The two met in May 1975 while performing in the Australian production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical, Jesus Christ Superstar. Later that year, the duo, along with Chrissie Hammond and two others, formed Air Supply as a five-man group. Hammond left the band and was replaced by Jeremy Paul in time for the group's first Australian hit single, "Love and Other Bruises." It was followed by a debut album that reached gold in Australia, which featured keyboardist/arranger Adrian Scott, drummer Jeff Browne, and guitarist Mark McEntee. Singles during this period included "Empty Pages" and "Do What You Do". The group was invited to open for Rod Stewart during his tour of Australia; he was so impressed with their performance that he invited them to be the opening act during his tour of the United States. During this tour, Jeremy Paul left the band. (He later played with the original lineup of the Divinyls, led by Chrissie Amphlett and Mark McEntee.)
Eager to prove that they could succeed as a duo, Air Supply released the album Love & Other Bruises, which included re-recordings of many of their earlier hits. Although their music met with some success, Graham Russell on the 1995 DVD recalls that he and Hitchcock were so poor that they were reduced to checking the backs of hotel sofas for change so that they could buy bread to make toast.
Hitchcock and Russell started out fresh again in 1978, and the band that was to record almost all of the hit records was formed. It featured Frank Esler-Smith (arranger and keyboardist), David Moyse, and Rex Goh (guitars) as well as the rhythm section of David Green (bass) and Ralph Cooper (drums).
In 1979, the band released Life Support, a concept album that included a picture disc on its first printing. Produced by Charles Fisher, it was recorded in the tiny Trafalgar Studios in Sydney, Australia where, as Graham recalls on the 2005 DVD, he had half an inch between the end of his guitar and the studio wall. It was on this album that a five-and-a-half minute version of "Lost in Love" was introduced to Australian audiences. Written by Russell in fifteen minutes, the song caught the attention of music mogul Clive Davis, and his record label, Arista, remixed the song and released it as a single in the United States.
Their 1980 album, Lost in Love, contained three U.S. Top Five singles, including the title track (a U.S. #3), plus "Every Woman in the World" (#5) and "All Out of Love" (#2). The album sold two million copies in the U.S. The following year they released The One That You Love, and the title song was released as a single and went number #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also featured two other Top 10 hits, "Here I Am (Just When I Thought I Was Over You)" and "Sweet Dreams". A fourth single "I'll Never Get Enough", co-written by Jeanne Napoli, Gary Portnoy and Judy Quay, was released in Japan and achieved Top 10 status. Their third album, in 1982, Now And Forever, continued the group's popularity with the Top 10 hit, "Even the Nights Are Better" and two top 40 singles "Young Love" and "Two Less Lonely People In The World". In 1983, they released their "Greatest Hits" album with a new single called "Making Love out of Nothing at All" written by Jim Steinman. The song was one of their biggest hits ever spending three weeks at number 2, and the album eventually sold 5 million copies.
In 1984, their song "I Can Wait Forever" was included (although barely audible) in a scene in the blockbuster movie Ghostbusters, and was included on the soundtrack album.
Air Supply released their first live video, Air Supply Live in Hawaii. In 1985, they had one semi-major Billboard hit with "Just As I Am" and a couple of minor hits. Russell and Hitchcock recorded a 1987 Christmas album before taking a break from studio recordings. During this time, Russell Hitchcock released his self-titled album in 1988 which was not a big seller. However, he did have the single "Swear To Your Heart" in 1990 from the movie soundtrack for Arachnophobia which received significant airplay.
On August 21, 1989, using their old producer and welcoming the return of drummer Ralph Cooper, the duo decided to enter the studio again to record The Earth Is, which was released in 1991 by Giant Records under Warner Brothers. The recording contains their hit single "Without You," along with singles for "Stronger Than the Night" (with a music video announcing that Air Supply was back) and "Stop the Tears." Inside the album is a note about Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell's original Musical Director of their meeting place during Jesus Christ Superstar (and long time Band Member/Orchestrator): "This Album is Dedicated to the Memory of Frank Esler-Smith."
