Rick Springfield in Ames, IA

It is my humble opinion that Rick Springfield has either sold his soul to the devil or is drinking from the same fountain of youth as Dick Clark. The guy looks the same as he did when I saw him on TV performing Jesse's Girl many long years ago as a kid. He's been making records since the early 70's and still performs with great energy.

Even though Stephens Auditorium was not even half sold out, it was still an enthusiastic audience and Rick put on a great show. He was backed by a very good band that included Matt Bissonette (previously in David Lee Roth's band and many others). Rick was in the audience much of the time with a mic or with a headset and guitar in hand.

Rick performed all the hits from Don't Talk To Strangers to Rock Of Life to Human Touch to Jesse's Girl. He also performed a few cover tunes like the Kink's "You Really Got Me" and Hendrix's "Light My Fire". Everyone there knew about every word and sang along to everything. During Don't Talk To Strangers he wandered the audience asking people to sing that phrase. One guy was bold enough to sing it "Don't Talk To My Wife". He knew that the ladies were drooling and Rick did, too. They had a laugh about that one.

The ladies kept him showered with flowers which he would strum across the guitar to send the petals flying. They also made sure to feel up his backside while he was in the audience. Of course, it seemed to be the stereotype of female fan at this concert and I felt bad for Rick as he has kept up his look, but most all of these women fawning over him let theirs go. I don't mean just a little, there were women there that should have had to pay for two seats. It was embarrassing, but expected. At least there were a few women that took care of themselves over the years. Sorry as I know there are excuses for some weight problems, but I can't imagine that all of Rick's female fans have the same problem. Just my humble opinion and I know it makes people angry to hear it.

Rick was a real pro and put on a show that everyone there will remember. There was no opening band so it was "an evening with Rick". My two roommates were glad to go and they are a dozen years younger than me. I'm glad I got to see it and would encourage anyone to go.