Although it’s been nearly a year since Rick Springfield has been on tour, he’s been keeping busy in other ways. Like, lots of other ways. For instance, this week alone, there have been interviews about his new book “World on Fire,” the 40th anniversary of “Working Class Dog,” this weekend’s premiere of the “Orchestrating My Life” documentary, the filming of Jay Leno’s car show, a DJ gig, a special delivery of roses to a fan and an interview with an Australian station (which also featured his Australian accent…)
Through these interviews, we’ve learned about a new album by The Red Locusts, more stories about RS’s childhood and his desire to move back to Australia. He also talks about the importance of music in schools and how music saved him (and he often disses math, which my teenager 100% appreciates).
It’s so funny that so many interviewers will say things like “If my 10-year-old self would have known that I would be interviewing Rick Springfield….” Yep, he has lots of longtime fans! Here’s a recap of this week (at least what I know about)…
This weekend is the big premiere of the “Orchestrating My Life” documentary (A pay-per-view Valentine’s Day concert) that he performs with his band and students from the Santa Monica High School Orchestra. Here’s a great interview with Jodi Swenson, the director of the orchestra, and one of the students who performed in the show.
- ABC Radio Sydney (Did I mention that you get to hear his Australian accent here?) Rick Springfield: 40 years since Jessie’s Girl.
- Entertainment Tonight: “Rick Springfield on Writing New Music and Battling a ‘Life Sentence’ of Depression,” which features a message from 2021 RS to his younger self and an appearance in a red Beach Bar Rum T-shirt (red is definitely his color).
- Yahoo Entertainment: “Rick Springfield reflects on bittersweet, whirlwind ‘Jessie’s Girl’ success, 40 years later: ‘I thought it would heal me.’ “ (Featuring a video with lots of pictures through the years. Memories, memories… and lots of heartfelt talk about the highs and lows of his life. He’s so open with sharing all of that, it’s really beautiful as I’m sure his openness helps many people who may be going through similar experiences. )
- The Saturday Evening Post: “Rick Springfield will Always Be Cooler Than You: The Grammy-winning musician/cartoon character/actor/best-selling author/toy enthusiast is much more than his biggest hit.”
- His coolness hasn’t gotten to his head though, as he willingly shared a video of Jay Leno saving his car from crashing into RS’s Corvette after RS forgot to put Leno’s Lexus in park. (They were taping for “Jay Leno’s Garage.”)
- RS also made a special delivery for a lucky fan, delivering “Rick’s Roses” before the Valentine’s Day pay-per-view concert.
- Global News: “Rick Springfield on his new sci-fi novel ‘World on Fire’
- Christine & Salt radio show: “Rick Springfield is lighting the world on fire”
- Los Angeles Daily News: Rick Springfield celebrates 40th anniversary of ‘Working Class Dog’ with new film and novel
- Suki & Scott: Discussing “Orchestrating My Life”
Although RS fans are eager to return to concerts, all of this definitely helps get through this challenging time!
My Rick Springfield crush 
Long-time Rick fan from Germany here – you have a fantastic blog, thank you so much for compiling all the news! – One question: one of those interviews says he wrote TWO albums during lockdown. And you mention “The Red Locusts” and their darker album. But last year Rick talked about “The Locusts” and their very sunny, party “Beatles”-like album about to be released. Which is which?
Thank you, and best wishes,
Stefan
LikeLike
Hi Stefan,
Glad you enjoy the blog, thanks for reading it! That’s a great question. I looked back at a previous interview and he did say there were two albums – one by The Red Locusts and one darker than “The Snake King” so I fixed it in this post since they may be two different ones. Regarding the Beatles-like album by “The Locusts”, a caller asked him about that (I think it was in the Sirius interview) and he wasn’t able to comment on it. Not sure why and if that same project was renamed “The Red Locusts,” but I hope we get to hear The Beatles-like album because it sounds great! Thanks for writing! LW
LikeLike
Thanks for the fast reply! Can´t wait for new music from Rick!
LikeLiked by 1 person