Rick Springfield needs no introduction. Those of you slightly familiar with the pop-rock icon will remember him for his 80’s pop culture hit “Jessie’s Girl.” Those of you who have ravenously followed him since the very beginning will remember him for his 30+ years of music, his starring role as Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital, and his numerous movie and television appearances.
Rick Springfield was my childhood idol, so this interview was quite special for me. Rick’s music has always been something people can easily relate to, whether is was about love, heartbreak, or having a good time. Following the critically acclaimed 2004 studio release Shock Denial Anger Acceptance, Rick Springfield has returned to the fold with a seventies and eighties inspired covers album, The Day After Yesterday. In between his appearances on The Today Show, The View, and a Rockafeller Center gig, Rick took some time to chat with Rock-Is-Life.com.
RIL: Your new album is a covers album, what made you go that route?
RS: The last record I did took a lot out of me to record it and write, so I wanted to take a break from writing a little bit. I had a song in my head that I always wanted to try, so it seemed the appropriate time. I thought that I would have fun doing it.
RIL: Was there any rhyme or reason to the song selection?
RS: Yes there is. They’re old songs that I love; moody, very atmospheric kind of music that lends the theme of what the whole record is. You know; that moody kind of atmospheric tone.
RIL: So you were trying to go for a mellow kind of mood then?
RS: Yes, opposite of [Shock Denial Anger Acceptance] which was pedal to the metal.
RIL: Do you plan on making any music videos for the covers album?
RS: We’re in the middle of mixing a DVD of a concert with a bunch of those songs in it. It will be in definition.
RIL: Are you planning a tour around this release or are you just going to continue with special appearances?
RS: We have been touring since it came out. We’re actually in New York right now playing in Times Square tomorrow night. Then we’re going to Pennsylvania, Japan, and Australia. We’ll pick up touring again in February.
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Article comments
1 - Lauri Jaffe
I just loved your article about the talented Rick Springfield who clearly has long lasting staying power. His new cd The Day After Yesterday, while quite different from his typical 80s pop, 90s "karmic" and 2004 rockin music - is wonderful. The atmospheric ambiance works and it's wonderful to know I'm listening to songs the artist likes. "Life in a Northern Town" is just amazing. I heard Rick perform in live in concert and was awestruck. The entire audience (and Rick) were smiling, clapping and reminiscing in this great song that he does fabulously. It's nice to know you've been a fan for so long too and your questions were great. They gave us Rick's answers. Thanks and happy new year. P.S. Hurray - Rick is back on GH as Dr. Noah Drake - hopefully for all of '06.
2 - Connie Phillips
George,
As a fellow fan I really appreciated this interview. You asked great questions, instead of the same ones you tend to see/hear over and over again.
The Day After Yesterday is a really nice collection of covers, and as you mentioned Shock/Denial/Anger/Acceptance is simply outstanding.
I'm anxious to hear if he sticks around General Hospital.
3 - butterflylisa
I enjoyed the interview. Rick is so multi-talented. He's an EXCELLENT actor as well. On General Hospital he is soooooo believable! Even with his depressed character, he is still so baby-faced gorgeous. I loved Rick and his music since day one (1980). I felt like a teenager at his concert at Penns Peak PA this past winter. It was a great concert. During "Human Touch" Rick came out to the audience and let people touch him. I was lucky enough to touch his chest, hold him around the waist, get hit in the eye by one of his roses :) , hold his hand, AND I KISSED HIS HAND!!! I'm "still" excited about that night!
4 - butterflylisa
correction from entry above: I just remembered seconds ago and had to write this personal revelation of mine. My "day one" was not 1980, it was 1971! I was 16 years old. "Speak To The Sky". P.S. Yesterday I watched 2 of my favorite Rick Springfield movies, Hard To Hold & Nick Knight. I wish Rick would do more movies. He's a brilliant actor as well as a great musician/ writer/performer.
5 - Theresa
Saw Rick in Cherokee N.C. First saw him in 1981 in Haertford Ct., my daughter was a fan, she was fan and then I became a fan. he is a great writer and performer. Now Iwill take my grandaughter to his shows. Keep on Rockin and rollin Rick. God Bless you your music is very healing, and uplifting.
6 - Bob
How in the world did Todd Rundgren's Classic song 'Love Is The Answer' not make the Final cut
on 'The Day After Yesterday'?
Come on Rick!
'Love Is The Answer' is one of the greatest songs ever written, period.
Rick, you even said it yourself, that you had wished you wrote 'Love Is The Answer'! And i don't blame you.