Rick Springfield Hot and Sticky on the East Coast!

09/25/09

Atlantic City, NJ

09/26/09

Ocean City, MD

Review & pictures by Kelly Latka

Two shows, two states, one fantastic weekend!

I haven’t written one of these in quite a while so please bear with me! Once again, Rick took the stage at the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. The crown was lively and seemed ready to rock while the cruise promo and video montage were shown. Throughout the evening, Rick talked a bit about his upcoming stint on Californication, commented on a few latecomers (‘thanks, now we can start the show!’) and yelled at security for making people sit down at a rock show. As for wardrobe, Rick was wearing grey slacks with dangling suspenders, white shirt, black vest and his beloved bedazzled Converse.

After a few songs, the vest came off and, eventually, so did the white shirt, replaced on stage by a sleeveless back tee. Rick cut his hand, as usual, and was given a huge Sponge Bob bandage which he decided was going to be his new “thing” (‘You know that rapper who always has a band aid on his face?’) He was given a teddy bear by a child in the audience and, when he accidentally kicked it, he picked it up to make sure “hottie bear” was all right. Speaking of children, the little girl chosen to sing Don’t Talk To Strangers, Adriana, clearly stole Rick’s heart. She was utterly adorable and belted out the lyrics like a pro.

At one point, Rick sang a couple of verses of “Some Enchanted Evening” for the benefit of anyone who was expecting Tony Bennett rather than Rick Springfield. The set list was the same as it has been at other recent shows with one exception - a three song encore: Wild Thing, I’ll Make You Happy and Kristina. The after party at Mixx was basically uneventful. Rick and crew stayed up in the raised VIP area. I don’t know if he ever addressed the crowd at all as I didn’t stay long. I did see him making his way back up to his room a little while later so if he did anything, it didn’t take very long!

Next day, most of us hit the Cape May ferry at some point and made our way to Maryland for the second leg of our journey.

Borgata Set List:

Mr PC
WVS
Affair of the Heart
Love is Alright
Allyson
Jet
Living in Oz

Ive Done Everything for You

VIO
I'll Miss That Someday
Crossroads
IGE (we don't do that anymore Rick commented when hands when up to the "the girl"!
DTTS
Love Somebody
Human Touch
Jessie's Girl

3 Song Encore!!!
Wild Thing
I'll Make You Happy
Kristina

On to Ocean City!!

First off, Ocean City’s Sunfest is a huge…well, fest! On this, the 35^th anniversary, this meant hundreds of vendors, countless food choices, tremendous crowds and kites flying high up and down the boardwalk. Lots of fun in and of itself. But with Rick Springfield on the schedule, everything was turned up a notch. The concert was held inside an enclosed tent so the threatened 2 inches of rain and whipping wind would not be an issue. Once again, both the cruise promo and video montage were presented. The tent was packed and, although I don’t know for certain, it certainly looked sold out to me.

Rick was wearing black slacks this time, sleeveless black shirt, black vest and, of course, his sparkly sneakers. No changes to the set list and back to a two song encore. The crowd was pumped and gave Rick a run for his money when he ventured out into the audience. I couldn’t see exactly what was going in but he disappeared for a bit and when he popped up he headed straight back to the stage. For Don’t Talk To Strangers, Rick was joined on stage by a group ranging in age from 6 to 16. All were pretty good singers, too!

We got the quick change shirt switch which wasn’t so quick as Rick got a little tangled up. Of course, I was covering my eyes as Rick asked so I didn’t see anything at all…la la laaaaa… (He did this the previous night in Atlantic City as well and I didn’t see that one either. Ahem.) Please pardon the lack of detail. I was lucky enough to have a front row seat for this show and spent most of it in a Rick Springfield induced bubble - my memories are sketchy at best! I’ve given Rosie permission to add any crucial details that I may have missed!

