Los Angeles, Gibson Amphitheater – A video projection screen drops down center displaying a video montage of Australian native rocker Rick Springfield during his early days up until present. The video included his stint as a Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital and a cartoon version of Springfield as the crowd gave a thunderous applause. When you think of Springfield you might grin and giggle but he is no laughing matter. His is a talented musician that kicks ass. At 57, he has more energy than guys half his age and he had more energy than the Eveready bunny. He is obviously the happiest when he is performing in stage and it shows from the very first note until the last encore song, Springfield had the audience mesmerized.
Singing “Affair of the Heart,” early on in the set he kicked of the high intensity mood that continued with “I’ve Done Everything For You,” “Rock Til You Drop,” “What Kind of Fool Am I” “Love Somebody,” and “State of the Heart.” Springfield performed an amazing guitar solo showing off his virtuoso ability then diving into a bluesy improvisational bluesy guitar vibe
Moving along into singing “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” Springfield was personable thrusting his microphone into the crowd standing below him as members of the audience sang into the mic “Don’t Talk to Strangers.” He picked up a darling little 5-year-old boy complete with tiny guitar and headphones as he sang “Don’t Talk to Strangers.” It was the cutest thing ever. Springfield definitely knows how to work the crowd. His enthusiasm was contagious.
Girls in the front rows presented Springfield with bouquets of roses, which he graciously accepted then he used them to strum his guitar bathing the stage in rose pedals. The crowd were on their feet during the entire performance but were especially enthusiastic when he played, “Jesus Saves White Trash Baby Like You” as he waived his hands high up in the air.
But the most exciting part of the show has to be when he sang, “Human Touch,” where he hopped off the stage into the pit with his wireless guitar and microphone and continued into the crowd sprinting across seats into the loge section causing the crowd into utter pandemonium as they slapped hands with him. Springfield took audience members cell phones talking to unsuspecting lucky individuals on the other end of the line. He also took pictures on crowd members’ phones and made jokes as people in the audience as they grabbed at him. Then he went into a searing rendition of the Who’s “My Generation.” Of course he played 1981 smash hit “Jessie’s Girl,” with its unmistakable guitar riff. Springfield is the consummate performer with his uplifting vibe. He truly rocks out.
Opening act John Waite held his own. Dressed in a smoky black suit he sang a flawless set including Baby’s hits from the ‘80s “Back On My Feet Again,” “When I See You Smile,” of course “Missing You,” “Isn’t It Time,” “Every Time I Think of You,” and “Midnight Rendezvous.” He tried out a new song, “Universal Soldier,” to a positive response from the crowd. He finished off with a rousing performance of “Head First”.
All and all it was an enjoyable evening. Leaving the amphitheater it was obvious that the crowd had been entertained. The concert was uplifting and would remain a memorable night. Springfield deserves respect and can obviously hold his own. Check him out when he comes to your town. You won’t be disappointed.
