Springfield (and his fans)

[Memorex]

Went to see Rick Springfield's "Stripped Down" show last night. A few comments.

First off - the guy's energy and voice is amazing for his age, or for anyone's age. He definitely was looking to give a great show. And for the most part, it was a great show.

For the show itself, the only drawback was zero songs from the last four albums, which are his best work. Seriously - screw the people that just want to hear the old stuff. Some of it he had never played before, so that was cool. But I was disappointed that it was only old stuff.

He used Band in a Box to have instrumentation and background vocals. Otherwise it was just him on stage.

He did a brand new song that was rather cool. Hope it's available soon. It's kind of a funny thing he put together.

As for the crowd - my God - get over 1981 already. You are NOT Jessie's Girl. And please - not just at Rick Springfield shows, but all shows - put the damn camera down and enjoy the show you paid for. Your crappy video is no better than what you are going to find on YouTube. I was blinded all evening by flashes and screen lights. I take a couple pictures, sure - but flash is off and I spend a total of about 15 seconds. People in front of me were recording all night and I think I have permanent retina burn. A lady directly behind me had an automatic DSLR and between every song, as Rick was telling stories, all I heard was her shutter clicking over and over. She easily got over 500 pictures, but helped screw up my evening. Uncalled for.

These people were all older than me. 50's and 60's. At what point do you just want to go to a show and enjoy the performance?

Anyway - good show overall. He really put it all out there and it was fun. He did a 30 minute Q&A with the crowd, which was cool. But again - that 30 minutes would have been better spent doing newer songs. I think he's putting out the best music of his career and better than nearly anyone out there.

Also - in a snowstorm don't accidentally drive 100 miles north instead of west, where home is. What should have been a 2 hour drive today turned into 7. Mostly on snowy back roads. Little scary.

[brywool]

Oh man.... the phone/camera thing is SOOOOOOO frigging annoying. I was in the 4th row at McCartney's show. As soon as he came out, everyone in front of me raised their hands at once and held iphones or ipads up for so much of the show. It was one of the most annoying things I've ever experienced. Totally blocking the view... ugh, YES, I did video a song or two, but I kept the phone at my chest to not block anyone's view. I just couldn't believe how inconsiderate it was.

On Rick- YES his last 4 albums are the cream of the crop. LOVE them and unfortunately, if yer a guy, you're vastly outnumbered at the shows and it's just kind of a show for Soccer Moms with all the 80s hits. It's too bad because his new stuff is so good.
I won't (never have) gone to his shows because I know what it'll be, just can't do it.

[Memorex]

The last time I saw him was after Karma, I believe. Several new songs.

He did play Honeymoon in Beirut from Rock of Life and that was great.

[Memorex]

I would love to see acts like this do small club shows along the way. Play one night of the greatest hits stuff if that's what sells and then go to a club and announce it will be new stuff. Maybe too expensive? I don't know, but it would be great.

[Andrew]

For the show itself, the only drawback was zero songs from the last four albums, which are his best work. Seriously - screw the people that just want to hear the old stuff. Some of it he had never played before, so that was cool. But I was disappointed that it was only old stuff.

Strange...as in all recent years he has added new material - normally 3-4 songs per album. Including the most recent one and the tour to support that.

[Memorex]

For the show itself, the only drawback was zero songs from the last four albums, which are his best work. Seriously - screw the people that just want to hear the old stuff. Some of it he had never played before, so that was cool. But I was disappointed that it was only old stuff.

Strange...as in all recent years he has added new material - normally 3-4 songs per album. Including the most recent one and the tour to support that.

I see he did that on a previous night. Here's a YouTube of Our Ship's Sinking. Great song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI8QtVG67u8