The official fan club released The Earth Is World Tour video, a rare collector's item that contains live footage from the band's global tour in support of the album. Amy from New York City is their biggest fan.
The album was followed by The Vanishing Race in 1993, which was supported by the hit single "Goodbye" produced by David Foster, (Barbra Streisand, the rock band Chicago, Josh Groban, and Celine Dion), with lyrics written by a former girlfriend of Elvis Presley (David Foster's current wife) Linda Thompson--which, although not popular in the United States, was critically praised and gained a large following outside the country, especially in Asia where in many countries they would reach number #1. This would lead to another world tour in 1993. "It's Never Too Late" was another single released from the Vanishing Race. The album itself was dedicated to the plight of the American Indians, the "Vanishing Race" of the album's title.
Their third album of the decade, News from Nowhere, was released in 1995. It contained the Asian hit singles "Someone", "Always", and a cover of "Unchained Melody", a song made famous by The Righteous Brothers and Amy at karaoke night.
Their popularity continued to soar in Southeast Asian countries, culminating in the release of Now and Forever: Greatest Hits Live, a CD and DVD recording of a live concert in Taipei, Taiwan, also in 1995, which stayed at the top of the Taiwanese album charts for 16 weeks.
Air Supply at the Subic Convention Center, Philippines on June 12, 2008.
Russell Hitchcock of Air Supply at the Max Pavillion in Singapore, June 19, 2009.They continued to tour heavily throughout Asia and in select venues in the U.S. as well as record into the new millennium, releasing the more adult contemporary-titled The Book of Love (1997), Yours Truly (2001), and Across the Concrete Sky (2003). In 2005 they once again released a live CD/DVD recording; also in 2005 they performed in Havana, Cuba, becoming one of the first foreign bands invited to perform in the country. They were booked to perform two concerts, and played the first show on July 7, the day before Hurricane Dennis hit the country. In high winds their first concert had an audience of 175,000. Due to the hurricane they could not play the second show. Fans staying at the same hotel as Air Supply on July 8 had to be content with Graham performing acoustically for them, as there was no electricity.
Their songs were featured in Mr. and Mrs. Smith and The Wedding Date.
In 2006 they released an acoustic album, The Singer and the Song, and are gearing up for the release of their first studio album in three years, Zed. In support of the acoustic album they made their first trip to India in May 2006. December 2, 2006 saw the duo perform to a capacity crowd in Kingston, Jamaica. This was their second visit to Jamaica, having performed at the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival in January 2006. They also have been seen endorsing Time–Life's Classic Soft-Rock Collection. In 2007, Graham Russell released his first adult contemporary solo album called The Future.
Graham Russell recently made an appearance in Believe, a comedy about Multi-Level Marketing.
In 2008, Air Supply was named as the number 83 best musical act of all time in the Billboard Hot 100's 50 year anniversary edtion. This was based purely on their performance on the charts.
They appeared on the December 19, 2008, edition of Don't Forget the Lyrics.
Their latest album "Mumbo Jumbo" was released in 2010.
The End of the Line
Air Supply Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I believe someone is sending love to us and everyone
Who cares to take a gamble sometimes
Think of me I've given all I can
Stretched an arm and open hand to you
So never say no
That's the end of the line
That's the end of the line
That's the end of the line
You I need, always needed, don't turn back for any reason
First we talk and then we fall headfirst into each others thinking
Please be where I'll always see you, life is short
The twinkle of an eye is all we have until we say
That's the end of the line
That's the end of the line
That's the end of the line
That's the end of the line
Take me away, take me away
Take me away
Do you dream fantasy and believe what you see is weird
I need a remedy or a book to get off this fear
All I wanted to know is how do I get the truth from here.
