Rick Springfield in Melbourne

Rick Springfield
Countdown Spectacular 2
Melbourne, Australia
Rod Laver Arena
8/30/07
By Rebecca Cruchley

After waiting for months, it was Melbourne's turn for the Countdown Extravaganza and what a show it was!!! Joining me and my Rick mates Michelle, Tracie and Caralyn (plus two partners) who came from all parts of Australia, we made our way to the 2nd row with personalised SDAA tshirts, roses and signs. We were told on the night that the Melbourne concert was the only concert that was going to be taped for the DVD special, so there were heaps of cameras and felt that we had to be on our best behaviour, but being loyal Rick fans that wasn't to be once Rick came on!! LOL!!! The concert was hosted by the efferversent Mr Ian "Molly" Meldrum who also originally hosted the Countdown tv shows back in the 1970's and 80's. But as much as all the performers were really, really good it was a very long three hours to wait for Rick!!! LOL!!! Finally .... Rick comes on after a very glowing introduction from Molly and he starts off with "Affair of the Heart". We go wild and he immediately sees us and smiles and then I can't take it anymore and lucky I know the people in front of me in row 1 who lets us through and we head to the stage. He then sings "Don't Talk to Strangers" and keeps looking down at us and by this stage heaps of people have done the same thing and crowds the stage. Rick goes off and is so enjoying himself (likewise) he then sings "Speak to the Sky". I look out into the crowd and everyone is on their feet dancing away, not a single person is sitting which is absolutely brilliant. Of course the finale song is "Jessie's Girl" and the place errupts but I was surprised to see that Rick stayed only in the centre part of the stage the whole time. He eventually did give the microphone to a few people to yell out JG and he did go out to the front of the stage for a few minutes but quickly went back on stage to finish the song. I think the stage was not equipped for Rick on the night to go "wandering" like he normally does with DTTS so he was confined to the stage. Rick comes back onto the stage for the finale of Countdown with the other performers to do "My Generation" but Rick keeps a low profile playing guitar towards the back near Rodger on the drums. All in all, it was a magical night and it was so surreal to see Rick back in Melbourne.