Saturday, November 15th 2008 Q&A Session with Rick Springfield & Daytime TV Stars in the Palladium Lounge
(Doug Davidson, Jackie Zeman, Jay Kenneth Johnson & Mark Goodman)
It was nice to hear VIO playing as we enter the theater. Mark welcomed us, introduced our Daytime Stars, and Doug and Rick quickly stole the show with their bantering. They could and should be a comedy act. People lined up with Mark and other Rose Tours people to ask questions. Mark was there to keep things moving and under control but almost from the beginning, Rick informed him that he had already lost control. A few gifts made their way to the stage; one was a book on model trains for Doug's dad. A long time Y&R fan knew his dad loves model trains which prompted Doug to take a moment and comment that Soap Fans are the best and really become like family.
While the others were talking, Rick wandered to the side of the stage and started signing autographs. One was a picture a fan asked him to sign for Steven Colbert. Rick told us how he was on his show for about 30 seconds a few years ago and yes, he knew about the picture behind his desk and that it was up for auction on Ebay.
Jackie talked about being on re-occurring status with GH, designing jewelry for HSN, and working on a new syndicated radio talk show which will begin in the new year. She spoke about how she has been with GH for 30 yrs, was on OLTL before that, and how she got her SAG card by being a dancing tomato in a commercial. Rick and Jackie reminisced about his start on GH and how Barbara (before she was his wife) would write little notes on the scripts that said things such as, "No tongue." As Jackie was responding to this, Rick spilled his first cup of coffee all over his gifts, and Doug used this opportunity to explain that Rick's constant spillage is a lame attempt to steal all the attention. Doug then empathized with Rick's band.
Around this time Doug interrupted to ask if anyone had gotten lost around the ship. Rick decided right there and then, he did not want to invite Doug next year because he keeps stealing his spotlight. "Boo's" from the audience were heard on that remark. We all loved Doug and being able to experience the comradeship between he and Rick.
One question was,
"Did any of them have suggestions on how to improve Daytime viewership?" Doug enthusiastically jumped up! Ok...so he knows the answer! LOL The "Powers That Be" are forgetting who brings in viewers, the older demographic. He recalled a fan that told him she had started watching with her grandmother, and now her children watch - it's generational. They all agreed with Doug. He further offered the thought that the young kids are not driving story, but the story lines are written towards all the young people. "It's all the young punks like Jay", Rick said. Jackie chimed in and noted that story lines are no longer written for long periods of time. Jay added the networks don't want to spend money (I read he quit DOOL the day we got back. Not sure if that is confirmed yet or not.) All of the actors then agreed that history needs to be honored.
When will you be back on GH? Rick didn't directly answer this question but mentioned with the canvas being so full it's hard to write around his touring. "It's the hardest gig." he said.
How did you decide on the guests for the trip? Jay wanted to know that too! Rick told us he digs Jay, and that he is a talented guy and they needed a young stud! (Or the "Resident Hunk" as Jay was referred to as quite often). Rick told us he doesn't go anywhere without Doug - they had a blast in Italy. Jackie was an obvious choice because of her history with his acting. Mark is the best at what he does and Rick really enjoyed the Sirius interview he did in NY during the VIO promo. Mark was also the first to play the Jessie's Girl video on MTV. John Waite has an amazing voice.
What would be your ultimate band? John Bonham, Elvis, Jimi Hendrix, and Paul McCartney. Rick's answer led into the story of when Rick met Sir Paul. Rick was so starry eyed and Paul was really more interested in Barbara, and Barbara was really more interested in the also present, Kevin Costner, and Kevin Costner was more interested in Rick, and all Rick wanted to say to Paul was, "Dude, you can have my wife, just let me spend 5 minutes with you." LOL
Would any of you go on Dancing With the Stars?
Jay - "You don't want to see me dance."
Jackie - "Well they just had Susan (Lucci) and she did a great job." Jackie was a dancer 30 yrs ago so you never know, she has not been asked though.