(a note from Rosie-)I will add here that in Kelly's post show coma she has neglected to mention the....um...shirtless encore! I know how could you forget that you ask? Well our trip was lacking in one thing and that was sleep! LOL Yes, when Rick reemerged for the encore he was missing a certain article of clothing, which would be his shirt! But it was replaced with his glasses for a brief time before tossing them off the stage. A fitting way to end a great trip to the beach I might add!

Set List Ocean City:
Mr PC
WVS
Affair of the Heart
Living in Oz
IGE (no girl)
I've Done Everything for You
Jet
Allyson
VIO
I'll Miss that
Love is Alright
Crossroads
DTTS
Love Somebody
Human Touch
Jessie's Girl
Encore:
I'll Make You Happy
Kristina

Rick Springfield Rocked Vancouver!!

Rick Springfield
Vancouver, BC Canada

Review & photo by
Susan Fortune



Rick Springfield performed at the PNE Fair in Vancouver BC on August 27, 2009. The show was general admission, free with admission to the fair, what a great deal that was, an Awesome concert for $12 !!

We drove to up to Canada from Seattle and arrived at the show about 5 hours before the show checked out the fair a bit and got a bite to eat before we staked out our spot in front of the stage. There were already a few people who were camped out in the middle with chairs and all. We were off to the right side (Derek's side) we were very happy with our position and the fact that we could use our SLR cameras without any hassles! Our 4 hours wait actually went by fairly quickly and gave us some time to chat with some of our Canadian friends and watch sound check which is always, it was attended by the band but not Rick. It was a beautiful day, a perfect day for an outdoor concert, though it did almost get too hot there for a while.

The concert began at 8 pm and Rick came out donning his sunglasses they didn't stay on too long. I think he was expecting it to be brighter than it was but the sun was starting to go down. The lighting was awesome along with the fog which was cool a seemed to be set far enough back so as to not ruin our pictures. Rick was in a fun mood with lots of smiles and he was full of energy and we got several jumps, rose explosions. One of my friends had made a couple of signs while we were waiting and both got good responses. The first said "you did what 7 times??" lol this was in reference to his up coming appearance on Californication. Rick gave her a big smile and said " you betcha baby!" LOL The second said "60 never looked so good" . At this point Rick went to change his shirt and while his shirt was off he said something like, not bad for 60 ?? Then proceeded shirtless for the next 3 songs : )

One woman flashed Rick during the show and he proceeded to flash her back asking "who's are better?" To which the crowd let out a big scream for Rick lol. During "Don't Talk To Strangers" Rick got a security guard named Mike to sing after a little prodding, then he brought three kids up on stage. A boy named Shya .... which Rick asked him to repeat several times though he never really did grasp it. The girls were named Morgan & Kaylee Rick thought the last girl said her name was Hayley and told the story of how he was in love with Hayley Mills as a boy. With all the name confusion at one point Rick asked, "doesn't anyone name their kids regular names? What's wrong with Richard or George???" We heard a Yea from George B. LOL.

During Human Touch Rick ventured pretty far out into the crowd though it was hard to see where he was with no chairs ..... it was standing room only with a couple of sets of bleachers off to the side. The place was packed and everyone seemed to enjoy the show.

With the show being just a few days after his birthday, he started playing "Happy Birthday" (just before Jessie's Girl) and encouraged the crowd to sing him Happy Birthday. I believe there was a sign or two saying Happy Birthday and some fans brought balloons that were thrown up on the stage at the beginning of the show. Rick birthday always seems to last the whole month of August!

When the opening chords of Jessie's Girl and Rick asks if we are ready for this ...... those that don't know any better say yes, but those of us who know it is the last song scream NO! Then he plays Jessie's Girl and introduces the band. And off they go a wave but no hug.

Back for the Encore of "I'll Make You Happy" (which was great to hear again) and then Kristina. I was about to get my perfect hug picture and then much to my dismay someone shoved a sign in his face, which he graciously signed causing us to be hugless.

All & All an Awesome show.
I believe the set list is as follows ....

