Australian native Rick exploded onto the US music scene in 1991 when Jessie's Girl became a number one hit. I remember swimming in my pool with my friend Angela and she said to me, have you heard that new song Jessie's Girl? I had not, so of course being a teen in the 80's, music being the most important thing in the world (other than boys), I listened to the radio for hours just to hear this hot new song. Of course now, when someone asks did you hear that song, we just go look it up on You Tube.
When I finally heard it, I was in love, then I find out that the guy singing this song was none other than Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital. It wasn't long after until my room was plastered with posters of the man and every issue of Tiger Beat and Bop Magazine with his face on it was purchased.
I wrote letters to him, (see I was a celebrity stalker even back then). I had gone on vacation with my parents and came home and found a letter on my dresser addressed to me from Rick Springfield, I knew it had to be from my grandfather, so I made my grandfather write something down and compared the writing. Yep, Poppa had tried to trick me. It was a good try. Rick Springfield was my first concert. My Aunt took me. The family referred to him as my boyfriend.
During this Rick Springfield obsession I met another Rick (who eventually became my husband), this new Rick was well aware of my crazy Rick Springfield obsession. Around that time the movie Hard to Hold came out and I forced new Rick to go with me much to his dismay.
Life went on, I graduated high school, got a job, got married Rick Springfield was no longer in the forefront but never really forgotten.
One day I was at Foxwoods Casino in CT and I was checking the concert listing, when whose name appeared? Yep, Rick Springfield, tickets were 27.00. Incredible. I called my sister in law and said we are going to see Rick Springfield. I could hardly wait. That night came and I saw Rick in a whole new light. (this is were some of you are thinking, "she must be crazy") I no longer looked at him as my teenage heart throb (well, ok maybe that's a stretch, he has aged very nicely) but I saw him for the amazingly talented person that he is. Have you ever seen the man play guitar? Very talented. The concert was for the Shock Denial Anger Acceptance CD, it was a very deep and personal compilation of songs.
He has also written a couple of books. One an Autobiography and his first Novel just came out last week.
It's pretty safe to say that I'm still obsessed with this man though my brother said the craziest thing to me....he said Lisa, do you realize that he is Dads age? That put things in perspective for about a moment. Still head over heals for him.
I was absolutely delighted when I sent two photos (one of which I took at a concert) and mailed it to his home address and about a week later received them signed and personalized.
He was just honored last week with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
It's hard to believe I've been following him for over 30 years. I'll never outgrow Rick Springfield.
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