In 1981, Rick Springfield was living the ultimate dream—acting on the wildly popular ABC soap opera General Hospital while also becoming a rock and roll sensation. With the release of his breakout album Working Class Dog, Rick Springfield wasn’t just making waves; he was creating a tidal wave of success. As he toured the country, Springfield was living out the fantasy he’d envisioned as a boy growing up in Sydney, Australia. Reflecting on those days, the now 74-year-old musician shares with Closer, “There was this core innocence about the whole experience. It was exhilarating, a whirlwind of excitement and passion.” That early success paved the way for a string of hits, including unforgettable tracks like “Affair of the Heart,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “Love Somebody,” and “Human Touch.”
Fast forward to today, and Rick’s latest album, Automatic, marks a full-circle moment in his illustrious career. On this project, he not only played all the guitars and keyboards but also penned deeply personal songs that he hopes will resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
The Early Days: A Musical Odyssey
When did your solo career truly take off, and what stands out most about that time?
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Rick Springfield recalls, “I’ve always been driven, always chasing that dream. I was honestly surprised it took so long to achieve success! Coming to America was an electrifying experience. For someone from overseas, the U.S. represented the land of opportunity. Landing in Hawaii and seeing Pearl Harbor, then finally arriving in Hollywood and spotting the iconic Hollywood sign—it was all surreal. I remember writing letters to people back in Australia just so I could use the return address ‘Hollywood, CA.’ It was a magical time.”
American Dreams: A New World Awaits
Did moving to America feel like stepping into a dream?
“Absolutely. People who live here might not fully grasp the significance of arriving from another country and setting foot on American soil. Every song I grew up listening to had ties to America, every movie I watched showcased its culture. For me, it was like visiting Disneyland for the first time—it was overwhelming and awe-inspiring. Being a kid from Australia, stepping into this new world was nothing short of extraordinary.”
Personal Reflections: The Making of 'Automatic'
Your new album, Automatic, is deeply personal. Tell us more about it.
“There are a few songs on this album dedicated to friends who’ve had a profound impact on my life. Inspiration often comes from the people around us. This album evolved differently from my previous works. In the past, I’d write an entire record before recording. This time, I wrote a song and immediately went into the studio to record it. That process sparked further creativity, leading me to another song and then another. I can’t force myself to write from nine to five—I need to feel a genuine connection to what I’m writing about.”
Honoring a Friend: A Tribute to Matty Spindel
The album is dedicated to your longtime soundman, Matty Spindel, who passed away last year. Can you tell us about that?
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“Losing Matty has left a lasting void, not just for me, but for my entire band and the touring family. To honor him, I wrote the song ‘She Walks With the Angels.’ I chose feminine pronouns because Matty was in touch with that side of himself. The song is filled with subtle nods to Matty that only those who knew him would fully understand. It’s a heartfelt tribute to a man who meant so much to all of us.”
A Loyal Fan Base: Connecting Through Music
With decades of recording and touring under your belt, you’ve surely built an extensive fan base. How does that feel?
“We’ve certainly cultivated a loyal fan base over the years. It’s always special when fans bring their kids to our shows—it’s a testament to the legacy of our music. But honestly, I’m just grateful for anyone who shows up. Playing the guitar is my passion, and I play to connect with people. Whether it’s a packed arena or an intimate venue, the goal is always the same: to create a shared experience through music.”
Headlining the I Want My '80s Tour
How’s the I Want My '80s tour going? What’s it like performing with other iconic '80s acts?
“It’s been fantastic. I’m sharing the stage with the Hooters, Paul Young, and Tommy Tutone. It reminds me of the old days when I’d go to concerts featuring multiple bands. That’s how I first saw the Beatles—it was part of a package show. This tour brings back that same energy and excitement. It’s a celebration of an era that shaped so many of us.”
Memorable Moments: The 'Working Class Dog' Era
Your 1981 album Working Class Dog and the hit “Jessie’s Girl” were career-defining moments. Tell us about Ron, your dog, who appeared on the album cover.
“Ron was an incredible companion who came into my life at just the right time. I was going through a breakup and had just met the woman who would become my wife. Around the same time, I landed the role of Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital and started working on Working Class Dog. Ron was more than just a pet—he was a symbol of that transformative period in my life.”
Acting and Music: A Perfect Balance
What was it like working on General Hospital?
“Although I was only on the show for about 18 months, it was a career highlight. General Hospital was the most popular soap opera of its time, and the cast included legends like Elizabeth Taylor, who even guest-starred. It was a dream gig that opened so many doors for me.”
Embracing Age: Life at 74
Now that you’ve reached the age of 74, what do you enjoy most about this stage of life?
“Looking back, I realize how far I’ve come. While there are things I might change, they’ve all led me to where I am today. I’ve made mistakes, sure, but as long as I’m healthy and can continue doing what I love, that’s all that matters. These days, I focus on being a better version of myself—whether it’s in my writing, performing, or simply being a good person. Life is a journey, not a checklist, and I’m grateful for every moment of it.”
No bucket list? What about meeting icons like Paul McCartney and Elvis Presley?
“I don’t have a bucket list per se; life is an ongoing journey for me. But meeting Paul McCartney and Elvis Presley were certainly unforgettable experiences. Paul was my musical idol growing up, so meeting him was surreal. And Elvis? I encountered him on a flight back from Australia in 1972. He was wearing a powder blue suit and took the time to greet passengers and sign autographs. Those moments are treasures I’ll always cherish.”
Fighting Depression: A Journey to Happiness
In your memoir, you shared your battle with depression. Are you
