Air Supply Sets Seoul Concert in April

Air Supply is regarded as a phenomenon in the music industry - the duo has had little promotion and no professional training, yet has stayed on top for many years. Widely regarded as the world's most successful pop duo, Air Supply will bring its own brand of harmony and love songs back to Korea in April next year.

Concerts are scheduled to be held at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, according to Vincero, its promotion company. It will be the duo's fifth visit. Air Supply first performed in Korea at the Chamsil Gymnasium, Seoul in 1982, and then in 1991, 1992 and 1994.

"Actually, their concert was supposed to be held this month, but because of their tour schedule, it had to be delayed until next April," said Kim Seon-hwa, a public information officer at Vincero. "We have already paid them over 50 percent of the concert fee." Many Korean fans still might remember Russell Hitchcock's passionate rendition of "Don't Tell Me" at the 1994 concert at the Olympic Fencing Stadium.

Englishman Graham Russell and Australian Hitchcock met in Melbourne, Australia in April 1975, while playing in the rock musical "Jesus Christ Superstar." They formed Air Supply a year later. The friendship between a talented composer and a singer with an incredible vocal range has endured and prospered ever since. Air Supply has released 20 albums. They include "The Ultimate Collection" (1999), "Love and Other Bruises" (1977), "Lost in Love" (1980), "The One That You Love"(1981), "Greatest Hits Volume 2" (1985) and "The Book of Love" (1997).

The success of "Love and Other Bruises" gave Air Supply a chance to tour with Rod Stewart in Australia, the U.S. and Canada. "Lost In Love" topped the Australian charts. Two songs from the album, "Every Woman In The World" and "All Out Of Love," made the U.S. top five.

So why is Air supply so successful? Many people believe it is because the beautiful ballads reflect the feelings of people from poor backgrounds and because the music offers hope. As the duo's name suggests, the songs bring life-giving "air" to those who may be going through tough times. Air Supply fan Philip Yoo, a chiropractor, says: "Their music is unique classical-style pop rock. And I like Russell Hitchcock. He has an amazing voice. It's like a musical instrument itself. And 'All Out of Love' takes me back to my high school days."

After all these years at the top, Air Supply still enjoys touring. They say on the duo's web site (www.airsup-plymusic.com): "It's always a tremendous feeling to be on stage in different parts of the world and have our fans respond so wonderfully to our music."

"Exact dates have not yet been set for the April concerts, but they are eager to come back to Korea soon," said Miss Kim.

by Kim Jae-seon