Mr. PC
What's Victoria's Secret?
Affair of the Heart
Living in Oz
I Get Excited
I've Done Everything for You
Jet
Alyson
Venus in Overdrive
I'll Miss That Someday
Love is Alright Tonite
Crossroads
Don't Talk to Strangers
Love Somebody
Human Touch
Happy Birthday
Jessie's Girl

Encore:
I'll Make You
Happy Kristina

Rick Springfield interview on EW.com

Rick Springfield writing autobiography that we suddenly want to read...

by Mandi Bierly

Categories: Books, Californication, Music, Television, Waiting

Rick Springfield phoned us this week to chat about his upcoming four-episode guest arc on Showtime’s Californication. (The David Duchovny sex romp returns this Sunday at 10 p.m. ET; Springfield makes his gr

and entrance on Oct. 11, playing a twisted version of himself. We’ll tell you more in the issue of EW on-stands Oct. 2.) At the end of the call, he dropped the news that he’s currently shopping his autobiography. He sent the prologue and opening chapter around town last week. Though (hopefully) not as explosive as Mackenzie Phillips, Springfield assured us he’ll be “brutally honest about anything other than the things that will put me in prison.” Nice start!

For the complete article go to:

http://popwatch.ew.com/2009/09/23/rick-springfield-autobiography-californication/

New Tour Dates for Rick Springfield?

Confirmed on www.rickspringfield.com

December 30, 2009
Tampa, FL
Seminole Hard Rock

February 13, 2010
Nashville, TN
Wildhorse Saloon

February 14, 2010
Nashville, TN
Wildhorse Saloon

Rick Springfield Rocked Spirit Mountain!

Spirit Mountain Casino

Grande Rhonde, OR
August 28, 2009


Review by Laurie Bennett

Photos by Susan Fortune

Like all of Rick's shows, it was fabulous! I used visiting family who lived new by as my excuse to go to this show (they didn't buy it-LOL). My 71 year old aunt went last time and wanted to go again-I'm so proud of her! She said she had a great time and even refused the earplugs I brought just in case. She was thrilled to get a few photos as well with her own camera.


The venue was in a casino, a new space from where he had played 2 years ago. This time it was indoors and a very standard flat room set up with banquet style chairs. The place was very full and close to capacity. Without Ronnie's assistance, we were unable to use large cameras with detachable lenses, but smaller cameras were allowed.


As soon as the lights went down, everybody rushed up closer to the stage, which was just the perfect height for viewing the show. The guys came out on stage, and then Rick appeared, wearing black jeans, a black sleeveless collared shirt with a red logo on the front left chest referring to his studio and the black vest we've seen at other shows, and the black converse with the studded "bling."


There were 3 or 4 rose explosions, but no guitar smashes. Several fans in one section attempted on more than one occasion to sing Happy Birthday to him, but he never joined in the song so I guess he was done celebrating at that point. Rick stood on some sort of large box in front of the stage to sing and started leaning forward. But when only one fan got the point to hold him up & help keep him standing, he kept going forward and had to purposely fall on his rear to keep from smushing said fan! PAY ATTENTION people, hold the man up when he comes towards you!


When he took the vest off, we were able to see the Red logo (Black Lagoon Studios?) on the back of his black shirt. That's when a fan threw on stage a small greenish Creature from the Black Lagoon, and Rick had lots of fun trying to keep that on top of the microphone while he sang.


At one point he unbuttoned his shirt to change into a another sleeveless black t-shirt and told us all NOT to look. Then in the middle of the shirt change, he reminded us to keep your eyes closed! Yeah, right Rick!


Security was fine, but I don't remember Rick choosing one of them for DTTS. Rick went pretty far into the audience for Human Touch. I do vividly remember his interesting new move to check "things" out during the song Wild Thing. Wow, felt like a voyeur on that one. Seems like Rick's confidence has been positively affected by his Californication filming. He gave us a great hug from stage at the end.

I believe the Set List was:

Mr. PC

What's Victoria's Secret?

Affair of the Heart

Living in Oz

I Get Excited (so very cool to have back in the set)

I've Done Everything for You

Jet (cover)

Alyson

Venus in Overdrive

I'll Miss That Someday

Love is Alright Tonite

Crossroads (cover)

Don't Talk to Strangers

Love Somebody

Human Touch

Jessie's Girl

Encore:

Wild Thing (cover)

Kristina

Rick Springfield Californication invterview

Californication season 3 premiers on Showtime Sept 27th. Rick's 4 episode arc will air in October.

Rick Springfield Guest Stars

The rocker turned actor talks about playing a version of himself, one of Charlie's newest clients.

http://www.sho.com/site/video/brightcove/series/title.do?bcpid=14033849001&bclid=34812640001

Rick Springfield in Soap Opera Digest

Soap Opera Digest Sept 22nd 2009
On Sale Now!
A 4 page interview with Rick about Californication, the cruise, GH and more! And a sidebar quote from Doug Davidson on Rick!
Get your copy today!

A New York State Affair of the Heart-Rick Springfield

September 2nd 2009
New York State Fair
Syracuse, NY Review
review & photo by: Pam Geiger

A New York State Affair of the Heart

Where else can one find wine slushies, duck races, butter and sand sculptures, vacuums that pick up bowling balls, haircuts, massages, manicures, an American Iron Chef, and Rick Springfield? Why it’s the New York State Fair of course!

The mid week fair day was perfection; the sun was shining and temperatures were moderate. People all around were truly enjoying their day with the carnival rides, livestock, fried dough, ice cream, and pastries only New York’s water can make; and that vibe of true enjoyment would last throughout.

The Chevrolet Court, or Chevy Court as it is referred to, is the smaller, general admission, venue of the fair that offers great accessibility to wheelchair assistance and hearing impaired individuals, by providing assigned seating and a sign language interpreter. When planning the fair this year, much attention was paid to this particular venue as a major goal was to attract record breaking attendance numbers despite the economy by providing the best possible value for the admission price; and talk about value, fairgoers got Bobby Flay followed by Rick Springfield all on one stage, in one day - awesome!

The waiting time of the day was long, but was always filled with something to do, and it was cool to hear some of “Rick’s Jukebox” selections playing during the wait. As the sun began to set and songs from VIO began to play, the large crowd was treated to the cruise promo video. After the video and true to fair custom, we had to sit through a few speakers. The first gentleman, who after making some very Mr. Anti PC comments, told those in the first ten rows to remain seated for the show. This was to ensure the hearing impaired and wheelchair accessible people were able to see and everyone happily obliged. The next speaker, a favorite of mine, NY Senator Chuck Schumer, spoke about the success of the fair and told us we would all be Jessie’s Girls for the night. Finally, Rick was introduced by a local radio personality.

The crowd was treated to very adrenaline infused Rick belting into “Mr. PC” and “What’s Victoria’s Secret”. This was a show where something memorable happened during every song, Rick played with some of his rarely seen (and pretty good!) dance moves, and his best known hits shone.

After “Living in Oz” Rick addressed the audience for the first time to ask why stuffed animals were being thrown at him. Picking up a bear wearing a shirt with “60”on it, he jokingly asked, “Go?” “I Get Excited” was then introduced with the questions, “How many of you really knew what this song meant when it first came out?” and “How many of you get it now? “ I’ve Done Everything for You” had Rick flirting with his finger points to the very enthusiastic and awesome sign language interpreter, and “Jet”…”I thought the major” (…oops, I kind of get hung up on that one!) And... “Jet” was a sure crowd and Rick pleaser; lots of Rick smiles were directed towards a gentleman in the second row who stood and rocked to the song wearing a Paul McCartney “Driving USA Tour” shirt.

It was obvious from the beginning of the show guitar issues were going to be bountiful, and although he didn’t know it at the time, Rick prepared for the biggest guitar issue of the night by changing his shirt on stage right before “Venus in Overdrive”. Within the first few seconds of VIO, guitar #1 was gone. Within the first minute of VIO, guitar #2 was gone, and while guitar #3 was being prepared, we were treated to a Rick Springfield sans guitar. Rick Springfield a la sans guitar has always brought me back to those Solid Gold days of his awkward bopping, but age has done this man well and I personally would like to see this more often!

“Don’t Talk to Strangers” was the highlight of the night. Rick’s prey for the song included Sergio, a New York State Trooper. Rick didn’t recognize the state wide famous purple ribbon troopers wear, and asked “what” he was, finding out he was a trooper, Rick made Sergio promise if he stopped anyone and the person mentioned the show, they would get a free pass. Moving on to the next pushover, Rick found a 74 year old English woman who played along quite humorously. The children portion of the song included a crowd the likes I had yet to see. No fewer than twelve children got on stage and danced and sang to an up-tempo DTTS. Rick even went past the usual arm sway and joined in on the dancing with some kicks. Since there were so many of them, Buzz escorted the children backstage to safely ensure their return to the waiting parents.

Not convinced he could top DTTS, Rick proved me wrong. He gave the audience a “Love Somebody” at center stage with no headset and a “Human Touch” that sent him far back in the crowd walking on the skinny backs of the bleachers. In return, the crowd gave Rick a roar like no other I have heard when those first famous chords of “Jessie’s Girl” were played, and always ever present performer, he reciprocated with the newer, anticipation filled JG arrangement - full of breaks and starts, and searches, and points, and crescendos, and a full Rick Springfield JG jump!

While waiting for the encore, I was looking up at the full moon and enjoying the beautiful weather. August in central New York is known for its warm days and cool nights…and cool nights mean clothes. Certainly there was too much of a chill for a shirtless encore, right? WRONG! On stage walks a shirtless Rick offering his best “Wild Thing” with a dirty little peek down his pants during, “So come on and hold IT tight“. Yes, “It” not “Me”! The show ended with “Kristina” and extra long Rick Hug.

Leaving the venue I saw tons of people, both men and women, holding vinyl RS records, waiting for Rick and hoping for a signature. I headed out for last round of fried dough and thought although the slogan for New York State is “I ‘heart’ NY”, for this night, the slogan was New Yorkers ‘heart’ Rick Springfield.

Set List

Mr. PC

What’s Victoria’s Secret

Affair of the Heart

Living in Oz

I Get Excited

I’ve Done Everything for You

Jet

Alyson

Venus in Overdrive

I’ll Miss That Someday

Love is Alright Tonite

Crossroads Blues

Don’t Talk to Strangers

Love Somebody

Human Touch

Jessie’s Girl

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Wild Thing

Kristina

New tour dates and TV appearances For Rick Springfield

Confirmed on www.rickspringfield.com:

October 24, 2009
Montgomery, AL
Montgomery Performing Arts Center



Holiday Celebration On Ice
Catch Rick and the band performing LIVE at the Holiday Celebration On Ice on November 19th at the Verizon Arena in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
This will be filmed and aired on NBC on Nov. 29th. Rick will be playing 5 songs, 3 of which will be holiday tunes. REO Speedwagon will also be performing live.

Full skating line up can be found here: http://www.dissonskating.com/holidayhome.htm

Rick Springfield in ABC Soaps InDepth

ABC Soaps InDepth Sept 21st issue on sale now!
Success Hasn't Spoiled Him Yet
2 Full page article where Rick talks about Californication, touring, MPLO and the cruise. There is also a full page ad to "Win an Autographed CD" in this issue.
Check out this link to win a copy of Venus in Overdrive and chance to win a trip on the 2nd Annual Rick Springfield & Friends cruise:
http://abc.soapsindepth.com/

Rick Springfield in CO

Vilar Performing Arts Center - Beaver Creek, Colorado

August 29, 2009

Review by Darla Gerken

Photo by Mike Gerken

“Rick Rocks the Rockies”

Beaver Creek, Colorado holds a special place in my heart. When I heard that Rick was going to perform there, I knew that I couldn’t pass up the chance to hop on a plane to see Rick. The venue is located in the Beaver Creek Ski Resort at an altitude of about 8,000 feet in the village. If a person is not accustomed to high altitude, any kind of activity can be a challenge. Rick asked the crowd if anyone else was having trouble breathing, he said it felt like he was on Mount Everest. After a few songs he asked where the oxygen was. There were a few times while singing he missed a few words to take a deep breath. He commented about when entering the resort you have to go through a gate to be allowed up the mountain and that the sidewalks were heated. That, of course, is to melt the snow in the winter.

The night seemed to be one for broken guitar strings; there was a lot of switching out guitars, which kept George busy with repairs. Rick asked if anyone knew that last week was his birthday. Rick asked if we knew how old he was, one guy yelled out “29”, Rick responded with “you win the prize”.

There appeared to be a shortage of roses, guess Colorado hasn’t heard about Rick’s rose explosions. Since my seat was in the second row, I decided that tonight was the night that I would take a lovely white rose bouquet. During Affair of the Heart, I stepped up to stage and Rick walked over and grabbed my roses; which he proceeded to destroy in a white explosion of petals.

As usual, IDEFY, got everyone involved and it used all the oxygen he had in his lungs because we heard a thud and Rick was on the floor. Not that he fell, he laid down on the floor and he was gasping for air after using so much energy. Wish I could have gotten that picture.

Someone had a sign that said “Yeah, Yeah”, Rick asked for the sign and we practiced the words before he sang Venus In Overdrive. Love that song! Before playing Crossroads, Rick stood on the side of the stage and played a guitar solo. I’m not sure what the name of the song was; I’ve never heard him play it before.

In the front row was a “Rick Virgin”, her friend pointed to her when Rick was looking for people to sing DTTS. Rick picked up on that one right away. The virgin sang with little coaxing. Then he put the microphone in the friend’s face and asked her to sing. She didn’t want to sing, he crawled up on her chair and wrapped his arms around her neck, it took a lot of teasing, but she finally sang. All this occurred right in front of me! I was a good girl and only touched his back, so I got my Human Touch for the evening. He got a few other people to sing and then went back on stage with a little girl named Cindy, who did a great job.

During Human Touch, he made it to the back of the venue without any mishaps. When he was ready to return to the stage, he was walking on the ledge of the box seats. That crazy Australian jumped off the 10-foot high wall into the arms of a security guard. Thank goodness he asked ahead of time, “are you ready to catch me?” He is like a cat; he always lands on his feet! Jessie’s Girl as usual made the concertgoers scream with delight, but it always means the night is almost over. It was a great night and it will be one of my most memorable concerts.

Set List:

Mr. PC

What’s Victoria’s Secret

Affair of the Heart

Living in Oz

I Get Excited

I’ve Done Everything For You

Jet

Alyson

Venus in Overdrive

I’ll Miss That Someday

Love is Alright Tonight

Crossroads

Don’t Talk to Strangers

Love Somebody

Human Touch

Jessie’s Girl

Wild Thing

Kristina

Rick Springfield on Sirius Radio

'80s on 8 (SIRIUS and XM channel 8)

Rick Springfield special

Rick Springfield will sit down with original MTV VJ Mark Goodman to discuss his new music projects, his appearances on Californication and his upcoming fan cruise.

Friday, September 4 at 9:00 am and will be rebroadcast on Friday, September 4 at 3:00 pm; Saturday, September 5 at 2:00 am, 11:00 am and 8:00 pm; Sunday, September 6 at 12:00 pm; Monday, September 7 at 7:00 am and 6:00 pm (all times ET).