Biography (English)

The Beatles were also a great influence on Russell Hitchcock. Russell would play their records over and over, singing aloud and pretending to strum a guitar. Russell was born in state of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia in June 15, 1949. While growing up in the industrial section of town, he was sure that he would grow up to be a school teacher. Aside from his Beatlemania days, he had never seriously considered a career in music.

Years later, Russell’s previously unnoticed talent was revealed. One day, while he was crooning in the shower, his roommate overheard the singing was astounded by Russell’s vocal ability. She complimented him on his voice and told him that he should really try and do something with all of that potential talent. Russ modestly replied that he wasn’t nearly good enough, although he was secretly flattered by her comment.

Russell is the second of two children (sister Gail is three years older). He attended secondary school at South Brunswick State School. when he was teenager, he used to play basketball and used to play bowling very well (he still does). He attended high school at Princes Hill High School for five years and dropped out. He didn't like being told what to do and he still doesn't. At age of 16, he started to work in a small Men's Wear store in Melbourne.

By the time he was twenty, Russell was singing in a band. Feeling the pressures of young adulthood, Russell decided to settle down and get married. The budding music career had to be pushed aside to make way for more stable employment. He took a job selling suitcases and also found work in the parts department of a computer firm. But in the back of Russell’s mind, he knew that there had to be more for him than a 9-to-5 factory life existence. So convinced by Karen, his girlfriend, he audictioned Sydney for Jesus Christ Superstar musical in Sydney and was accepted into the cast. Finally he met Graham Russell. It was just a matter of time before fate would bring the guys together.

His full name is Russell Charles Hitchcock. His middle name was taken after his grandfather. When he is asked why the name of the band is Air Supply, he gladly says, "Ask Graham". His favorite bands are The Beatles, Queen, Eagles, AC/DC and Air Supply, of course. Russell loves Elton John, Whitney Houston, Billy Joel, Celine Dion, Freddie Mercury, Bonnie Raitt, Paul McCartney, Annie Lennox and Steve Perry. His favorite colors are blue, red and black. His favorite movie stars are Anthony Hopkins, Gary Oldman, Robin Williams, Michelle Pfeiffer, Glenn Close and Meryl Streep. In relation to foods, he enjoys eating anything!

Souces:

http://www.geocities.com/airsupply_as/
http://wapedia.mobi/en/Russell_Hitchcock