusic.com

Air Supply Setlist:

Sweet Dreams
Even The Nights Are Better
Just As I Am
Every Woman in the World
Here I Am
Chances
Goodbye
I Adore You
Son of the Father
Two Less Lonely People in the World
The One That You Love
Lost in Love
Making Love Out of Nothing at All

Encore:
Without You
Shake It
All Out of Love