Doug - Told the story of when he had to learn a Tango for Y&R years ago. The lessons were not successful and was the only person in the dance teacher's career who was not able to dance after the lessons.
Rick - I am only dancing with a guitar wrapped around me.
Love and Marriage-How do you do it? Rick paid homage to Barbara by lovingly giving her all the credit for their marriage. (This was an awwww moment as Barbara was sitting in the theater.) Doug explained that Cindy feels sorry for him, so she keeps him around. Jackie is newly single after being married for 20 yrs and is now dating again. Doug wanted to know what happens on a date and Rick immediately wanted to know if she goes all the way on the first date....um...."NO." she emphatically responded. She told us about the some of the new things she is learning in the dating world. And well...in his own words, Jay said, "I'm a bad boy."
At this time a question was directed to Jay, and Rick jumped up and reminded him, "Wait, this is my cruise!" Seems as if someone needed some attention and there wasn't anything around to spill. lol
What is the significance of your tattoos? Rick explained the Red Shouldered Hawk on his back represents his dog Ronnie, of WCD and SSHSMY cover fame. Rick told the story of how after he had received Ronnie's ashes, he was lighting his fireplace and heard something in the chimney. When he looked up it was a hawk. He called animal rescue who was in the area saving a seal. The hawk was able to be set free and Rick described the moment as a release of letting Ronnie go and knowing he was present. Rick then explained the Celtic Warrior Cross on his left arm. The tattoo has a Red Shouldered Hawk to represent Ronnie and the face of "Scooby"/Gomer. He remarked that the tattoo was done at a time when he wanted to re-established the faith he was raised in.
Do you get your fan mail at GH? "Yes." When he goes in to the set he receives it.
Rick told us when he was boarding the ship, a person not in the RS group recognized him and called him "Rick Springsteen." A fan from Wasilla, Alaska asked when he would be coming there.....NOT anytime soon he replied with a laugh and then there were some Sarah Palin jokes after that which prompted a question regarding who Rick voted for. Rick would not say, but he did say talking about politics will NOT lead to sex in his house.
Rick commented that the Lido concert the night before was a "Fly by the seat of your pants night." He was asked about favorite venues and he said it depends on the audience. Just then the ship rocked a bit and Rick said "Either we are docking or we are hitting an iceberg". Docking it was. Mexico here we come! And with that I believe the Q&A was over and it was time to hit the beach party.
With Harmful Intent
eciation Concert 
This has to be the most controversial event on the itinerary. I have say first off that I had a great time. I know many were disappointed but my review is based on my experience and not of our group as a whole. And I do hope there are many changes for this event next year. Everyone should be able to see from any vantage point. So with that said.......
Show time! And this was a bit of a disaster unless you were up front or behind the stage (not really a stage but the concrete floor). I ended up right behind the VIP seating and equipment. The view of Rick was obstructed for much of the show, however when Barbara found out we couldn't see (I was standing right behind her seat) she got word to Rick and he moved back and also turned around for those on the beach & pool to see. I really enjoyed watching the band and just listening to the music, not trying to take pictures of Rick for quite a while. They all really looked to be having a good time just playing music that they hadn't before. There were requests for Rick to take his shirt off and he obliged for a minute only to put it back on. lol Rick must have been itching to get into the crowd as he had not been able to do that at the other shows so he climbed up (not quite sure on what though) and did a song from the audience. He couldn't go too far back as there was nothing for him to climb on. Of course the show was over too soon and it was time to head back on the buses to the port.
All cruisers on the ship were invited to this show. And I am sure some were curious about all the goings on during the cruise and they finally got a peak into it. Rick asked for an IGE girl and eventually one was found.
John Waite & the Rick Springfield Band
rrect me if I am wrong) I Ain't Missing you, When I see you Smile and many others. John and the guys rocked the house. To find out more about John Waite check out: http://www.myspace.com/johnwaite
