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07:37 AM, Aug 11, 2007 |
Date of Concert: 8/9/2007 | Location: Lincoln, Ri
For the first time in years, Air Supply returned to Rhode Island to perform for fans. Located just outside of Providence, Twin River is a casino, racetrack and entertainment center catering to patrons from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York. This was Air Supply's first appearance at Twin River, and if fans have their wish, it will be the first of many! The Twin River Events Center was a bit interesting. Tucked away in the back of the casino this large 'ballroom' style room had me a bit confused. The room was huge, and the ceilings were high. On either side of the room were portable 'bleachers' for side viewing, and half of the floor seating was reserved while the other half was used as SRO, standing room only. To see that half of the floor would contain only standing guests, sectioned off by a gate, inside this carpeted room, was a bit bizarre. To top off this odd style, the stage was wide, large and tall, standing about 4 and a half feet high off the floor. It was a puzzling venue but in the end it made no difference to the fans. They loved their Air Supply. Prior to the show, I spoke with someone from security who told me that taking photos would be no problem at all. Unfortunately, being 15 feet back from the stage proved too much of a challenge for my little 3x zoom camera and most of my photos did not turn out very well. As fortune would have it, a professional photographer was on hand and he shot some incredible photos. Jeff Fox, contracted by Twin River, shot hundreds of photos during the first four songs. Living in the area, Jeff quickly went home and printed out a few photos and returned in time for the Meet & Greet. Asking Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock to autograph the photos, Graham, Russell and Jonni Lightfoot remarked how fantastic they were and were shocked to find they had just been taken that evening. Graham complimented Jeff's talent and asked to see more. If Jeff is able to provide some photos to me, I'll post them later. Sweet Dreams was the first song of the set and I was looking forward to seeing the brilliant red lights and hearing the da da da da, just like I had at Mohegan Sun. Surprise! Air Supply changed it up yet again! The opening song is still Sweet Dreams, but the song didn't start like before. If memory serves, the opening began with Graham's poem followed immediately by a very powerful "Close your eyes, I want to ride the skies...!" The spotlight hit Graham and he softly sang, "I think of your kiss as the days roll by and I write the words you love." Talk about shocking the audience! Nothing soft and serene this time around. The Air Supply set list did continue on with the Sweet Dreams/Young Love medley, Even The Nights Are Better and Just As I Am. We also heard The One That You Love, Chances, Faith In Love, Power Of Love, Two Less Lonely People, Lost In Love, Here I Am, Every Woman In The World, and All Out Of Love. If I count correctly, that's half of the set list with songs containing Love in the title! The night was filled with laughter and it made for some fun photos. The audience was incredibly loud, and at one point I caught the eye of Jed Moss and he and I just looked at each other and said, "WOW". It seems that each concert I attend has even better, and louder, fans than the last. Graham encouraged the audience to 'let it all out' and that this would be a 'therapy session'. Perhaps the lack of sleep and crazy travel is bringing out the silliness in the band. I, for one, find it to be a lot of fun! When Russell came out into the audience during The One That You Love, it took him a bit to get back to the stage. Even Graham got lost in the crowd as the fans engulfed the floor. Graham and Russell then encouraged the audience to sing along, but these fans never needed an invitation. Everyone sang and it was amazing! Graham and Russell sang their hearts out, and Mike Zerbe, Jonni and Jed gave us a great show, once again. Air Supply's energy was high and the crew, having had no sleep in 3 days according to Graham, was thanked for their tremendous efforts. It's amazing when you think about the roads they travel and the skies they fly. Just last weekend they were in the Turks & Caicos, Florida the following day and Missouri the following. Air Supply had but one day home, on the West Coast, to switch suitcases, say hello to the pets and water the plants before they had to board their next flight out to the East Coast. These days, travel is never trouble free, and having experienced great delays in Chicago, Air Supply didn't arrive in Providence until 1:00 am. A 9:00 pm show allowed for a little extra sleeping time in the morning, but their bags were once again packed a few hours later (as if they even unpacked them!) so that they could board a bus immediately after the Twin River show and drive over 900 miles to Friday's show in Rising Sun, Indiana. That's a 14 hour bus ride! Air Supply's dedication to fans worldwide is apparent with each flight, bus ride, hotel stay, airport and venue, and fans rarely, if ever, hear of the daily challenges they face with each. Thank you once again to Russell, Graham, Jed, Jonni, Mike, Sparky, Brett, Moe, Nate and Mark. It was another great show and it was clear that this Twin River audience came to see one of their all-time favorite bands. You made it a superb night for all of us! Cheers!
