HOMETOWN ENTERTAINMENT: The “I Want My ‘80s Tour” coming to Elmwood Park
Time for the big hair and spandex, as the tour featuring Rick Springfield and other legendary acts takes the stage June 8
ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - From rock staples “Jessie’s Girl” and “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” to memorable acting roles on “General Hospital and “American Horror Story,” singer Rick Springfield has kept audiences entertained for decades.
Nowadays, you can also catch him on his Sirius XM radio show, “Working Class DJ”, spinning tunes from his fellow ’80s icons.
“When I was six years old, my first career choice was a DJ, so be careful what you wish for,” says Springfield.
Springfield says he is having fun with his radio gig, which he manages to squeeze in between other projects, including his “I Want My ‘80s Tour,” coming to the Elmwood Park Amphitheater June 8, starting at 7:00 p.m.
He described what he loves most about touring.
“Connections with the audience, really. I’m pretty much a loner when it’s just me. So, that’s my way to connect with humanity, is to go on the road and play for people and it keeps my spirits high to do that,” says Springfield.
Keeping his spirits high these days, sharing stages across the country with his friends and fellow ’80s artists.
“It’s fun to go out. It’s kind of like being at camp,” says Springfield.
The national tour lineup also includes John Waite, John Cafferty, Paul Young and the British new wave band, Wang Chung.
“I’m a fan of all of these guys, Wang Chung. John Waite’s been a friend for years. Paul Young’s a friend. It’s great to travel and to hear that music,” says Springfield.
“There are a lot of shows. So, for old guys like us, we have to make sure we keep fit and behave ourselves,” say Nick Feldman, co-creator of Wang Chung.
The band is known for hits like “Everybody Have Fun Tonight” and “Dance Hall Days”.
With their music often featured in commercials, films and TV shows, Wang Chung has held its spot in pop culture. It’s part of the enduring appeal of ’80s music.
“People want to testify what your music means to them in their lives. You can’t help but feel heart-warmed by that and makes it all worth it,” says Feldman.
Family is also a big part of these rockers’ lives, and will likely impact how much longer Springfield will tour.
“I love to do it, but I also have a family and actually, I’m going to be a grandfather, believe it or not,” says Springfield.
A grandpa who really ROCKS.
To buy tickets to the “I Want My 80s Tour” show at the Elmwood Park Amphitheater, click this link.
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