Drum Sheet – Air Supply – Making Love Out Of Nothing At All

“Making Love Out of Nothing at All” by Air Supply is one of the band’s most dramatic and anthemic songs, known for its soaring melody, emotional intensity, and thunderous drumming. Written by Jim Steinman—famed for his work with Meat Loaf—the song showcases his signature theatrical style, blending rock balladry with grand, almost operatic flourishes.

Steinman composed the song in the early 1980s, around the same time he was working on Total Eclipse of the Heart for Bonnie Tyler. Both songs share a sense of epic storytelling, driven by dynamic shifts in intensity. Air Supply’s version was released in 1983 as part of their Greatest Hits album. The band never actually wrote the song; instead, Steinman offered it to them, knowing their vocal style could bring out its romantic, emotional essence.

Musically, the track builds from a soft, melancholic intro to an explosive, cinematic climax. The drumming, performed by session drummer Max Weinberg (best known for his work with Bruce Springsteen), plays a crucial role in shaping the song’s impact. The verses are delicate, with restrained percussion, allowing the vocals to take center stage. But as the song progresses, the drums swell in power—massive tom fills, crashing cymbals, and driving snare hits propel the track into its intense, dramatic choruses. The drum breaks, especially in the final moments, add an arena-rock grandeur that elevates the song beyond a typical love ballad.

Air Supply performed Making Love Out of Nothing at All extensively throughout the 1980s, including on their world tours. The song became a staple of their live performances, often featuring extended instrumental sections that highlighted its anthemic qualities. While the band’s soft rock catalog leaned more on melodic harmonies, this song stood out for its sheer intensity, and the drumming gave it a rock edge that appealed to fans of bigger, more dramatic arrangements.

Though it was never officially part of a studio album, Making Love Out of Nothing at All became one of Air Supply’s most enduring hits. The combination of Steinman’s larger-than-life composition, Air Supply’s soaring vocals, and the thunderous drum work made it a fan favorite—especially for those who appreciate powerful, cinematic percussion.