05:51 AM, Aug 06, 2007 |
Date of Concert: 7/28/2007 | Location: Uncasville, CT
Uncasville, CT: Air Supply Sweetens Dreams for Four Sold Out Crowds at Mohegan Sun On July 25th, Air Supply returned to Mohegan Sun for a 4-day engagement in the Cabaret Room. This was Air Supply's 2nd year in the Cabaret Room, having performed in the Wolf's Den for many years prior. The only problem I saw was that they might just need to move on over the the Arena for future performances! Each night was sold out and the line of people hoping for a ticket cancellation or no show got longer and longer. I never thought I'd actually ever see disappointed Air Supply fans. Excitement was in the air and the first show started late due to the long line of fans still waiting to be seated in the showroom. Graham Russell came out to sing a few songs from his debut CD, The Future, which is set for worldwide release in August. Opting to switch up his set each night, a combination of The Future, Make You Mine and Lace and Leather were sung beautifully before Air Supply took the stage. During Graham's solo performance each night, he told us a bit about himself, talking about growing up at the edge of Sherwood Forest in England, which he assured us was a real place. That always gets some laughs. Graham also talked about how he wrote Make You Mine in Puebla, Mexico last year and that the reason his CD was called The Future is because when he was young he used to think about his future, so this CD was about his future then, not his future now. Got it? Not mentioned during this run of shows was a little story Graham told in Ridgefield, CT a few weeks ago. I hadn't ever heard it before and thought it was worth sharing. Graham said that as a little boy, he used to play in Sherwood Forest, which is, of course, most famous for the stories of Robin Hood. He had a favorite rock upon which he would sit and the letters R.H. had been carved into it. For years he always thought it meant Robin Hood, but later realized...and he raised his eyebrows -- and then heard a lot of 'ooohs' and 'ahhhs'. Fate. Now on to the good stuff. Sweet Dreams. I'll tell you a funny story, but I'll be brief. Last September I went to Vegas for the Labor Day shows. Graham went to one of the cafes in the hotel and I walked up to him so I could ask him a question. Of course, I was naive and an Air Supply newbie and didn't know better! I asked if there was any possibility of them doing a full version of Sweet Dreams, because what they had been playing was the River poem/Sweet Dreams combo and while I thought it was great, I really wanted to hear Sweet Dreams in its full glory as it was my absolute favorite song. Graham's reply was painfully tactful as he said, 'well, the thing is, we've been playing it for 26 years and we are doing this version right now'. I told him I have loved it for 26 years and loved this version too, and I quickly backed away, tail between my legs. Fast forward 11 months and guess what is back into the set list? None other than a very mostly traditional version of Sweet Dreams! As Graham stepped off stage from his solo performance, the lights went dark and the screens behind the stage turned a brilliant yet subdued red. All was quiet. Then suddenly, Jonni quickly ran onstage, pressed a button (very funny), and out played, da da da da da da da da, da da da da da da da da.... Ok, you'll have to fill in your own tune