Lead singer of Air Supply goes country

[BobbyinTN]

I'm not a huge fan of country but I do like some of it. I don't think the "country" of today is real country but these two songs are pretty cool, great melodies and awesome production.

It's odd to hear him singing so low, but he sounds good.

http://russellhitchcock.com/site/

[G.I.Jim]

Has there every been another gay, male country artist before? I can't think of one.

[Rick]

Has there every been another gay, male country artist before? I can't think of one.

The demographic is feared to not be gay friendly, and at this point might be career suicide, and I don't think they're ready to take the chance. K.D. Lang is the only other one I can think of, in either gender.

[G.I.Jim]

Has there every been another gay, male country artist before? I can't think of one.

The demographic is feared to not be gay friendly, and at this point might be career suicide, and I don't think they're ready to take the chance. K.D. Lang is the only other one I can think of, in either gender.

I agree. I didn't care for the song either, and I'm actually a fan of some of his older songs. Don't get this release at all.

[mrsromek]

Does his sexual preference really matter? It's 2010, not 1957.

[BobbyinTN]

Guys, he's not gay. And no, it wouldn't matter if he was. He's actually been married like 5 times and has two kids, (not that means anything, but he's straight). So is the other guy, Graham.

I just think it's cool that he continues to sing and is using a really different approach for this solo venture than trying to duplicate an Air Supply sound.

But on the subject of country music and gay artists, there are a few, but overall country music (the powers-that-be more than the fans) is homophobic just as some of you on this forum are.

What really stands in his way more than if he were gay is his age. Country doesn't really like anyone over 40. The men of country music can get away with it much easier than the ladies, but then you have to be established to be a man in country music past 45.

Hopefully someday soon no one will have to ask "is he or she gay?" or be concerned at all about an artists sexuality.

It's immature and homophobic to worry about who a singer is fucking or is in love with. I have NEVER been drawn to any song because of the artist's sexuality. It's about the fuckin' music for me man, and that's the be all and end all as far as I'm concerned. Melody, good writing, good production and awesome vocals are what gets me hooked.

[JH'sTXfan]

He sounds good, and kudos for not putting on a country accent. Hope he does well with it...

[Peartree12249]

Has there every been another gay, male country artist before? I can't think of one.

The demographic is feared to not be gay friendly, and at this point might be career suicide, and I don't think they're ready to take the chance. K.D. Lang is the only other one I can think of, in either gender.

True, and she didn't last too long there either, although her album Shadowland is a masterpeice.

[G.I.Jim]

Guys, he's not gay. And no, it wouldn't matter if he was. He's actually been married like 5 times and has two kids, (not that means anything, but he's straight). So is the other guy, Graham.

I just think it's cool that he continues to sing and is using a really different approach for this solo venture than trying to duplicate an Air Supply sound.

But on the subject of country music and gay artists, there are a few, but overall country music (the powers-that-be more than the fans) is homophobic just as some of you on this forum are.

What really stands in his way more than if he were gay is his age. Country doesn't really like anyone over 40. The men of country music can get away with it much easier than the ladies, but then you have to be established to be a man in country music past 45.

Hopefully someday soon no one will have to ask "is he or she gay?" or be concerned at all about an artists sexuality.

It's immature and homophobic to worry about who a singer is fucking or is in love with. I have NEVER been drawn to any song because of the artist's sexuality. It's about the fuckin' music for me man, and that's the be all and end all as far as I'm concerned. Melody, good writing, good production and awesome vocals are what gets me hooked.

I've always assumed he was gay, and figured the reason you were posting about him was because of that very fact. I've seen an Air Supply live concert on dvd, and have never thought two people were more gay. And for the record, I don't normally care if someone is gay or not when I choose which artists I like. I like Elton John, Judas Priest, Queen, R.E.M., even a couple of Barry Manilow's songs. The only time I can recall that it bothered me was when Adam Lambert made out with his bandmate on live television.

Sorry for my ignorance, like I said, I honestly thought he was gay and that's why you were promoting him. Like I said, even though I like some Air Supply songs, I think this country song blows. Just my opinion.

[BobbyinTN]

Guys, he's not gay. And no, it wouldn't matter if he was. He's actually been married like 5 times and has two kids, (not that means anything, but he's straight). So is the other guy, Graham.

I just think it's cool that he continues to sing and is using a really different approach for this solo venture than trying to duplicate an Air Supply sound.

But on the subject of country music and gay artists, there are a few, but overall country music (the powers-that-be more than the fans) is homophobic just as some of you on this forum are.

What really stands in his way more than if he were gay is his age. Country doesn't really like anyone over 40. The men of country music can get away with it much easier than the ladies, but then you have to be established to be a man in country music past 45.

Hopefully someday soon no one will have to ask "is he or she gay?" or be concerned at all about an artists sexuality.

