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

    By Charlene Prince Birkeland, Shine staff | Parenting – Mon, Jun 9, 2008 11:56 PM EDT

    Photo Credit: Chris GordonPhoto Credit: Chris GordonLet'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

     

    34 comments

    • Karen
      Karen  •  4 years 0 months ago
      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.
    • Mimi-pz
      Mimi-pz  •  4 years 0 months ago
      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!
    • CityMama™
      CityMama™  •  4 years 0 months ago
      You. Rule.
    • Gabbe
      Gabbe  •  4 years 0 months ago
      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!
    • A
      A  •  4 years 0 months ago
      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)
    • cupnoodle
      cupnoodle  •  4 years 0 months ago
      You're making me giggle!!!! Arms around you!!!!! WHOA~!
    • Amy Iorio
      Amy Iorio  •  4 years 0 months ago
      OMG! Really? Rick Springfield? HE'S the one? Does your husband know? I have it on good authority he's gotten some ribbing about this.
    • Charlene Prince Birkeland ...
      Charlene Prince Birkeland ...  •  4 years 0 months ago
      Thanks for all the awesome comments everyone! I will work on pulling together another clip for next week:)
    • Annetta
      Annetta  •  4 years 0 months ago
      I agree, where do the rest of us sign up for Rick Springfield guitar lessons???? LOL

      Great interview - you should definitely share the rest!
    • christina
      christina  •  4 years 0 months ago
      I had front row seat sitting in front of Rick by the video person. It is so cool to see the video completed. This was taken after the Sound Check. :) Christina
    • Disgruntled
      Disgruntled  •  4 years 0 months ago
      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!
    • TerryB
      TerryB  •  4 years 0 months ago
      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!
    • Liann
      Liann  •  4 years 0 months ago
      OMG....you are one lucky girl! Thank you for a great interview. I love that he shared memories of his sons with his fans. He is the best. I would have forgotten the finger positions too if I was in your place.
    • laura
      laura  •  4 years 0 months ago
      Thank you so much for posting the interview. How cute was that? You are so lucky to get that private lesson :) Please post more if you can!
    • Andrea
      Andrea  •  4 years 0 months ago
      Thanks so much for sharing.. I loved to hear how he saves all his kids gifts and things they made over the years. You are so lucky to have spent time with him. I hope to see your other videos!!!
    • sagitgrl69
      sagitgrl69  •  3 years 11 months ago
      OMG! I was panting over Rick on General Hospital when I was 10 or 11. I bought quite a few of his albums during my teens. You lucky duck getting to interview him and a free guitar lesson. He's still hot more than 25 years later, I kinda envy his wife. They must have a good marriage for being together for so long. Can't wait to see him on GH again! He's such a cutie pie!
    • KM
      KM  •  4 years 0 months ago
      Post all of the footage!!! Your videos were so completely charming and made me all the more envious. I would love to see more.
    • Beth
      Beth  •  3 years 11 months ago
      My very first concert was a Rick Springfield concert... man, oh man, was I in LOVE with him!

      What an honor to get to sit down with him and talk about Father's Day... and to have him give you a personal guitar lesson! Man! That's so cool!!!
    • natasha
      natasha  •  4 years 0 months ago
      So jealous!!! How can we see the other video?
    • Rena
      Rena  •  4 years 0 months ago
      WOW !!! Now that is a memerable moment. Lucky lady!! I bet that was wonderful for you! Rena
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