there, but it was the opening to Sweet Dreams. We then heard a brand new poem from Graham and as the last words echoed into the darkness, Air Supply walked on stage. All was dark, Graham stepped to the front of the stage, the spotlight hit him and wham! "This is the time, when you need a friend, you just need someone near. I'm not looking forward to the night I'll spend, thinking of you when you're not here." Spotlight Russell: "How many times will I think about the things I'd like to do? Only that I'm so glad I fell in love with you, and I'd do it again, if I could." Oooooh, my heart sank! The audience was mesmerized. THIS is what I had waited for and I just sat there a grin on my face, a warmth in my soul. Sweet Dreams! As Sweet Dreams came to a close, the key shifted and Russell suddenly belted out "Young Love, so strong, has never been a part of me..." Wow! What a great combination! Russell continued to sing the chorus to Young Love and the medley of poem, Sweet Dreams and Young Love softly faded. Not a group to miss out on opportunity, the band switched gears quickly and rocked the house with Even The Nights Are Better and swiftly followed with Just As I Am. For anyone who thinks Air Supply is sappy, too much about love songs and old, let me tell you that they are W R O N G! Air Supply rocked the house with these three powerful and energized numbers! I thought the new opening with Even The Nights was hot, but now Air Supply has gone and added a whole new dimension to the beginning of their concert. What better way to capture the audience than with forceful, strong and blissful vocals backed by rockin' guitars, drums and keys? It's no wonder there isn't a seat available in the house! Air Supply played all the favorites, singing Chances, Here I Am, The One That You Love, All Out Of Love, Making Love Out Of Nothing At All and Lost In Love, among others. There were many special moments, and laughs throughout the four shows. The lighting was spectacular and if you ever have the chance, ask the crew where the best place to sit for the best sound is. Air Supply crew members Brett and Nate gave us some great advice, which was to sit right back near the sound booth. Mohegan Sun's Cabaret Room is quaint and everyone has a great seat. So for two nights, we chose to sit at the back of the room, right in front of the sound booth, and what we heard was incredible. Balance, power and clarity. It was like listening to a recording and we absorbed every note. Thanks guys! Each night's performance in Mohegan Sun's Cabaret Room was more energized than the night before. Air Supply shows get better and better each time I see them and just when I think I've gotten a little tired of the same set list, Graham, Russell, Jed, Jonni and Mike do something different to keep it fresh! Oddly enough, I recently commented to Graham that I liked one of his new shirts and he said, "Ooh, you're not paying attention!" Sorry Graham, but me not pay attention? That's just one thing you can't accuse me of! New shirts, boots, haircuts, songs, drum beats, oohs, and jokes. We are all paying attention and embrace the variety. Thanks again to Russell, Graham, Jed, Jonni, Mike, Sparky, Brett, Moe, Nate and Mark for giving us that extra something special at the Mohegan Sun. You surprised us all and we were all thrilled to be a part of the experience. My dreams were sweetened and I can't wait for more. Cheers!
