Air Supply: The Soft Rock Ballad Masters

Air Supply is an Australian soft rock duo known for a string of romantic, chart-topping ballads in the late 1970s and 1980s. Formed in Melbourne, the pairing of English guitarist and songwriter Graham Russell and Australian lead vocalist Russell Hitchcock achieved massive global success, selling over 100 million records worldwide.

Early career

Air Supply formed in 1975 when both members were cast in the Australian production of the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar". Their shared interest in harmony-heavy pop led them to perform as an acoustic duo in local coffee shops. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1976 on the CBS label, yielding a minor Australian hit with Love and Other Bruises.

Breakthrough

The duo's international breakthrough came in 1980 after opening for Rod Stewart on his North American tour. This exposure led to their signing with Arista Records and the release of the album Lost in Love. The title track, a top-five hit in the US, catapulted them to stardom and began an unprecedented run of seven consecutive top-five singles on the Billboard Hot 100.

Key tracks

Lost in Love — This 1980 single was their first major US hit, reaching number three and earning a gold certification.

All Out of Love — Perhaps their most recognizable song, it peaked at number two in the US and became a global soft rock anthem.

The One That You Love — This 1981 power ballad became Air Supply's first and only number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100.

Making Love Out of Nothing at All — Written by Jim Steinman, this 1983 epic showcased Russell Hitchcock's powerful vocal range and reached number two.

Even the Nights Are Better — Another top-five single from 1982, it highlighted their consistent chart dominance during their peak years.

Their follow-up albums, The One That You Love (1981) and Now and Forever (1982), were both certified platinum in the United States. Despite shifting musical trends in the mid-1980s, Air Supply maintained a loyal fanbase and continued to tour and record extensively, particularly across Asia and North America. Their 1985 compilation Greatest Hits has been certified multi-platinum.

For fans of melodic Australian soft rock, similar artists include John Farnham, who shares a powerful vocal style and adult contemporary appeal. The harmony-driven pop of Little River Band offers a comparable sound from the same era and country. The romantic balladry of Richard Marx follows in the tradition of Air Supply's heartfelt songwriting. Additionally, the smooth production and vocals of Christopher Cross align with the duo's polished soft rock aesthetic.

The enduring melodies of Air Supply ensure their music remains a staple on classic hits and soft rock FM stations, as well as dedicated 80s music channels. Their power ballads are frequently featured in rotation on online radio streams that specialize in adult contemporary formats, connecting with listeners who cherish timeless pop craftsmanship.

You can hear the classic soft rock sound of Air Supply on various radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover their iconic ballads and enduring hits by tuning into the classic rock and dedicated 80s stations available on onairium.com.