LIVE REVIEW + PHOTOS: Air Supply in Woonsocket, RI (11.14.25)
Review by: Luca DePalo
Woonsocket, Rhode Island, was astounded on Friday night, after the iconic band Air Supply took over the Stadium Theatre for a thrilling performance on their 50th Anniversary Celebration Tour. Fans of all ages, or as they call them, “Airheads,” packed the historic venue, ready to relive the timeless hits that dominated the charts for decades.
As the stage lighting slowly dimmed, an ominous synth intro began, with the six-piece backing band emerging to their positions one by one, telling the audience there was no opening band. The lineup includes musical director and lead guitarist Aaron McLain, keyboard wizard Mirko Tessandori, growly bassist Doug Gild, female cellist Jessika Soli, lead cellist/backing vocalist Kat Findlay,and their mighty drummer, Pavel Valdman, all members who contributed to the 19-song setlist. And of course, out front were lead singer Russell Hitchcock and guitarist + co-vocalist Graham Russell, the iconic duo who have stuck together since 1975, writing and producing every song the band has recorded across its 17 studio albums.
Starting the evening, Russell and Graham marched onto the stage with pride, as the band immediately kicked into the hit single, “Sweet Dreams,” which reached Number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1981. Right then and there, the vibrant lights, energetic band, and soothing drum beats all formed together with the gentle notes of Russell Hitchcock’s voice. The audience was hesitant about whether the duo could still pull off those beautiful harmonies after so many decades of performing, but the duo can still display the talent they’re known for.
Through hits such as “Even the Nights Are Better,” “Every Woman In The World,” Here I Am,” “Goodbye,” and many others, crowd engagement was key, especially on sing-alongs like “The One That You Love.” With hit singles and crowd work, the night also included amusing stories from the duo.
As the band is known for its love ballads, co-vocalist Graham Russell stated, “Time magazine said we are the most romantic band in the world, so I guess we have something to prove.” The comedic line filled the audience with laughter and cheers, including quotes such as, “This is our first time in Woonsocket, I guess that means we’re Woonsocket virgins!”
With a 110-minute set, the soft-rock icons proved that they aren’t slowing down, their 18th studio album, titled “A Matter of Time,” releases on November 28th, and Woonsocket got to hear a very special sneak peek. The song, titled “Wrap My Arms Around You,” is unlike most of their previous music, as it features elements such as a techno start and a heartwarming (yet rockin’) ballad finish. This was the only song from the album, and although the lyrics and composition pleased the audience, they were similar to those of other tracks they performed.
After the heavy performance of the hit single “Lost In Love,” the band’s drummer, Pavel Valdman, took a brief yet powerful drum solo. Making every beat count, he put every ounce of energy and effort he had. One highlight of the show, which drew a roar from the entire audience, was when Valdman pulled out his Boston Bruins jersey, an exciting moment for all of the New England sports fans at the show.
Right then and there was the moment all the fans had been waiting for: to hear the famed “Making Love Out of Nothing At All,” their release from the summer of ’83. As the iconic piano intro began, a spotlight shone on pianist Mirko Tessandori, before the beautiful voice of Russell Hitchcock came in, with the sold-out audience singing every word in return. With the lights of the Stadium going off, some hesitated whether the show had ended or not, but the mighty encore soon started. Ending the night with their version of Badfinger’s “Without You,” and the famed “All Out Of Love,” which hit number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts during late winter of 1980.
As the final notes hung, the band and duo came to the front of the stage, bowed, and gave out every guitar pick, setlist, and drum stick they had. Once the band left the stage, there stood Russell and Graham, holding each other, looking at every single fan applauding during the standing ovation. The evening was truly special for the fans, staff, crew, and band.
The show was a reminder that whenever your schedule is free, you should enjoy a night of live music. No matter the performer’s age, a legendary group like Air Supply proves that, even at 76 (Russell) and 75 (Graham), an artist’s power is mighty.
Photos – Air Supply at Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Center in Woonsocket, RI on November 14th:
