Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Rick Springfield returns to Milwaukee 2008


Potawatomi Casino
Milwaukee WI
May 6th 2008

Review & Photo by Carey Bartosch

And the name of the new album? "Venus in Overdrive". Last night Rick opened Milwaukee by previewing two of his BRAND NEW songs of his soon to be released album. The title song for the album and "What's Victoria's Secret?" were played in their entirety moments before the show began. In my opinion, the songs were AWESOME, combining an alternative sound with Rick's signature licks and a dash of "The Squirts" rolled into one! The songs and the album name were announced prior to the show by a local disc jockey/MC. Right after the songs played, the house lights dimmed, the screens fired up, and Rick's career history was played once again before a crowd of screaming fans!

Rick and the band came out on stage, breaking into WKRNR. Rick was all smiles under his "shaggy locks " , playing "Should I stay or should I go" , a cover song performed by The Clash. Rick chatted on and off with the crowd as "technical difficulties" popped up here and there. Including at some point, a possible "blown amp" and crackling sounds after switching guitars several times. The band was also in a good mood, throwing rubber ducks at each other, and at times confusing Rick as to what song they were actually doing! Rick also had a little Carnival Cruise ship toy on stage, and said was given a suggestion at soundcheck to wear his naval uniform from H2H on the cruise and greet fans as they came aboard!! He also mentioned that they have confirmed the "beach party" will happen on the cruise AND GH called asking what Rick Springfield was doing in the next 3 months? Dr. Noah Drake is returning, but only if he can play "What's Victoria's Secret" on the show. THEY AGREED!!

The show continued with DTTS and a "french" fan named Jean singing her own words to the song in her native tongue. Rick was impressed, and stated "Thank God I didn't bash the French tonight, or I would have been in trouble!" Rick returned to the stage to perform the "medley" and then answered a few questions from the "Ask Rick unauthorized version" box given to him by a fan.

Rick opens the box to find a banana with a note that asked (and sorry if I don't quote exact words) "If you were a banana, how would you like to be eaten and could you demonstrate?" The crowd went WILD with screams! Rick laughed, proceeded to peel the banana and asked a female fan to demonstrate how it should be done. She did, and well I leave the rest to your imagination LOL!! The second question was " Why are you growing your hair so long?" His answer? " Because it can't cut itself" !HA!

After the only "gay" moment in the show, shared between him and of course George N., Rick came back out in the audience for ,"Love Somebody","My Generation",and "Human Touch" during which he borrowed a camera with video capabilities from a fan to play a lil "slide" guitar while it recorded. He did NOT go into the balcony seats, and returned to the stage without incident (thank gawd) to sing Jessie's Girl. There were a least 2 rose explosions (maybe 3?) during the show, including one on Rodger's drum set during the encore, which included "Wasted" and "Love is Alright Tonight". Opening night was nothing short of FANTASTIC!!

Set List is as follows:
WKRNR
Should I stay or Should I go?
Affair of the Heart
Allison
IDEFY
Rock of Life
Crossroads
Kristina
Living in Oz
Gloria
DTTS
Bop Medley (with a lil "Can't Explain")
Love Somebody
My Generation
Human Touch
Jessie's Girl
Encore:
Wasted
Love is Alright

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