Below you'll find a brief timeline chronicling highlights
from Rick's career to date.
1949
Richard Lewis Springthorpe is born in Merrylands,
Sydney, Australia to Norman and Eileen Springthorpe.
The Springthorpe family moves to England (father's
military career is the culprit).
1959
Rick becomes interested in history. Plays "gladiator"
in backyard in England. (precursor of Gladiator play in
2001).
1962
Rick's 13th Birthday...is given his first guitar as a
gift.
Rick meets John Kennedy, of the song "Me and Johnny"
fame.
1964
John and Rick form "Icy Blues", Rick's first foray
into performing music.
1967
Rick leaves high school and is asked by Pete Watson
to join Rock House.
1968
Rock House becomes MPD, Ltd and is hired to play gigs
in Vietnam
1969
Rick returns from Vietnam in February of this year.
Rick is one of the founding members the short lived
Wickedy Wak along with Paul Shannon (bass, vocals) and Danny
Finley (drums) from MPD....later adding a keyboardist named
Ray Wight.
Australian band Zoot
welcomes Rick as guitarist and vocalist in the fall of 1969.
1970
Rick scores Oz celebrity in Zoot.
1971
Speak to the Sky recorded solo, reaching Top Ten in
Australia.
1972
Rick moves to USA on wave of solo success with "Speak
to the Sky".
1973
Rick records the pop masterpiece, "Comic Book Heroes"
in London.
1974
Rick records the "Springfield" album; breaks with
managers and the record is never released.
"Mission Magic", a cartoon on ABC, is created to
showcase Rick's music, and further solidifies Rick as a pop
songwriting master.
1976
Chelsea Records releases "Wait For Night" and the
record company folds soon after.
1978
Rick takes on acting contract with Universal and
appears on several hit shows: Rockford Files, Wonder Woman,
Battlestar Galactica.
1978
Rick begins writing what will become "Working Class
Dog".
1979
RCA signs contract with Rick to record "Working Class
Dog". Rick argues with them on cover art, finally winning
out with his unusual dog Ronnie (Lethal Ron) on the cover.
1981
With release of "Working Class Dog" in doubt and the
album held up for release by the record company, Rick signs
with General Hospital as Dr. Noah Drake.
The epic pop masterpiece "Working Class Dog" is released.
1982
Rick wins a Grammy for Best Male Vocal Performance
for the #1 Hit "Jessie's Girl" as "Working Class Dog" goes
multi-platinum.
Rick's next release, aptly titled, "Success Hasn't
Spoiled Me Yet" is released and also goes multi-platinum.
1983
As acting/touring schedules conflict Rick leaves
General Hospital and releases the harder edged "Living In
Oz" which becomes Rick's third straight platinum selling
album.
Rick wins the American Music Award for "Favorite
Pop/Rock Male Artist".
1984
"Hard To Hold", Rick's first feature length film, is
released in theatres.
Hard to Hold soundtrack produces the Top Ten Hit
"Love Somebody".
1985
Rick releases his fifth album in five years, "Tao".
The Cathode Ray tour, including a performance at Live Aid,
follows.
Rick ends the tour in time for the birth of his first
son, Liam.
1986
Rick performs "My Father's Chair" live on American
Bandstand's 25th Anniversary special. It would be his last
live performance for several years.
1988
After a 2 year hiatus from touring and recording,
Rick releases "Rock Of Life".
Just prior to the scheduled tour to promote "Rock Of
Life", Rick crashes his ATV and shatters his collarbone. One
promotional performance on "Top of the Pops" is not enough
to promote the album. Unable to hold a guitar for six
months, he cancels the tour.
1989
Rick's son Joshua is born. Rick begins work on a
series of TV movies for both regular and TV networks.
1993
At friend and original drummer Jack White's urging,
Rick embarks on a short summer club tour. Longtime fans
greet him with open arms.
1994
Rick signs on as Mick Barrett, one of a pair of
brother detectives portrayed on the syndicated series "High
Tide". He moves the family to New Zealand for filming.
1995
Season two of "High Tide" is filmed much closer to
home in San Diego.
1996
The third and final season of "High Tide" is filmed
in Santa Barbara. Rick is eager to get back to his music.
