Project Description
AIR SUPPLY
The Plenary, Melbourne
24/4/2019
(Live Review)
Reviewer: Alyssa Borda
.
.
.
ARIA Hall of fame artists, Air Supply, including Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock entered the stage in formal attire @ 8:04pm and were in fine form last night at The Plenary, MCEC, Melbourne. With smooth vocals and fine delivery of sound on different guitars. Colour pop lighting and Sarah Grace Williams, conductor and The Metropolitan Orchestra were also great. The Plenary had a solid number of conservative 45+ age group fans enjoying the music.
‘Sweet Dreams’ released 1981, was the first song for the evening. Great choice with the orchestra. Powerful and moving for the audience. Vocals in fine form hitting the high notes with ease. Perfect sound.
‘Even The Nights Are Better’ released from the album ‘ Now And Forever’ in 1982 was a great performance. Under bright colour pop lighting. Vocals exceptional. Top singalong, love the songwriting, great melody. Guitar solo, great. Awesome!
‘Just As I Am’ was next and delivered under warm yellow and red lights. Performance had more of a hard rock edge, with lead guitarist, Aaron McLain rocking out. This song achieved the highest ranking in Canada.
‘Every Woman In The World’, one of the best songs! Great to hear this live with an orchestra. This song was written by Dominic Bugatti and Frank Musker. It reached no 5 on the Billboard hot 100 charts in 1981. The song was written as a song of hope for woman to be accepted for what they were during within a more career focused era.
Next Australian singer Russell Hitchcock from Air Supply mentioned that they had been on the road for 44 years. ‘We take nothing for granted. Sincerely appreciate you being here tonight’.
.
.
Next song the epic ‘Without You’. Nilsson cover originally written by Pete Ham and Tom Evans from British rock group Badfinger. So many classic songs. Another ripper delivered smoothly by Air Supply. Large applause after this one.
English guitarist states ‘We are yours, you are ours’. Are you in a romantic mood tonight?
Golden lights on stage…the song ‘Chances’ commences. Amazing song. Quite powerful.
‘Goodbye’ performed under cool, green purple, blue lighting was a lovely performance.
Graham mentions…’This next song was recorded donkeys years ago in 1976. ‘Every record company rejected us’ Our manager said we would have a monster hit on our hands.’ ‘Love and bruises’ was next which saw both Russell and Graham share the stage with Melbourne violinist Patrick Roberts, also a Sony recording artist with the latest album titled ‘Pink’. Truly a virtuoso on the violin. Really talented artist. Passionate performer with great stage presence. Circular imagery reflected on stage in white looked great. Great emotive performance.
Graham announces he is about to recite a poem. Fall in love with words, ‘Invisible’ is recited. ‘ I hope they find a place in your heart and stay there until eternity’. Beautifully delivered under stunning peacock blue and purple lights.
Next he mentions….I am always looking for new ideas and travelling all the time.
Following the poetry… ‘Son Of A Father’ with touching lyrics is performed on acoustic guitar. Powerful drumming.
Intermission happens…..
.
.
Russell Hitchcock announced he was from Brunswick Melbourne to a delighted crowd. He said thank you to many family members. Talked about how he met Graham in May 1975 at Jesus Christ Superstar. Worked in an office then before that in a department store selling baskets. Played in many pizza bars when starting out.
Soft rock song, ‘Two Less Lonely People In The World’ was next. A great song which was successful in Canada reaching number 2 on the charts. Top performance, Great melody, quite the song. Romantic tearjerker. Drums then pickup after a melancholy start, so quite a powerful delivery.
The two members of Air Supply then proceed to perform down the different aisles and continue singing and performing on guitar which is so amazing to witness! One on the far left and one on the far right of the room.
‘Here I Am’ was next that was more of an extended version with the Metropolitan Orchestra. Another awesome, beautifully written song. Emotional and uplifting. Classic song!
‘Lost In Love’ had a lovely classical arrangement. Powerful vocals. Great performance, top guitar work. Lots of clapping in the audience.
‘Thank you very much you have been fab, you have been awesome, felt the love tonight, heard some songs? Children are our future, teach them compassion’.
.
.
‘Make Love Out Of Nothing At All’ Exceptional vocals from Russell Hitchcock with exceptional songwriting. Lovely backing vocals. Drumming powerful from Aviv Cohen, with electric guitar awesome. Running on stage happens. Crowd is lit up for a little magic! One of their best songs.
Orchestra so amazing, fans then run to the front of the stage. Lots of hands up in the air , mobile phones capturing the moments. Great atmosphere. One fan screams out ‘I love you’.
‘Without You’ is performed again..Lovely atmosphere. Hitting the high notes. Curtains light up all red. Yellow and blue lights for cool vibes. Classic. Work on keys was amazing from Italian musician, Mirko Tessandori.
‘Come Back Baby’ rock number followed. An unusual genre and unique song for Air Supply. Keys and electric guitar were great on this one. Graham shakes his booty on stage!
Clapping in the audience starts then ‘Shake, Shake, Shake It Tonight’ is proclaimed…
Huge thank you then follows to Sarah and the Metropolitan Orchestra, concert promoters, and manager, Barry Siegel all the band members and crew , all mainly international from the U.S and from Italy, were individually thanked. Really thoughtful.
They were mentioned they were grateful for all of their successes and mentioned we are an Australian band, always will be’ Awww!! Sweet.
The concert finishes with ‘All Out Of Love’, fabulous orchestral performance with the WOW factor. Guitar held up to the audience at the end of the song. Bows to the audience @10:10pm approx. Dean and Sue from Bentleigh also agreed this was their standout song at the concert!
.
BUY HERE
.
Follow AIR SUPPLY
Website Facebook Twitter Instagram
.
.
.
