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'AirSupply' one of the few chart-topping bands which have been in the music scene for almost thirty years will be giving a one-off concert at CR & FC grounds, Colombo on December 11. The print media sponsors of this mega event is Daily News and Sunday Observer.

How the whole thing started

Some would say, destiny was at Melbourne, Australia, in April of 1975. The two young lads would meet for the very first time. Englishmen Graham Russell and Australian, Russell Hitchcock met as cast members in the stage production 'Jesus Christ Superstar'.

Working closely together, a friendship began to evolve a friendship that would prosper over the next 22 years. Their similar passion for music, led Graham to share his songs he has written, with Russell. As the friendship grew, so did their incredible love for music.

The quest to follow their dreams had begun. Settling for hardly any pay at local pubs, Graham and Russell would continue to play their hearts out. They found that their talents were accepted by the small crowds in which began multiplying by the numbers.

In 1976, Graham's dream came into existence 'AirSupply' was born! The stage production ended and magnificently, with a single already released in Australia, Graham and Russell's moment came.

They set out on an adventure to find success. then in 1977, the album 'Love and Other Bruises' was released. The amazing talents of 'AirSupply' brought one of many successful songs (composed by Graham) to the Australian charts at No. 2, "Love And Other Bruises", which became a classic then 'Empty Pages' at No. 18. This was only the beginning for Air Supply and to the fans around the world immediately, the invitation for Air Supply to tour with Rod Stewart, came. Not only in Australia but in the US and Canada.

In 1977, 'The Whole Thing Started' is released. Song 'Do What You Do' reaches No. 16 on the Australian charts. 'AirSupply' was an eye opener to the music industry. No promotions, no professional training, but yet a success.

This would be the first year for Air Supply to tour outside of Australian territory. Opening for Rod Stewart throughout the US and Canada, it was evident enough, that 'AirSupply' crowds were increasing. After the tour ended and 'AirSupply' returned to Australia, Graham and Russell's urgent desire was to get back to the US.

In 1979, 'Life Support' (recorded in 1978), their fourth released album, contained 'AirSupply's first big hit, No. 1 one song for the Australian Charts - 'Lost In Love'. This song would later bring added success, in the US, but as another version. Also, this would be the beginning of a string of worldwide hits and songs composed by Graham.

In 1980, 'AirSupply' is welcomed by the US. 'Lost In Love' is released and contained the 3 songs that would hit the top five on US charts. 'Lost In Love' at No. 3 (5.3.80). 'Every Woman In the World' at No. 5 (12/31/80) and 'All Out of Love' No. 2 (9/13/81). These would be the first of eight top No. 5 chart hits for 'AirSupply'. America could not get enough of the 'Australian Boy's', the first album to see the multi-platinum.

'AirSupply's' outstanding efforts seemed to only surpass the achievements of the present. 'AirSupply', proclaimed the most 'Successful Pop Group' and 'Best Pop Group', received awards for most played song, and won awards for outstanding achievements.

The media took notice. Soon the American Top 40 and Radio Stations throughout the US, joined in with 'AirSupply's' melodious style of love songs. The increasing number of fans was calculated, infinity. Graham continued to compose, and the more he composed the more hits followed.

1981, sees even further success, 'The One That You Love' album was released claiming No. 2 on the US album charts songs 'The One That You Love' No. 1 (8/8/81). 'Here I Am' No. 5 (11/21/81) and 'Sweet Dreams' No. 5 (3/20/82), was enjoyed by millions of Americans, making Air Supply's 6th album go Multi-Platinum - the BIM award was presented to 'AirSupply' in honour of "the One That You Love'.

In 1982 'Now and Forever' was released and became No. 25 on the album charts (8/2/82). Bringing into existence, 'Even the Nights Are Better' at No. 5 (9/4/82), 'Young Love' at No. 38 (10/23/82) and 'Two Less Lonely People In The Word' at No. 38 (1/8/83). Success surrounded the 'Now and Forever' claiming yet another Multi Platinum album.

