Rick Springfield
Everyone who knows me knows I’m a huge Rick Springfield fan. I think he’s an amazing songwriter, musician and performer and I love going to his concerts. They make me happy! And I’m always defending Rick and his talents to those who think he’s nothing more than “that guy who sang ‘Jessie’s Girl’,” knowing that if they would see him in concert, they’d be hooked just like I am.
In 1972, Rick had his first hit record in the US. I remember hearing “Speak To The Sky” on the radio and loving it. When I heard Rick would be making an appearance at the Sam Goody’s record store in the Roosevelt Mall in Philadelphia, PA, I knew I had to be there. I wasn’t of driving age, so I had to convince (beg) my dad to drive me and my friend Sandy to the mall or my life would be over! He agreed…begrudgingly.
On that day, we arrived at the store, only to find a line that snaked around the store a couple times and then out the door. My dad didn’t want to wait, but I begged again. He finally agreed to leave me and Sandy in the line and we’d meet him when we were done.
As the line slowly moved and we entered the store, I remember getting my first glimpse of Rick. Wow! I was totally hooked! We obediently kept our place in line, watching as Rick signed autographs, took photos and talked with that incredible Australian accent! But suddenly our hopes were dashed when we heard a record store employee tell Rick they needed to end the event, as they were already past the amount of time they’d allotted. I thought I was going to cry!
But then Rick told the man he intended to stay as long as it took, until he had the opportunity to meet everyone who had been waiting. Yes! Sandy and I were so excited! But as my moment approached, I became terrified. I remember shaking as Rick signed the jacket of the “Speak To The Sky” single…which I still have! I don’t remember posing for a photo with him, but I must have, though I eventually ripped myself out of the picture.
I remember that day vividly. And all these years later, I know for a fact Rick is still as sweet and considerate of his fans as he was back in 1972!
This post was submitted by Helaine.
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Rick Who?
My heart was skipping a beat reading your story!!!
We are cut from the same cloth, Helaine!
Rick still rocks and is still soooo gorgeous! I have met him a couple of times and he is very sweet.
What a great great story Helaine! I would have loved to have met him in 1972! although I would have only been 4!! Skip ahead to 1982…..me at my first RLS concert! Love that monogrammed shirt in your photo! LOL
Helaine, thanks for the memories and of course the adorable photo of our young Rick! That is so cool that Rick told the guy he was staying until he met everyone! I can only imagine how your heart must have dropped when you thought the line would be cut off!
I know what you mean about being hooked on Rick.
I’ve been a fan since ‘81 and I’m still a huge fan of his. His live shows are amazing to me. I think probably all of us who are Rick fans find that we are constantly defending Rick about how he’s “so much more than Jessie’s Girl.” His songwriting new and old continues to amaze me.
What a fun story that, as a fellow Rick Springfield fan, just made me smile. How exciting and fun that “young” day was for you. It’s so wonderful that all these years later you are still hooked on Rick and appreciate his talent, music, etc. I discovered him in the 80s and also enjoy “defending him” to those who really don’t know of his depth of talent. I’m forever giving out cds so people can “learn” the Rick lesson. Your story has such a gentle joy and innocence. Thanks for sharing it!
If you do not know who Rick Springfiled is, you are missing out on some great entertainment.
Grew up with his music , I would not change that for a million dollars…