1997
Rick reengages with fans at the Tucson Tennis
Classics and performs live for the first time in several
years. Friend and drummer Jack White appears again for the
performance.
"Sahara Snow", Rick's first collaborative work since
his Zoot days, is released overseas. Loyal fans hungry for
new music gobble up the discs and force a second pressing.
1998
Rick begins a tour to promote the album "Karma",
which while slated for release in 98, ends up not being
available until the following year.
1999
VH1's "Behind the Music" profiles Rick's career to
date.
Rick releases "Karma" in April and continues touring
to promote the disc. While venues fill and sell out, the
disc flounders under the record company Platinum Records.
When the company folds later, fans are disappointed that the
disc does not reach it's full potential.
2000
Rick spends this year touring and promoting "Karma".
Fan interest is so high, he releases an early Limited run of
his upcoming live disc, "The Greatest Hits Alive". Spots on
TV, including a concert broadcast on the Today show, ensue.
In December of this year, Rick announces he has
signed on to star in the Las Vegas show, EFX. The MGM Grand
renames the show EFX Alive in honor of the new star, and
Rick pens two original tunes for the show.
2001
Rick debuts in EFX Alive and releases the street
version of "The Greatest Hits Alive," on Universal's Hip-O
label.
2002
Rick closes his EFX Alive run on New Year's Eve after
nearly two years in the role.
2003
Rick hits the ground running, recording his latest
release, "shock/denial/anger/acceptance" in winter and
spring.
2004
Rick releases "shock/denial/anger/acceptance" in
February of 2004, on his own "Gomer Records" label with a
national tour soon following. "s/d/a/a" garners much
critical acclaim and is felt to be Rick's edgiest record to
date. The record debuts at #8 on the Top Independent Albums
chart and #22 on Top Internet Album Sales chart. To meet the
high demand, the "Shock Tour" is extended well into winter
2005.
2005
A&E's "Rick Springfield: Behind The Image"
documentary on Rick's career thus far is released on DVD
worldwide.
2005
Rick performs to a sold-out crowd at the majestic
Cornado Theater in Rockford, IL for a special high
definition concert to be aired on HD-Net and eventual DVD
release. Rick continues to record for his next release,
titled, "The Day After Yesterday".
Rick releases the track listing for "The Day After
Yesterday", a warm and soulful record of songs Rick says he
"wished he'd written." "Broken Wings", the first single from
"The Day After Yesterday" is released to radio.
Sony/BMG releases "Written In Rock - Anthology" a 42
track retrospective of Rick's work to date spanning 1970 to
2005. The double-disc set, which features rare photos and
extensive liner notes by culled from interviews with noted
rock historian Ken Sharp, marks the first time Rick is
personally involved with all aspects of a greatest hits
collection bearing his name.
Rick embarks on another nation tour to promote "The
Day After Yesterday" with dates book through the end of
2005. The release date for the CD is July 12th, 2005 set to
coincide with an appearance on ABC's Good Morning America as
well as Regis and Kelly.
Rick releases the Limited Edition of "The Day After
Yesterday". Limited to only 2,500 copies the 3 disc set is
made available only to fans online.
Rick returns as General Hospitals Dr. Noah Drake,
the role he originated nearly 25 years ago for an initial 4
episodes will more episodes pending. His first airdate will
be December 2, 2005 the same night Rick is to play to a
sell-out crowd a New York City's new Nokia Theater. Rick
also performs live on ABC TV's The View on Dec, 1, 2005.
2006
Rick performs live on ABC to open the 33rd Annual
Daytime Emmy Awards and receives standing ovation from the
live TV audience.
Sony/BMG releases "Working Class Dog" Expanded
Edition featuring a remastered original tracks plus 3 bonus
tracks, expanded liner notes including commentary from Rick.
Rick releases the "Live In Rockford" DVD filmed
during a sold-out show at the legendary Coronado Theater in
Rockford, IL
2007
Rick performs his newest song, "Who Killed
Rock-N-Roll" in his live set as writing begins for his next
studio record.
Rick performs a portion of one of the songs for his
forthcoming Christmas record to fans during his 5 night
stand in Milwaukee as well performing a bit of "Take A Hand"
from the "Wait For Night" album for the first time in over
30 years.
Prior to a show in Baltimore, Rick takes time to
spend with injured US military personnel at Bethesda
Veterans Hospital.
