Parenting

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Rick Springfield talks Father's Day, his kids and music...and gives me a personal guitar lesson

Photo Credit: Chris Gordon

Photo Credit: Chris Gordon

Let's get it all out in the open.

I'm a huge fan of Rick Springfield and have been since I was a little gal. So inspired am I by Mr. Springfield that a few years ago I picked up a guitar he broke on stage, had it pieced together, and hauled it with me to Ladies Rock Camp where I learned some guitar basics.

A few weeks ago I had the absolute pleasure of spending some serious time with Rick as part of a sit-down interview before a concert. I chatted it up with him about all things Father's Day. We talked about his sons, Liam, 22, and Josh, 19, and the songs they made up when they were little. We also talked about how he's inspired by his older son's love of music.

And here's where it gets steamy. I can legitimately say "I was Rick Springfield's first." On two accounts.

I'm the first person who's ever restored one of his broken guitars. And even better? I'm the first person ever to be on the receiving end of a personal guitar lesson by Rick Springfield. It was quite fun. (Can we make this a weekly session?)

Since paper couldn't do it justice, I brought along my video camera so you witness how this man makes a professional, adult woman and mom turn into a (respectably) giddy teenager. No really. I have footage to make several videos but I'll keep it to these two (Rick Chicks, say the word and I'll show you the rest!).

I have to admit that I felt quite honored that he spoke about his kids with me because he's very private when it comes to his family life. But as you'll see, he's a super proud dad. The look on his face says it all. (Side note: Rick's coming out with a new album at the end of July, Venus in Overdrive. The title song, he says, is about his wife of more than 20 years, Barbara. And he'll be returning to his role of Dr. Noah Drake/Eli Love role on the soap, General Hospital, this summer!)

Part one: Rick Springfield on Father's Day, his sons and music


Part two: The guitar lesson

Syndication:

From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 34
  • Mimi-pz's Avatar
    Posted by Mimi-pz Mon Jun 9, 2008 5:19pm PDT

    Oh my... I'm totally speechless and excited for you!

    I can't imagine how excited you must have been and you look great!!!!

    Rock on CP, Rock on!

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  • Karen's Avatar
    Posted by Karen Mon Jun 9, 2008 5:24pm PDT

    No YOU DID NOT have Rick Springfield's arms around you as you played is FORMER GUITAR.

    You are now my personal she-ro. Oh yes. Oh yes, you are.

    Report Abuse
  • CityMama™'s Avatar
    Posted by CityMama™ Mon Jun 9, 2008 9:32pm PDT

    You. Rule.

    Report Abuse
  • simpleton's Avatar
    Posted by simpleton Mon Jun 9, 2008 10:43pm PDT

    Can I say how awesome the way Rick talks about his kids is, Awesome dude. Thank you so much for sharing that. I am refreshed because of this blog...and are inspired to make an official family music night!

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  • Disgruntled's Avatar
    Posted by Disgruntled Tue Jun 10, 2008 7:31am PDT

    That was awesome!! I remember having a HUGE crush on Rick Springfield when I was 11 or 12 when he was on General Hospital and when "Jessie's Girl" came out. It's nice to see he's aged well. It's really cool that he's been married to the same woman for over 20 years and to hear him talk about his kids. Good looks and a great guy! Sigh... I think I need to fire up "Jessie's Girl" on my ipod now!

    Report Abuse
  • dee_ayy's Avatar
    Posted by dee_ayy Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:17am PDT

    WORD!!! Show the rest! Show the rest!

    He's just the best, isn't he?

    Report Abuse
  • adykish4rls's Avatar
    Posted by adykish4rls Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:17am PDT

    Oh my goodness. You got the guitar and to be the guitar girl. He is such a nice and personable guy; always take the time for picture or autograph.

    Hope you get the chance for some more lessons from him :0)

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  • melodygt's Avatar
    Posted by melodygt Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:27am PDT

    That is SOOO COOOL!!!

    When his first album came out, I loved the music, but I bought the album (and not just the singles) because of his photo on the cover. He was (and still is) sooo hot!! In fact, he came to our town for a concert, and it was the same night as my senior prom. I really wanted to go see his concert, but my best guy friend wanted me to go w/him to prom...so I did. But the prom was upstairs in the same building as Rick's concert. So I spent most of the prom over by the side doors that were next to the concert hall...trying to listen and catch a glimpse of him. Then the next year, he came back to our town, and I got to go this time. I had a blast! He was awesome!

    Way to go, Girl!!

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  • TerryB's Avatar
    Posted by TerryB Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:51am PDT

    please post the rest of the interview. Post it on rs.com or on the rs and us board.PPPLLLLEEEEAAAASSSEEE!! WE cant get enough of the man!!! Are you doing the cruise??

    Id never learn anything if he was my guitar teacher...id be WAY to preoccupied!

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  • Gabrielle's Avatar
    Posted by Gabrielle Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:58am PDT

    That is so awesome to hear Rick talk about some personal stuff! I love it!

    Way to go,girl! Can we all sign up for guitar lessons?? ;)

    He's awesome and you are too!

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