From 80’s heartthrob to longtime legend: Rick Springfield continues to captivate audiences of all ages

By Vicki DiAddezio, Orlando Correspondent

VENUE: American Gardens Theater in Epcot,  October 12th & 13th, 2015

I have been a fan of Rick Springfield ever since the release of his album, Working Class Dog, in 1981. When I heard he was making a return appearance at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival for the Eat to the Beat concert series, I knew I would definitely be heading out to the show. He performed three thirty minute sets each night at the American Gardens Theater in Epcot. I arrived at the theater about halfway through the first set and, just as I expected, it was standing room only. The theater was so full that there were people standing behind the theater about ten deep enjoying the show, which was a trend that would continue for the rest of the sets that he performed.

Just as every other time I have seen Rick Springfield perform, his show was filled with wit, charm, all my favorite songs, and an exuberant amount of energy. During the second set of the night he came off of the stage and made his way through the audience while singing “Human Touch”. He spent several minutes walking across benches throughout the crowd all while singing, signing autographs, shaking hands, and giving out hugs.  During the song, “Don’t Talk to Strangers”, he brought a young girl up on stage who he danced and jumped around with before he had her sing the line ”don’t talk to strangers…”. He made several jokes with audience members and even talked about his ‘recent’ birthday, which was actually back in August, but we played along. He mentioned how he had just turned 66 and then he had us all sing “Happy Birthday” to him. Quite frankly, he looks better and seems to have more energy than some other rock stars that are half his age, so 66 has nothing on him. Once the audience finished singing, he thanked us all for “remembering his birthday” with a sly little grin. The theater was filled with so much love and appreciation for a man that many grew up listening to, and he seems to genuinely return those sentiments.

Throughout the different sets, the crowd danced and sang along to the two songs I have already mentioned as well as hits such as “Affair of the Heart”, “I’ve Done Everything For You”, “Love Somebody”, “Jessie’s Girl”, “I Get Excited”, and more. A Rick Springfield concert is definitely a must for your to-do list if you have not seen a show yet. He has several tour dates listed through December 4, so find the location closest to you and get your tickets now.

PHOTO GALLERY

 

Rick Springfield at Epcot 2015- “Affair of the Heart”

 

 

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