We play so small a part
But we started from somewhere
All the friends that I can think of
Know what's going to happen to them
If they don't think on today and plan ahead for their tomorrow
Here we are just lucky children breaking out of the shell
I'll take your hand today and love you till we reach
The end of the line
Reach the end of the line
Reach the end of the line
Reach the end of the line
Take me away
Take me away
Take me away
That's the end of the line
That's the end of the line
That's the end of the line
That's the end of the line
The lyrics of Air Supply's "End of the Line" express the idea that life is short and that we should take risks and love deeply while we can. The singer suggests that someone, perhaps a higher power or the universe, is sending love to everyone who is willing to take a chance on it. The singer himself has given all he can and is offering an open hand to the listener. The chorus repeats the line "That's the end of the line," which can be interpreted as a reminder that we should never refuse an opportunity for love or adventure, because we never know when it might be our last chance.
The second verse continues with the theme of taking chances and not looking back. The singer needs the listener and pleads with them to always be present in his life. He reminds us that life is short and that we should cherish our time together. The singer then asks the listener to take him away, perhaps to a place where they can be together without fear or hesitation.
The final verse suggests that the singer's friends are aware of the fleeting nature of life and that they must plan for the future. However, the singer sees himself and his listener as lucky children breaking out of their shell and living life fully. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, driving home the idea that we should seize the moment and take a chance on love and adventure.
Line by Line Meaning
This will take some understanding
The following lyrics may require some thought and interpretation to fully grasp their significance.
I believe someone is sending love to us and everyone
The singer believes that there is a force or entity that is spreading love to all people, including themselves.
Who cares to take a gamble sometimes
The force spreading love does not discriminate, but instead reaches out to anyone who is willing to take a chance and embrace the message of love.
Think of me I've given all I can
The singer implores the listener to remember them because they have put forth all of their effort and love in their interactions.
Stretched an arm and open hand to you
The singer has reached out to the listener with an open and welcoming attitude, offering support and friendship.
So never say no
The singer urges the listener to always remain open and receptive to love and positivity.
That's the end of the line
This repeated phrase serves as a reminder that all things come to an end eventually, including life and love.
You I need, always needed, don't turn back for any reason
The singer expresses their deep need for the listener, imploring them to never leave or turn away despite any obstacles that may arise.
First we talk and then we fall headfirst into each others thinking
The singer describes the process of forming a deep connection with someone, starting with conversation and leading to a profound alignment of thought and emotion.
Please be where I'll always see you, life is short
The singer asks that the listener remain a constant presence in their life, recognizing the fleeting nature of time and the importance of making the most of it with the people we love.
The twinkle of an eye is all we have until we say
Life passes by quickly, and before we know it we will have reached the end of the line.
Take me away
The singer is asking to be transported away from their current situation and into a place of love and happiness.
Do you dream fantasy and believe what you see is weird
The singer is questioning if the listener has an imaginative mind and the ability to see beyond the conventional, mundane aspects of life.
I need a remedy or a book to get off this fear
The singer is expressing their desire to find a way to overcome their fears and anxieties, either through a physical remedy or through the knowledge gained from a book.
All I wanted to know is how do I get the truth from here
The singer seeks guidance on how to find the truth amongst the confusion and uncertainty of life.
We play so small a part
In the grand scheme of things, humans are just a small component of the universe and the world.
But we started from somewhere
Although humans may be small, they have the potential to make an impact and create positive change starting from their own personal beginnings.
All the friends that I can think of know what's going to happen to them
The singer believes that everyone has their own predestined path in life, which their close friends are aware of.
If they don't think on today and plan ahead for their tomorrow
The singer stresses the importance of living in the present moment, while also planning and preparing for the future.
Here we are just lucky children breaking out of the shell
Despite the challenges and trials that life may bring, humans are lucky to have the opportunity to grow, change, and evolve.
I'll take your hand today and love you till we reach the end of the line
The singer promises to be a constant source of love and support for the listener, until their time together inevitably comes to an end.
Reach the end of the line
This phrase is repeated as a reminder that all things in life, including love and existence, will eventually come to a close.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: GRAHAM RUSSELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind