Rick Springfield has been around since most of us were pissing in our Pampers. Hell, some of our readers weren't even conceived when the Sydney-born star first hit the airwaves back in the early 70s. Yet even a with career spanning over 50 years and 17 albums, he has somehow maintained an aura of humility about him, mimicking the passion and ambition of a young artist fresh out of the gate. And the guy doesn't look like he's aged a day (WTF is up with that?). The Grammy winner/author/TV actor just finished recording his new album, Songs for the End of the World.
This month, you're about to get the inside track on everything Springfield when the original documentary An Affair of the Heart; Rick Springfield hits EPIX on May 15th. You'll find out that people's passion for him transcends gender, age, and international borders. This rock-out-loud film gives us all an inside look into his personal life, his highs and lows, as well as the lives of a handful of Springfield's super fans and the connections that have developed over the years all because of his music. Truth be told, it was hard not to be too giddy ourselves when we had the chance to talk to the man himself before the premiere about his upcoming projects, his love for the fans and his method of dealing with lusty ladies and their semi– tolerant hubbies.
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OC Weekly (Ali Lerman): OK, this has nothing to do with this documentary but, you were hysterical on “Californication!” Was there any part of that outrageous character “Rick” that you played that mirrored your life at all?
Rick Springfield: That was a lot of fun to do but no, not at all! That's why it was so much fun to play, because it was so different from the kind of person that I am. I've been a bit of a hedonist but I don't think I've really ever come off as an egotist, a user, and a jerk like that guy was. And I never was a drug guy ever. So, it was an acting gig and they wanted someone with a history that they could play off of and write the character on. I knew it was going to be pretty out there because of the show, so I was actually really excited about doing it!
It was so funny, okay, some of your fans in this movie come off as rather intense. I'm not asking you to call anyone out, but do any of your fans ever freak you out a little?
They don't freak me out, but, some of them kind of stun me a little bit. I've been around some pretty crazy fans, so as long as they don't have a weapon, I'm good! [Laughs.]
I loved the part in the documentary when you met the husbands and they were trying to flex their pecs and be tough. Have you ever had a run in with an a-hole husband that felt like their spouse was just too into you?
Yeah. [Laughs.] I've been threatened a couple of times. Mainly just by this one guy who found my home number on his wife. Someone had given it to her, it wasn't me. So this guy was making calls to the house and I had to call the cops and send them around there to tell him to back off. It was getting pretty weird. Most of them understand it's just good healthy fun. Like, my wife is hot for tennis players and I'm cool with that! [Laughs.] Everyone has someone they'd like a hall pass for!
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Hey, I get it! I have several. There are some really heavy stories in the movie also. It's got to be wild knowing that your lyrics brought someone up from their lowest point.
Yeah, that was a pretty shocking story. Actually, she was right on too because I was really angry when I wrote that “Shock Denial Anger Acceptance” record that she was talking about. She tuned right into it. I've actually met a couple of guys who were going through something and they said that record was a good one for them to work through it also. I think it's what you put into a record too, if people really listen, they will pick up on it.
What I really got from this movie is that you have such a huge respect for your fans. I mean, other artists have it, but yours seems to go above and beyond. How'd you get to that place with them?
I don't know. I think it's just that I've been in the business long enough to be aware that it's all because of them. My dad was an officer in the Army and I always saw him treating people with respect. Even when he retired, he was the only guy that had enlisted men come to his sendoff. They all hated the officers and they loved him. He just treated people as human beings. I mean, he was strict when he had to be, but I think I saw that in him so I just treat people with respect. Unless they prove they don't deserve it! [Laughs.]
Well it's clear that they respect you for taking the time to give back. Your fans are beyond loyal. So what's next? Rocking until the wheels fall off?
We're taking the show out with an all new production for the new record, “Songs for the End of the World.” There is a lot of stuff in the air and there'll be a lot of things happening. I can't announce anything yet, but know there will be a lot! [Laughs.] It'll be great I promise!
An Affair of the Heart; Rick Springfield premieres on Epix on Wednesday, May 15th. For more information, go to www.epixhd.com. For all things Rick, visit his website www.RickSpringfield.com and follow him on Twitter: @RickSpringfield.
Follow us on Twitter @OCWeeklyMusic and like us on Facebook at Heard Mentality and follow the author on Twitter @AliNotAlli.
Ali Lerman knows much about comedy, basketball, and celebrating Wu-Tang Wednesday. She’s been writing for sixteen years and still calls her mom with grammatical questions.
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