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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