Interview

Taking a breather with "Air Supply"

When you mix music, poetry and love - the beautifully orchestrated, sweet ballads of Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock flow as easily as their voices and words carry them. I was delighted to speak with Graham about Air Supply, himself, and his passions.

A young Graham and Russell would meet for the first time in 1975, in Melbourne, Australia. Jesus Christ Superstar was a backdrop for their connection, as they found themselves in the cast together. A friendship built on their passions for music would grow and last for the next 22 years. Their endeavors would begin by playing at local bars for low pay, but soon their audience began to grow. In 1976, Air Supply was born as the stage production ended. Their hits bloomed in Australia first, but quickly hit the US and Canadian markets where they enjoyed incredible success in the early 1980's.

Graham was kind enough to share some insights and information about himself and Air Supply.

So Air Supply is just made up of you and Russell, right?

Yes, but we've always had a great band to back us over the years.

How do you share your duties in your partnership with Russell?

I pretty much write everything, and Russell sings a lot. I've been trying to encourage him to share in the writing, but it doesn't seem to catch his fancy.

Do you suffer from nerves during a performance?

Nope, never -- but Russell is a basket case. He's always very nervous before performances.

What or who have been your inspirations?

The Beatles. I saw them for the first time in 1964, and it changed my life. They really inspired me to start writing songs seriously.

What instruments do you play?

I play the guitar, the piano and the drums also.

Were you trained at all?

No, I'm self taught on all of them.

Your lyrics are very poetic, what do you attribute this to?

When I was 11 years old, I started writing poetry and I fell in love with the great English poets, Keats, Byron, Shelley and Wordsworth.

When were you born?
June 11, 1950. I was born in Knottingham, England.

A Gemini then? I can't believe how many people I've met lately who have been born in June. Do you put any emphasis in astrology?

Actually my wife [Jodi] and I are very involved in the pursuit and understanding of the paranormal. We're going Ghost hunting in England in a couple weeks.

So you get back to see home fairly often?

Yes, I miss England, and try to get back there at least once a year. Mostly to the North.

Yeah? I have family in that area. It's interesting that you are currently residing in Utah, what do you get up to there?

Jodi and myself are pretty involved in rehabilitating wildlife, and I really enjoy the natural beauty of the state.

Yes, I've noticed that you've written some poems about nature. Especially pertaining to man and the respect he should have towards mother nature.How's it going with the animals?

Well, right now we have about 24 living with us. They keep on coming back and staying.

Well obviously you're good hosts! How long have you and Jodi been together now?

I first met her when she was 15, I think it's been 19 or 20 years now that we've known each and have been married 16 of those.

It seems like your life is full of variety and adventure, any other projects you're currently working on?

We found ourselves working together on quite a few actually. We'll be in a movie that's being filmed in Utah and lets just say it has something to do with Bigfoot and us being ripped to pieces. We're also promoting a singer called Shari Short who will be opening for Air Supply in Vegas, in late May. She's young (16) and an incredible talent.

And what about your new CD?

Well "Yours Truly" is coming out in the US in the second week of May 2001.

It's amazing how prolific you've been Graham.

I think it's our 20th CD now.

I noticed how great the cover looks. Really moody.

Yes, thanks to Jodi -- she designed it She's a wiz with PhotoShop and has recently just got into photography. She's extremely creative!

Great,so I can catch you next in May right?

Yup, we'll be playing at The Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on the 25-27 May 2001.

Where can fans find out more about you and buy your CD?

Go to www.airsupplymusic.com where you'll find all sorts of interesting information and stuff to buy.

It was a great privilege to speak with Graham. His words are an inspiration, whether spoken, written, or sung. I'd like to wish him and Jodi all the happiness in the world. They're truly two of the most passionate and sensitive souls I know.

Interview by Bradley Hebdon
Fan magazine

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