1983 would give, the 'Greatest Hits', a success on the album charts, at No. 7 (8/1/83). Releasing song 'Making Love Out of Nothing At All' at No. 2, for 2 weeks (10/8/83). Yet, another BMI award proclaimed the new hit song. The song that was sung by millions of Americans.

In 1983, the album 'Making Love', was released in the UK. Establishing a link with more fans throughout the world.

1985 sees the second album named, 'AirSupply'. Claiming No. 26 on the album charts. Releasing songs 'Just As I Am' No. 19 (7/29/85) and 'Power Of Love' No. 60 (8/24/85). VH1, giving 'Just As I Am' the No. 1 video for 1985. With all the continued success of 'AirSupply' it seemed the music field was at a turning point. 'The Love Era' was entering a cycle. Music became less intense with meaning and feeling. The media quickly switched to what the people were growing into. 'Power of Love' would be the last song in the top 20s, thus far.

In 1986, 'Hearts in Motion' claimed the album No. 84. Giving the song 'Lonely is The Night' at place No. 76 (9/6/86) and 'One More Chance' at No. 80 (11/1/86). The photo shoot for this album cover has been given the award from the Fan Club as having the finest album cover. In 1987, Graham and Russell exercised their talents by performing a seasonal release, for the Christmas Holidays, 'The Christmas Album'.

Radio and air play still contributes with the most popular songs 'Love is All' and 'Eyes Of A Child', during the Christmas season.

In 1991, 'The Earth Is' was released and song 'Without You' claimed the No. 48 spot on the charts. 'AirSupply' marginal success slide in the US did not discourage the two incredible performers. 'AirSupply' then concentrated their efforts outside of the US, which brought them touring worldwide. The popularity of 'AirSupply' decreased in the US.

Yet increased overseas, even to this day. 'AirSupply' is held in high regard to the international fans and media.

1993, was the release of the album, 'Vanishing Race' the song, 'Goodbye' claimed No. 48 on the US charts (7/10/93). However, internationally, 'AirSupply' efforts on this album, won them great success. 'Its Never Too Late' and 'Goodbye' ensured Gold and Platinum sales.

1995, News From Nowhere, released song 'Someone' hitting No. 50, on the US charts. This would begin a busy season for 'AirSupply' away for the United States. With the success, as in the beginning for Graham and Russell, the success of 'AirSupply' was on the rise again. International air play and media has supported and continues to support 'AirSupply'.

1995, saw the first release of the 'Now And Forever Live' album, performed in Taipei Taiwan. This was part of 'AirSupply's Asian tour that took 'AirSupply' to Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Philippines. A 16 piece string section accompanied 'AirSupply' for the making of this album. This album is purely live, containing no overdubs. Introduced to this album song 'The Way I Feel'.

'The Book Of Love' was released on November 21, 1997. Produced entirely by Graham Russell, the first to be recorded at his studio in Utah. This album is a tribute to the 'Love Song' and to the message they speak to everyone.

'The Definitive Collection' was released August 26, 1999 with all the hits, plus the original version of 'Lost in Love' and other songs that became classics, but not necessarily singles. The package has new artwork and notes from Graham and Russell about every song.

'The Definitive Collection' will become a staple for all 'AirSupply' fans as work of memorabilia not to miss. A collection of videos from their 25-year career and commentary from Russell and Graham will provide a personal insight into the workings of the heart of 'AirSupply' themselves.

'Yours Truly' was released worldwide in June 2001. The first studio album of the new century, featuring such classic songs as 'Yours Truly' and 'You are the Reason'.

'Across the Concrete Sky' is the long awaited new studio CD already hailed as the finest 'AirSupply' album to date. A classic album that is groundbreaking in its concept and originally written and produced by Graham. Songs include, 'I'll Find You', 'Shadow of the Sun', 'Love is the Arrow' and 'Goodnight'.

'Across the Concrete Sky' was released on May 22, 2003 as Limited Special Edition via the 'AirSupply' on-line store and live shows only released worldwide June 2003.

Lyrics

'AirSupply - Forever Love' (2 CD set) is a Collectors Dream album, with rare photos and discography notes by Graham and Russell. Worldwide release June 2003.

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