05:50 AM, Aug 06, 2007 |
Date of Concert: 7/29/2007 | Location: Uncasville, CT
Uncasville, CT: Air Supply Performs Private Show at Mohegan Sun Arena. 6,000 Guests Experience Air Supply in its Full Glory This is how every Air Supply concert should be seen by fans, and Air Supply deserves to be in every arena in the country! On Sunday, July 29, 6,000 Mohegan Sun Casino guests were invited to a private Air Supply concert in the Mohegan Sun Arena. Unavailable for purchase, tickets and attendance to this rare event were by invitation only and Airheads packed the arena! Having received my invitation, I couldn't contain my own excitement at the prospect of being able to see Air Supply in a venue of this size. Most Air Supply concerts I attend typically hold 500 guests on average, so this would be quite the event for me. To witness Air Supply on stage where the sound, lighting and energy would be 10-fold had me waiting impatiently for Sunday night to arrive! A large portion of the arena was general admission, but a few sections, including ours, had assigned seating. We were located on Russell Hitchcock's side and had a great view, about 10 rows up from the floor. Right below the speakers we knew the sound would be phenomenal. We really couldn't have asked for a better seat! Having just seen Air Supply in Mohegan Sun's Cabaret Room the four nights prior, we knew what to expect from the Air Supply set list. Beginning right on schedule, the lights dimmed and we heard the all-too-familiar Beatles tune "It won't be long now". Unaware that Graham Russell would be performing, it was a great delight when he walked out on stage and took his bow in the spotlight. Graham introduced himself to the audience and talked about being the opening act for Air Supply. It was a great warm up for the crowd, which is, of course, something Graham always tells us is one of his goals: To warm us up...are we warm yet? I have seen Graham perform The Future, Make You Mine and Lace & Leather in very quaint showrooms and felt it suited him well. To my surprise, Graham commanded this large stage and even larger audience, his voice filling the arena. Amazing! I was incredibly proud of Graham and pleased that he was able to showcase his talent in this vast yet intimate way. The audience loved it! After Graham finished his three songs, excitement filled the arena. We (and I mean those of us who had just seen them the night before) anticipated that Sweet Dreams would be the opening number, but what we didn't know was how powerful its affect would be in an arena of this size. Fog appeared and the stage glowed red. Jonni Lightfoot quickly ran on stage to 'press the button' to begin the show. A new poem spoken by Graham could be heard and the mood was set. As Graham's voice faded, we heard the beginning notes to Sweet Dreams and the arena erupted with applause, whistles and screams! This is what 6,000 fans came to see! Moments later, Russell Hitchcock walked on stage to even more applause and the fans were ecstatic! Graham and Russell took turns in the spotlight as they began Sweet Dreams, singing the quiet and soft opening. As the song crescendoed to "Sleep! Like a child! Resting Deep! You don't know what you give me I keep, for these moments Alooooooooooooone!" fans were on their feet and Air Supply proved that the once soft-rock/pop group could rock Mohegan Sun's Arena as good as any headline entertainers Mohegan hosts! A quick key change found Russell belting out the chorus to "Young Love" and the audience couldn't hold in it's excitement. As Russell ended, the band moved immediately into Even The Nights Are Better and then Just As I Am. For 15 minutes, the audience had not one moment to catch their breath. They sang, they clapped, they screamed, they danced, they stomped, they whistled and they loved! The energy in the Arena was incredible and Air Supply had more to give. This was JUST the beginning of the show! Air Supply rocked this arena, and Russell, Graham, Jed, Jonni and Mike's performances were exhilarating. But, and there's often a but, one band member's performance was HOT HOT HOT! Bassist Jonni Lightfoot is an incredible and talented guitarist who always pleases fans and makes the girls swoon. Hottie Jonni, as he is affectionately known, was in rare form this Sunday night and while he may not appreciate my saying this, his performance stole the show. You all know I give credit when performances are outstanding or otherwise memorable, and Jonni's was both. Having seen Jonni perform about 30 shows, he is always fun and playful on stage. It's typically routine in that there seems to be a time and place for his levity, occurring during certain songs or portions of the show. Well scratch that for Sunday night. From the first song, Jonni's performance far out shined any I've seen from him. More attitude, more animation, more audience interaction, more fooling around with pianist Jed Moss and drummer Mike Zerbe and a whole lot more funk. If you've ever seen Jonni perform his solo during Chances, you know he can kick it like the best guitarists. Just multiply the best of this solo 100 times and that's what you got out of Jonni throughout the show. Jonni