It's immature and homophobic to worry about who a singer is fucking or is in love with. I have NEVER been drawn to any song because of the artist's sexuality. It's about the fuckin' music for me man, and that's the be all and end all as far as I'm concerned. Melody, good writing, good production and awesome vocals are what gets me hooked.

I've always assumed he was gay, and figured the reason you were posting about him was because of that very fact. I've seen an Air Supply live concert on dvd, and have never thought two people were more gay. And for the record, I don't normally care if someone is gay or not when I choose which artists I like. I like Elton John, Judas Priest, Queen, R.E.M., even a couple of Barry Manilow's songs. The only time I can recall that it bothered me was when Adam Lambert made out with his bandmate on live television.

Sorry for my ignorance, like I said, I honestly thought he was gay and that's why you were promoting him. Like I said, even though I like some Air Supply songs, I think this country song blows. Just my opinion.

Oh, completely cool that you don't like the song and I thought they were gay once upon a time too, but nope, just a great singer.

Hey, I even like some straight artists too like Journey, Heart, Foreigner, Kiss

I hated going to a KISS concert and watching girls show their tits and get leered at and sometimes fondled by the band, but man they put on a show.

[JH'sTXfan]

Hey, I even like some straight artists too like Journey, Heart, Foreigner, Kiss

I hated going to a KISS concert and watching girls show their tits and get leered at and sometimes fondled by the band, but man they put on a show.

I completely agree with you, on all counts.

[timstar78]

Speaking of Air Supply, I was browsing YouTube tonight and never knew they recorded Diane Warren's "Strong Strong Wind."

Here's another case of polishing rocks into diamonds.

Air Supply version = cubic zirconia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFNZrhwtPT4

Heart version = diamond
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10MpRwD2 ... re=related

[BobbyinTN]

Speaking of Air Supply, I was browsing YouTube tonight and never knew they recorded Diane Warren's "Strong Strong Wind."

Here's another case of polishing rocks into diamonds.

Air Supply version = cubic zirconia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFNZrhwtPT4

Heart version = diamond
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10MpRwD2 ... re=related

Even though Air Supply recorded it before Heart, I agree, I think Heart's version is much better. Russell sounded REALLY strained on that one.

I always thought the song needed a key change at the end. Neither group did that.

[RossValoryRocks]

An acquaintance of mine wrote Air Supply's last hit...Just as I am...he also going to the rock hall with Alice Cooper. Dick Wagner...great guitarist...and phenomenal song writer. He even did some work with Perry, but it hasn't seen the light of day yet.

[Michigan Girl]

Has there every been another gay, male country artist before? I can't think of one.

The demographic is feared to not be gay friendly, and at this point might be career suicide, and I don't think they're ready to take the chance. K.D. Lang is the only other one I can think of, in either gender.

Chely Wright is a very successful, beautiful and gay country artist. I couldn't tell
you the first song she sang, but I remember it being a big to~do when she came out ...Oprah, People ...etc.!

[BobbyinTN]

He sounds good, and kudos for not putting on a country accent. Hope he does well with it...

I agree!!

[BobbyinTN]

Has there every been another gay, male country artist before? I can't think of one.

The demographic is feared to not be gay friendly, and at this point might be career suicide, and I don't think they're ready to take the chance. K.D. Lang is the only other one I can think of, in either gender.

Chely Wright is a very successful, beautiful and gay country artist. I couldn't tell
you the first song she sang, but I remember it being a big to~do when she came out ...Oprah, People ...etc.!

She's out and proud now after years of struggling. She's really good friends with a few friends of mine and the shit she went through is amazing. However, I must say that if she had come out before her first single, I don't know if she would have been as successful.

[RossValoryRocks]

Has there every been another gay, male country artist before? I can't think of one.

The demographic is feared to not be gay friendly, and at this point might be career suicide, and I don't think they're ready to take the chance. K.D. Lang is the only other one I can think of, in either gender.

Chely Wright is a very successful, beautiful and gay country artist. I couldn't tell
you the first song she sang, but I remember it being a big to~do when she came out ...Oprah, People ...etc.!

Hot lesbians (which Chely Wright is, very hot) are more socially acceptable than the bull-duke or other homosexual stereotypes. Not saying it is right, just pointing it out.

[Duncan]

I think they are great songs. As Bobby says, Russell Hitchcock is a great singer. Always thought he sounded a bit like Dennis DeYoung.

[Glenn]

Gay or Straight...It's a slow day in news when The lead singer of Air Supply is making ANY kind of news at all.

[yulog]

Gay or Straight...It's a slow day in news when The lead singer of Air Supply is making ANY kind of news at all.

[mikemarrs]

I think they are great songs. As Bobby says, Russell Hitchcock is a great singer. Always thought he sounded a bit like Dennis DeYoung.

same here.