For half a century, the iconic music of Air Supply has provided the emotional backdrop for countless love stories and heartbreaks around the globe. The legendary duo, known for their romantic rock anthems, has consistently cherished their deep connection with Filipino audiences, a bond they continue to honor. Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell have officially announced their return to the Philippines in 2026 for their 50th Anniversary Celebration Tour, with a confirmed stop on the island of Cebu.
A Five-Decade Legacy of Love and Music
Reaching a golden anniversary in the music industry is a monumental achievement. In a recent online interview on December 5, 2025, the pair reflected on their incredible journey. They expressed profound gratitude for their enduring career, emphasizing that they never take their success for granted. The secret to their longevity, they revealed, lies in the emotional core of their music, which has resonated with listeners across four generations.
"People have embraced our music for 50 years… without the songs, we are nothing," they shared, highlighting that their daily focus is on performing their classic hits to the best of their ability. When asked to define the signature Air Supply sound, their answer was simple: emotional and romantic rock and roll.
Songs like "Lost in Love" and "All Out of Love" remain personal favorites for Russell Hitchcock to perform live. Graham Russell marveled at the milestone, stating, "This is 50 years already. We can’t comprehend it — it’s beyond our wildest dreams. But we’re very grateful, especially in the Philippines. They’re great singers too."
Balancing Classics with New Energy for Cebu
The duo understands that their fans come to hear the timeless tracks that defined an era. Their setlist for the upcoming tour will be packed with beloved anthems that audiences demand.
- "Here I Am"
- "The One That You Love"
- "Sweet Dreams"
- "Every Woman in the World"
- "Two Less Lonely People in the World"
However, Air Supply insists they are not resting on their laurels. The Cebu show promises a fresh look, a rock-and-roll stage layout, and the inclusion of new songs alongside the classics. In a unique twist, they also hinted at the presence of cellos to enrich their iconic sound.
"It’s gonna be a great show — all hits... and cellos," they teased. The band is also open to collaborations, extending an invitation to Filipino artists to potentially join them as opening acts, acknowledging the wealth of talent in the country.
No Competition, Just Timeless Connection
When discussing the modern music landscape filled with younger artists, Air Supply dismissed any notion of rivalry. They believe everything is cyclical and are thrilled to see a new generation, including teenagers and young couples aged 15 to 20, discovering and embracing their music today.
"It’s never a competition to us," they stated. Their advice for aspiring musicians centers on authenticity: great songs must come from a true and beautiful place from the very beginning. For their own younger selves, the wisdom they would share is to surround oneself with honest, trustworthy people—a principle they've lived by, having maintained the same management team for all 50 years.
As they look to the future, Air Supply shows no signs of slowing down. Beyond the tour, they have a new album recently released, a biopic scheduled to start filming next year, and a Broadway show in London on the horizon. Yet, amidst these global projects, the Philippines holds a uniquely special place in their hearts.
"The Filipino audience has very open hearts," they said. "They took us to their hearts as early as 1980, and it’s never stopped. Wonderful people, wonderful energy, very romantic." For their Christmas wish, the duo echoed a universal desire for peace, kindness, and unity in the face of the world's challenges, a sentiment that aligns perfectly with the enduring message of their music.
