It was an affair of the heart as Rick Springfield proved he’s still a working class dog

​

Written & photographed by: Carmen Garza

Date: December 16, 2023

​

On Friday, December 15, Phoenix’ iconic Celebrity Theatre was transformed into a scene reminiscent of a John Hughes movie, notorious in the 1980’s - the women were dressed in ultra-mini skirts, boleros and big teased hair, while some of the men proudly donned their mullets and parachute pants.

 

Australian born Springfield, played to a packed house on the circular, yet rotating, stage. His ninety minute set included a cavalcade of hit after monumental hit. He barely stopped for air, but managed to take a few swigs of red wine - straight out of the bottle. He showed his appreciation for a handful of lucky fans, in the front row, by sharing some of the refreshing rum drink he and Sammy Hagar created (Sammy's Beach Bar Cocktail) and pouring it directly into their cups, as if to toast to the night ahead.

​

Aside from his impromptu shenanigans, Rick and his seasoned band of highly regarded musicians gave the fans a spectacular show to remember and a night of freedom to feel like teenagers again.

 

Setlist:

“Affair Of The Heart”

“I Get Excited”

“Living In Oz”

“I’ve Done Everything For You”

“Automatic”

“Venus In Overdrive”

“Wheels Start Turning”

“State Of The Heart”

“My Father’s Chair”

Medley - “Bop ‘Til You Drop”/“Bruce”/“867-5309 - Jenny”/“Don’t Walk Away”/“Rock Of Life”/“What Kind Of Fool Am I”

“Love Is Alright Tonite”

“The Voodoo House”

Guitar Solo/“Pipeline”

“Wild Thing”

“Don’t Talk To Strangers”

“Human Touch”

“Love Somebody”

“Jessie’s Girl”