Springfield sparks fan fervor at Sangamon Auditorium

Eighties rocker performs old favorites and from new album

December 09, 2008
By Amanda Dahlquist
Staff writer

Photo by Amanda Dahlquist

A blast from the past overtook Sangamon Auditorium on Nov. 23, eliciting ear-deafening cheers from scores of female '80s music fans.

Rock legend Rick Springfield drew a crowd of hundreds as he took to the stage to promote his newest album, Venus in Overdrive (August 2008). Springfield, whose name will forever be connected to his 1981 hit “Jessie's Girl,” is also famous for playing the role of Dr. Noah Drake on soap opera General Hospital, having returned to the part in 2005 after a stint in 1981-83. The Grammy winner also plays the character Eli Love, a musician, on the soap and it was as this character on the show that he introduced his  current single, “What's Victoria's Secret.”

“What's Victoria's Secret” was one of the highlights of the concert. Its sound was faintly reminiscent of “Jessie's Girl,” with its catchy tune and mellifluous lyrics. Springfield must hope that what worked for him once will prove as successful the second time around.

The album's title song “Venus in Overdrive” was also a winner. The artist made it easy for those in the audience not familiar with it to get involved by instructing them before its start on when to shout “Yeah, yeah!” It was his involvement with the crowd that really made the concert. At one point he ventured into the crowed, submersing himself in it while walking on top of the auditorium's seats and letting his female fans get up close and personal. At another, he pulled a young girl on stage and sang to her the '80s hit “Don't Talk to Strangers.”

Throughout the night, Springfield and his band teased the audience by playing the first few strands of “Jessie's Girl,” only to switch songs suddenly. When the song's time came, however, it was the pinnacle of the night, turning grown adults into screaming teenagers for a brief three minutes. Springfield, who admitted to being sick and on NyQuil that night, gave the audience a performance it wouldn't forget. It was clear that he hadn't lost his touch.

The 59 year old singer was well aware of his appeal to the women in the audience, most of whom went wild at his presence. One zealous admirer had to be pulled off of him by an auditorium attendant. Yet, his attitude was not one of arrogance, but rather it demonstrated a healthy sense of humor. His ability to laugh at himself and let loose made the evening entertaining and well worth the ticket price. Those members of the audience who only knew Springfield because of 'Jessie's Girl' probably left with a better appreciation of the artist and a real adoration of the man.