Rick Springfield Sets Atlanta On Fire

August 14th 2010
Symphony Hall Atlanta
Atlanta GA
Review: Dancy Zahn
Photos: Rosie Malthaner

If it was any hotter here before Rick came to town, it would have burst into flames upon his arrival. Despite the heat and occasional rain we decided to make the most of our proximity to many local tourist attractions. CNN tour, Centennial Olympic Park, Pappadeaux restaurant, McCormick and Schmicks...we took in the sights and savored the flavors. Finally we strolled to Symphony Hall, and happened upon Jack White in the lobby! He had mentioned on Facebook that he was coming to town, and we looked forward to the possibility that he'd join Rick onstage for a tune or two.

After a seemingly short intro, Rick and the band appeared and plowed right into Mr PC. Momentary sadness over the disappearance of the jeans and boots was quickly overcome, and we loved him all over again in the black pants and sparkly converse. The next few songs flew by, without a lot of chatter from Rick. Finally, he reminded us of his upcoming birthday and quizzed us on his age. He asked us to sing to him, and of course we obliged. We were treated to I Get Excited, which seems to be making many appearances lately.

Alyson was up next, one of my personal favorites...but alas, no crotch grabs this time. Souls followed, and Rick forgot the lyrics pretty early on. Almost back on track, then off again, and finally had us sing Happy Birthday to him once again so he could buy some time and get himself straight! (How lucky is he that we find this cute?) There were some guitar difficulties throughout the show and even an incomplete pass to George N, which forced Rick to commandeer Matt's bass. He did an impromptu Gimme Some Lovin', before getting back on track with his own guitar and our least favorite cover, Crossroads. Whatever happened to Jet?

DTTS was coming soon, and the kids were already pouring up on the stage. We immediately recognized two little girls from a Nashville show this past February. Rick remembered them, too! The cousins who don't even like each other. Those girls can dance! Rick kept up with them, showing us that he has more spring in his step than Tigger. There were some stage jumpers that gave George N and the security guards a run for their money. Onto Love Somebody, and then out into the audience for some Human Touch. Stumbling, bumbling and overzealous fans made for a treacherous trek. He made it back alive, but not completely unscathed.

Time for Jessie's Girl...but not before a quiz on most recognizable opening riffs. We knew the show was nearing a close, and still no appearance by Jack White? Surely he'd show up during the encore. The break was quick and the guys came back out with a rockin' Kristina. Rodger was caught singing along, and yes Rodger, I know you saw me catch you doing it! He was soon replaced by Jack for Wild Thing. Finally a crotch grab, a perfect way to end the show! The town was hot, the show was hotter, and Rick was the hottest ever. They don't call it Hotlanta for nothing.

Smokin' Hot Highlight:

As he set us up to help him out for VIO, Rick asked where his Yeah Yeah girls were. Luckily the Jersey Girls did not let him down, Jackie and Julie (honorary Jersey Girl), JoAnn was a bit distracted to assist were conveniently located front and center, and holding their orange signs proudly. YEAH YEAH!

Setlist

Mr PC
I've Done Everything for You
Affair of the Heart
Living in Oz
What's Victoria's Secret
IGE
Allyson
Souls
Venus in Overdrive
Love is Alright Tonight
Surf Music
Gimme Some Lovin
Crossroads
DTTS
Love Somebody
Human Touch
Jessie's Girl
Encore:
Kristina
Wild Thing