Review and photo by B. Minett
Saturday,
November 22, 2014
Pfeiffer
Hall/ North Central College
Naperville,
IL
STRIPPED DOWN
Set List:
I Get
Excited
Affair of
the Heart
Me and
Johnny
Light My
Fire (The Doors cover; first verse & chorus)
Oh Well
(Fleetwood Mac cover)
Love is
Alright Tonite
Rollin’
& Tumblin’ (Muddy Water cover/ blues song)
Sylvia
(with guitar app)
Honeymoon
in Beirut
Don’t
Talk to Strangers
Baby Blue
(Badfinger cover)
Painted
Girl (one of first songs he wrote; 2 versions)
April 24,
1981/ My Father’s Chair
I've Done
Everything For You
If Wishes
Were Fishes (new song written for ‘Stripped Down’ tour)
Love
Somebody
Written
in Rock
Jessie’s
Girl
Concert Notes:
* The
Pfeiffer Hall is a very small theatre, a perfect setting for the more intimate “Stripped
Down” show of songs interspersed with storytelling. The theatre looked to be at
full-capacity, and, once the show began, it was evident that many fans were
present, by the amount of audience participation during songs and the cheers of
approval for the lesser-well-known songs.
* Rick
had his “band in a box” on his laptop to help with musical backing tracks for
some songs – him playing all the instruments and singing background vocals,
making it sound like an entire band was playing. He also used a guitar app on
his phone to accompany ‘Sylvia’, but missed a few chords, and said he should practice
more with the app. But some songs were just him and an acoustic guitar.
* He told
stories of his life experiences to introduce songs, most of which are recounted
in his autobiography. Though I’ve read – and heard, at other ‘Stripped Down’
shows – these stories before, I’m reminded each time what a good storyteller
Rick is. He knows how to build up suspense and interest by listening, engaging,
and interacting with the audience while he tells each story and he uses interesting
facial and vocal expressions and gestures that add to the story. And he’s very
funny, too!
* While
it’s always nice to hear more songs written by Rick Springfield during a Rick
Springfield concert, the covers he plays during the ‘Stripped Down” show are
well suited to his storytelling arc and displayed his guitar-playing talents.
* Rick
asked the audience if they liked his bearded look (met with a roar of
approval), and briefly talked about the movie he just finished making with
Meryl Streep, giving a brief synopsis.
* After
the approximate 90 minute show, Rick returned to stage for a 15-minute question
and answer sessions. Two microphones were set up at the side of the stage, and
people lined up to ask questions, most of which were not the typical interview-type questions. What follows is some of
what was asked with Rick’s answers paraphrased.
Q&A highlights
Q:
meaning of “pretending sixes are sevens” lyric in ‘Honeymoon in Beirut’ song
A:
when rolling dice, pretending one number is a better number; in song, it means
the facade of a perfect life when there is turmoil inside
Q: How
did the role in the Ricki and the Flash
movie come about?
A: The
director (Jonathan Demme) wanted the musicians to actually play during the
filming, and not be dubbed in later, like is done in other movies with band scenes.
Since his character was the boyfriend of the lead singer/main character (Meryl
Streep), he was the only band member that had to have acting experience/ability
(and he jokingly said how many other guitar-playing actors could there be?!).
Q:
Personal best professional moment
A: Magnificent Vibration getting good
reviews by literary world
Q: Where
is the baby blue guitar that he played at other ‘Stripped Down’ shows? Was it
damaged in the storm this summer (storm before outdoors Montana concert that
damaged some of his guitars and equipment)?
A: He had
a special guitar made for this set of shows. The baby blue guitar is with other
touring guitars, and he still plays it in-concert.
Q: Did he
write any original music for Ricki and
the Flash? And will there be a soundtrack with that music?
A: Ricki
and the Flash is a cover band, so they don’t play original music. He did write
some songs, but they didn’t fit with the mood of the film (though one may be
used at the end of the film). If the songs are not put on the movie soundtrack,
he may release them on his next CD
Q: Any
plans to write songs with other artists, like he did with Dave Grohl?
A: He likes
writing with others, as avenue to new sound and inspiration, so he would
welcome any opportunity. He mentioned continuing to write with Matt Bissonette
(former bass-player in his touring band).
Q: Are
his Star Wars toys ok? How is HeadMan?
A: Led to
explaining his obsession with Star Wars toys (the part of him that’s still
lives in his mother’s basement) and the rarity of the HeadMan figurine that he
owns
Q: Will
there be a preview of Ricki and the Flash
at the Club Med fan event this spring?
A: It depends
on what the production company will release. They might be able to show clips,
as “it’s all promotion”. They also might use some scenes from the script to
stage audience “auditions”. (This question also gave him the opportunity to
promote the Club Med event.)
Q: Asked
about how to find spiritual path
A: He
continues to be spiritual seeker and reads everything he can to continue on his
own path.
Q: Suggestions
on how to discipline a new puppy (which fan named Zoot)
A: He
gives Bindi (his Norwich terrier dog) everything she wants, so he’s not the person
to ask about discipline of dogs. He then told a cute story about Bindi.
Question
I’d like to have asked: is there a working title for Magnificent Vibration sequel? And how soon is the publication date?
