I’m always mystified by the hordes of people who find enjoyment walking around a theme park in 98-degree weather.
But, there they were yesterday at Busch Gardens Europe, dripping with sweat as they waited in line for the terrifying-looking Griffon and scurrying for the air conditioning inside Das Festhaus (what’s up with the German restaurant serving ribs and pizza, BTW?).
By 8 p.m., a couple thousand of them also meandered over to Festhaus Park, where Rick Springfield was performing a second night for the launch of this season’s Summer Nights concert series.
It’s a handy setup, this series. Concerts are free with park admission and they actually start on time. But, you’re on your own as far as seating. Bring a blanket for the lawn if you want (no chairs, please) – but otherwise, you’re standing. And in 90-something degree weather, that’s not always fun.
On the other hand, it’s rare to stay seated at a Springfield show no matter the setting, and that tradition continued last night.
Take a look at this guy (LEFT). Does this look like someone who is turning 59 next month?
Whether it’s healthy living, enviable genes or sheer luck, Springfield has managed to stay rock star handsome while providing the energy of a man half his age.
His 90-minute set Sunday – which, naturally, attracted a largely female contingent (though a surprising number were much younger than his expected thirty-and-fortysomething fan base) – was a great lesson for the casual observers in the crowd.
These would be the people yelling out, from the moment Springfield stepped on stage in his shades, “Play ‘Jessie’s Girl’!”
He did, eventually. But first, Springfield and his band tore through many of his 16 other Top 40 hits, including a propulsive “I’ve Done Everything For You” and “Affair of the Heart.”
Though he sounded uncomfortably hoarse on “Rock of Life,” Springfield’s rasp cleared up for a fan’s dream medley that included at least one verse and chorus of “Bop ‘Til You Drop,” “Celebrate Youth” (injected with heavy rock guitar), “Don’t Walk Away,” “State of the Heart” (those high notes did present a slight problem), “What Kind of Fool Am I” and “I Get Excited.”
Those same concertgoers who probably think Springfield’s last output came in the ‘80s, during his “General Hospital” days, might have also been surprised to hear “Wasted,” his engaging power pop song from 2004’s “Shock/Denial/Anger/Acceptance” and material from “Venus in Overdrive,” his second album since then, which arrives July 29.
The first single, “What’s Victoria’s Secret?”, is an irresistible pop song with a chorus that is pure ear candy and a bridge that should come stamped with “Instant Hit” on it.
But, like most musicians of his ilk, Springfield will likely be met with indifference at radio, simply because he isn’t the Jonas Brothers. Hopefully, satellite radio will show him some love instead (the song is also available now at iTunes and amazon.com or….here http://www.rickspringfield.com/vio/wvs_video.html).
If Sunday’s concert proved anything, it’s that the guy is an admirable guitarist and still an incredibly noteworthy pop star.
For those interested in the rest of the Summer Nights series:
Grand Funk Railroad, July 26-27
The Charlie Daniels Band, Aug. 2-3
The Guess Who, Aug. 9-10
Peter Frampton, Aug. 16-17
For more information, visit http://www.buschgardens.com.
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Hey Ricky he really did rock the place didn’t he. It was hot. But he always generates heat whever he goes. Great shows. You look great for almost a 59 year man.
Jackie Dennis of Highland Springs VA
Aug. 18, 2008 at 08:15 PM
YOU ROCK RICK!!!! The concert was AWESOME and I loved every minute of it BOTH DAYS!!! THERE was more than enough people there that were having a great time for some of the losers that should not have been there anyway…He is a great guitarist and Looks Super Great for a 59 year old man…sounds like people were just jealous they did not look that GREAT at 59…Also Miss you from being on GH…He looks pretty much the same as he did in the 80’s not too many people can say that….So Keep rockin Rick can’t wait to see you again!!!!!!!
I love Victoria’s Secret also…
Leona of Virginia Beach
Jul. 22, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Our family was there for the first 30 minutes of the concert and Rick failed to hook us in. I watched Rick during his MTV and General Hospital days, so I’m not totally ignorant of his music. I saw a lot of people leave and we left after the 30 minute mark. My wife, a GH fan, thought that the music was more rockish than she remembered. We’re waiting for Frampton or the Guess Who in August.
JGomes of Williamsburg, VA
Jul. 22, 2008 at 02:37 PM
And obviously Holly is a connoisseur of music. You probably like Skid Roe as well. Get a life.
Cliff of Richmond
Jul. 22, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Thanks for the great write up for those who couldn’t make it.
Rips? LOL The negative posters obviously have no sense of music as a few of the songs may be similar, but hardly the same.
Holly of North of Richmond
Jul. 21, 2008 at 04:43 PM
We need to see Jagger, that 80 year old looking guy
Anonymous
Jul. 21, 2008 at 03:29 PM
This act was as tiresome as it was sad to watch a 59 year old guy who was so full of himself in terms of looks. Too bad he doesn’t take as much pride in his music. I believe every song had some “Jessie’s Girl” rips in them. His Victoria’s Secret song sounded almost exactly like Jessie’s Girl except he interjected the words “Victoria’s Secret” when you would have heard the words “Jessie’s Girl”. Overall you get what you paid for, nothing, and had to deal with the heat, the crowd, and his very poor choice of words when talking to an audience that included several children (something rude about men and sheep in Australia).
not impressed of Richmond
Jul. 21, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Come on…is that the best we get? A review of Springfield? Richmond’s music scene stinks but for crying out loud…this is pathetic.
Yawn
Jul. 21, 2008 at 02:37 PM
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