Uncasville, CT: Air supply returns to Mohegan Sun’s Cabaret Room. Nothing risked, nothing gained

Four Air Supply concerts in four days. I had every intention of staying the course and writing my first Air Supply review after the first concert in the Cabaret Room on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, or fortunately, the fun creeps in and there isn’t much time to sit, ponder, and plan the words to describe the show and events. Now, back from Mohegan Sun, I can put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, and produce what so many have been asking me for the past week. But before I write my week’s programs (see next review), let me go back a year.

Last August, I started my journey with Air Supply at Mohegan Sun. It was the first time I’d seen them since I was a teenager and I thought, ‘hey I love Air Supply and what a chance to see them one more time!’ So I got my ticket to the show on August 4th (a birthday present to myself) and was able to sit right up front, just 2 feet away from the one and only Russell Hitchcock. I’m not sure I can describe what a thrill it was to see Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock! I couldn’t believe I was actually SINGING with Russell! Well, okay, not really WITH him, but at the same time, just an arm’s length away. He was delighted. I didn’t expect it to be much of a show and I certainly never expected to be sitting so close to my favorite band.

Who was more surprised than me when the pair walked offstage, onto the showroom floor, and slowly made their way through the audience, singing, playing, smiling, posing, and bringing to life the possibilities so many had dreamed of? I was in awe when Russell stopped by the tables, took people’s cameras and handed them to others so they could take pictures with their owners. He was shocked that so many stopped him and gave him hugs and kisses. And I was determined that as he pushed his way towards me (well, not really me), as I ran onto the stage to finish the song, that I would NOT let him go without my own once-in-a-lifetime experience. hug! The fastest hug in history turned into the longest hug in memory, and I was completely over the moon.

The show went ahead and Graham then mentioned that they would be signing autographs, but the way he said it made me question the truth. Was it really possible for them to stay and meet the fans? He had never heard of such a thing. In order not to miss this great opportunity, I was in the showroom for about 15 minutes, but I did not see anything that made me think that they would stay for this meeting. So I left the showroom and headed straight to the box office to try and get a ticket to the next night’s show. EXHAUSTED. There have never been two more depressing words in my life.

I drove home, reliving my Russell Hitchcock hug, calling out to anyone who might care even a little about the hug I’d just received. Thank God for not judging the sisters! Upon my return home, 2 hours away in Boston, I went online and found out everything I could about Air Supply because I had to try to see them again one day.

My dream of seeing Air Supply again ‘someday’ turned into a year full of concerts, taking every opportunity I had 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 ‘fan’, I assure you that it is not just about ‘the band’. The band is the community that unites us socially. We come to the shows, take pictures and say hello to them during the meet and greet. We do this because we are all having a good time, having fun, and making new memories. And last time I checked, Air Supply didn’t have a bad show, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that we want to come and have more fun with them and our friends!

In the past year he has taken me to 8 states plus Canada. I’ve seen places I never thought to visit, met people I might never have greeted, and experienced ups and downs, all in the name of living life to the fullest. To say that I have had the time of my life is an understatement and I look forward to continuing this journey with friends old and new.

I have to admit that the highlight of last year was my interview with Graham Russell when he was launching The Future. Many people have asked me how I was able to get the interview and the simple truth is that I asked him. I approached Graham and told him that I subscribe to the “Nothing Risked, Nothing Gained” theory. Of course, he looked at me a little funny as if I was going to ask him to grant me a strange request, but then I asked him if he would consider allowing me to interview him for The Future. It took him about 2 seconds to say that he would absolutely do it and I had the amazing opportunity to interview him in Niagara Falls. Since then I have told this story to many people and am amazed that such a simple ‘theory’ can be so powerful in the hands and minds of others. It almost seems to be a mantra that people repeat and through their own journeys many others have used these words to support their own courage and seek 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. All Air Supply does, and does it well, is make every Air Supply experience as personal as possible. It really is about ‘you’. Air Supply sings of love, life and promise. They go out into the audience, just to be with you. And at the end, if you are lucky, you have the opportunity to meet them in a Meet & Greet, designed especially for you. Air Supply connects with the audience, but what they’re really doing is making a personal connection with you. It’s no wonder that those who go to Air Supply shows leave wanting more, and go out of their way to come back for another.

My journey with Air Supply has been one worth writing about. Some people say I should write a book and I laugh and say you can read everything on the blogs I write! Russell, Graham, Jed, Jonni and Mike have been supportive and respectful and I have them to thank. Every 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 photos, and posting quality video clips whenever I can. Some days I just want to sit back and enjoy the show, and then I’m like, ‘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 keep coming to concerts and they are the reason we tell our friends, colleagues and anyone who will listen why they should get a credit card and come to a concert. We all know they’re going to have a great time, and they never let us down.

Through the good and the bad, the ups and downs, this last year has been fabulous and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. No regrets and no missed opportunities. Here are more shows, more good times and making new friends. And oh yeah…going to a show!!!

Health!