encouraged the audience to clap louder, even cupping his hand to his ear saying, "I can't hear you!" The audience responded and it fueled Jonni and the audience even more. He threw towels out to girls, guitar picks out to fans, and moved across the stage as though he owned it. He shared the stage and spotlight with Graham and Russell and they gave him the freedom to do so. Jonni was clearly in his element and on this stage and with this audience is where Jonni belongs. To see a little of what I'm talking about, check out these clips posted on YouTube. I can't take credit for them, but a big thanks to the girls who sat 2 rows down from us for posting them! Power of Love Mohegan Lost in Love Mohegan The clips show Jonni waving to the audience, sticking a pick on his forehead, playing with Jed Moss, and rocking out. And on top of it, it truly showcases Russell's unwavering vocals. The audience at Mohegan Sun was treated to stellar performances by all. Jed Moss' classical performance before Faith in Love was outstanding, and Mike Zerbe's drumming was awesome. And on top of it, he had nice new shiny cymbals! Let's hope Graham is gentle with these babies! The audience sang every song with Air Supply and at one point I had to ask my friend to not sing, just so we could hear the rest of the arena singing together. It was 6,000 voices all at once, all singing together. Talk about making a memory! Russell and Graham did not disappoint fans as they made their customary trek out into the audience during The One That You Love. I have to give credit to Russell who made his way throughout the floor and into the stands to surprise fans with kisses, hugs and handshakes. To do this in a small 350-person venue is challenging enough, but an arena designed for 10,000? Phenomenal. There is never enough time and Russell always runs back to the stage apologizing en route to those he couldn't stop to hug or kiss. We sang, we cheered, we stood and gave ovations. We few regular Airheads became fans en masse, swaying and singing like we'd never seen them in concert before. We fully appreciated the moment, relishing each song, each lighting detail, each extra oomph given to us. We were swept up in the moment and our adrenaline pumped high. You'd think we'd just seen the Beatles. Thank you to Russell, Graham, Jed, Jonni, Mike, Sparky, Brett, Moe, Nate and Mark. Switching from the Cabaret Room to the Arena kept you on your toes and you made this one of the best Air Supply shows I have ever seen. Throughout the week you had smiles on your faces and treated the fans like they were friends, welcoming them to every show. Let's hope this private Arena show turns into a fully public Arena show next year. I for one can't wait to see it again! Cheers!
Date of Concert: 7/25/2007 | Location: Uncasville, CT
Uncasville, CT: Air Supply Returns to Mohegan Sun's Cabaret Room. Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained Four Air Supply concerts in four days. I had fully intended to stay on track and write my first Air Supply review after the first concert in the Cabaret Room on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, or fortunately, fun creeps in and there isn't a whole lot of time to sit, reflect and plan out the words to describe the show and events. Now back from Mohegan Sun, I am able to put pen to paper, or fingers to keypad, and churn out what many have been asking me for this past week. But before I write my week's worth of shows (see next review), let me step back a year. Last August I began my Air Supply journey at Mohegan Sun. It was the first time I had seen them since I was a teenager and I thought, 'hey, I love Air Supply and what an opportunity to see them once again!' So I got my ticket for the show on August 4th (a birthday gift to myself) and was able to sit right up front, a mere 2 feet away from the one and only Russell Hitchcock. I'm not sure I can describe the thrill it was to see Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock! I could not believe that I was actually SINGING with Russell! Well, ok, not actually WITH him, but at the same time, just an arm's length away. I was overjoyed. I hadn't expected it to be such a great show and I certainly never expected to be sitting so close to my once favorite band. Who was more surprised than I when the pair walked off that stage, stepped onto the showroom floor and slowly made their way through the audience, singing, strumming, smiling, posing and bringing life to the possibilities that so many had only dreamt of? I was in awe as Russell stopped at tables, took people's cameras and handed them to others so that photos could be taken with their owners. I was in shock that so many would stop him and give him hugs and kisses. And, I was determined that as he made his way towards me (well, not really me), as he ran towards the stage to finish the song, I would NOT let him pass by without my very own once-in-a-lifetime hug! The quickest hug in history became the longest hug in memory, and I was completely over the moon. The show moved on and Graham later mentioned that they would sign autographs, but the way he said it made me question its truth. Could it really be possible that they would stay around and meet the fans? I'd never heard of such a thing. Not one to miss out on this great opportunity, I did hang out in the showroom for about 15 minutes, but didn't see anything that made me think they would stick around for this meeting. So I left the showroom and made a beeline for the ticket desk to try to get a ticket for the next night's show. SOLD OUT. Never were two words more depressing in my life. I drove home, reliving my hug from Russell Hitchcock, calling anyone I could who would care even a small bit about the hug I just got. Thank goodness for unjudging sisters! Upon my return to my house, 2 hours away in Boston, I then got online and found out all that I could about Air Supply because I just had to try to see them again one day. My dream to see Air Supply again 'one day' turned into a year filled with concerts, taking every opportunity I could to see them, traveling to new destinations, meeting other 'Airheads', and forging lifelong friendships. For those who would think that traveling from city to city to see a band is a bit crazy, or 'fanatic', let me assure you that it's not just 'about the band.' The band is the commonality that brings us together socially. We come to shows, we take photos and we say hi to them during the Meet and Greet. We do this because we are all having a good time, we are enjoying ourselves and we are making new memories. And the last time I checked, Air Supply didn't have a bad show, so it should not be a surprise that we would want to come and have more fun with them and our friends! This past year has taken me to 8 states as well as Canada. I have seen places I never thought to visit, I have met people I might never have said hello to, and I have experienced highs and lows all in the name of living life to the fullest. To say that I've had the time of my life is an understatement and I hope to continue this journey with friends old and new. I would have to admit that the highlight of this past year has been my interview with Graham Russell as he was releasing The Future. Many people have asked me how I was able to obtain the interview and the simple truth is that I asked him. I approached Graham and told him I subscribe to the theory "Nothing ventured, nothing gained". He did of course look at me a little quirky like I was going to ask him to grant some bizarre request, but then I asked him if he would consider allowing me to interview him for The Future. He took about 2 seconds to say he would absolutely do it and I did get that incredible opportunity to interview him in Niagara Falls. Since then, I have told this story to many people and I am amazed that such a simple 'theory' could be so powerful in the hands and minds of others. It almost seems to be a mantra people are repeating, and through their own journeys, many others have used these words to support their own courage and search for strength. Air Supply has given us great gifts in life through their music, and today they share a little piece of themselves every time we come to a show. The one thing that Air Supply does, and does well, is to make each Air Supply experience as personal as it can be. It really is all about 'you.' Air Supply sings of love, life and promise. They come out to the audience, just to be with you. And in the end, if you are lucky, you get the opportunity to actually meet them at a Meet & Greet, designed especially for you. Air Supply connects with the audience but what they are really doing is making that personal connection with you. It is no wonder that those who go to Air Supply shows leave wanting more, and make every effort to get back to another one. My Air Supply journey has been one worth writing about. Some say I should write a book and to that I laugh and say they can read it all in the blogs I write! Russell, Graham, Jed, Jonni and Mike have been supportive and respectful and I have to say thank you. Each show brings me new challenges and creatively it's not always easy to write something new. I try to share my experiences with others by writing good reviews, taking new photographs, and posting quality video clips whenever I can. Some days I want to just sit back and enjoy the show, and then I think, 'oh, I need to remember to put that in my review!' In each of my reviews, I always make sure to thank Russell, Graham, Jed, Jonni, Mike, Sparky, Brett, Moe, Nate and Mark. They are the reason we continue to come to shows and they are the reason we tell our friends, colleagues and anyone who will listen, why they should pull out a credit card and come to a concert. We all know they are going to have a great time, and they never disappoint us. Through the good and bad, highs and lows, this past year has been fabulous and I wouldn't trade it for the world. No regrets and no missed opportunities. Here's to more shows, more good times, and making new friends. And oh yeah...get to a show!!! Cheers!
The Grammy Nominations Concert Live, Los Angeles, Calif. AP Photo
December 3, 20084 |
Billy Bob’s Texas, Fort Worth, Texas. Janae Wilkinson / BackstagePassPhotography.com
November 22, 20083 |
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