Rick returns to his native Australia to perform for
the first time since coming to the US in 1972 for a series
of shows as part of the Countdown Spectacular.
Rick performs on General Hospital for the first time
on August 24 as his character Noah Drake "stands in" for
Rick's dual character, rocker Eli Love. Rick performs the
new track, "Who Killed Rock-N-Roll" which is simultaneously
released on iTunes.
The book, "A Year In The Life Of A Working Class Dog" is
released. Written by noted rock historian and journalist Ken
Sharp, the book chronicles the build
up, making of, and resulting hysteria surrounding the
success of the album "Working Class Dog". Extensive
interviews and award winning design comprise this ultimate
fan keepsake.
Rick releases "Christmas With You", and record of
Christmas classics, as well as the original song, "Christmas
With You" with proceeds going to the Gold Star Mothers,
supporting the families of sons and daughters killed in the
line of duty.
Rick performs on the steps of the California state capital
for the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.
The inaugural "Rick Springfield & Friends" cruise
with fans and special guests John Waite, Doug Davidson and
Jackie Zeyman nears a complete sell-out.
2008
Rick appears on Oprah for the first time, performing
2 songs to a standing room only audience.
Rick releases "Venus In Overdrive", his first studio
record since 2004's critically acclaimed
"shock/denial/anger/acceptance". Written with bassist Matt
Bissonette, the album is called "the son of Working Class
Dog". Rick continues his
near non-stop touring to promote the record.
In a media storm to promote "Venus In Overdrive",
Rick performs on Good Morning America, Regis & Kelly, Fox &
Friends, The CBS Early Show and on General Hospital to
promote "Venus In Overdrive" and the first single, "What's
Victoria's Secret?"
"Venus in Overdrive" is released in July and enters the
charts at No. 28 on the Billboard 200, the best mark of his
career, his best sales week since Nielsen SoundScan began
tracking data in 1991.
The 1st annual "Rick Springfield & Friends Cruise" sets sail
from Miami to ports in Key West and Cozumel, Mexico. Fans
are treated to special events, unplugged concerts,
meet-n-greets, an all-request concert, beach party and more.
The 2nd annual "Rick Springfield & Friends Cruise" is
announced immediately upon completion of the inaugural
cruise.
2009
Rick begins re-recording
a series of lullabies which had previously written for his
own sons back in the 1980's.
Rick performs a special concert in Los Angeles to benefit
"Voices Of Uganda".
"My Precious Little One", an album of a collection of
lullabies Rick created for his own family back when his sons
were young, was released on Mothers Day.
Rick guest starred as a character loosely based on himself,
in 4 episodes of the 3rd season of the hit Showtime TV show,
Californication .
The 2nd "Rick Springfield & Friends Cruise" sets sail in
November featuring special guest stars, Richard Marx, Mark
Goodman, Doug Davidson & Brandon Barash.
2010
The 3rd "Rick Springfield & Friends Cruise" featuring
special guest stars Kevin Cronin, Mark Goodman, Doug
Davidson & Eric Martsolf is announced.
Rick begins writing his memoir. Touchstone (Simon &
Schuster) signs Rick to a book deal.
Rick makes his first trip back to Japan in 5 years sold
out shows.
Rick and the band head overseas for a quick tour in Europe
for the first time in 25 years playing the sold out Sweden
Rock Festival and stopping in Germany and Norway.
Work begins on the Rick Springfield Documentary, Affair of
the Heart, with Yellow Rick Road Productions, based on the
relationship between Rick and his amazing fans.
Late, Late At Night, Ricks autobiography, is released on October 12th, 2010.
Rick begins a week long TV and radio promotional tour for
the book, including appearances on Good Morning American,
The View, Sirius Satellite Radio, CNN, Access Hollywood and
more.
Late, Late At Night hits the New York Times hardcover
bestseller list on Oct. 31st at #13. The book also appears
on the Publisher's Weekly bestseller list at #14.
The 3rd "Rick Springfield & Friends Cruise" sets sail in
November featuring special guest stars, Kevin Cronin of REO
Speedwagon, Mark Goodman, Doug Davidson & more.
2011
The 4th and final "Rick Springfield & Friends Cruise" sets sail in
November featuring the first reunion of Rick's Australian
band, Zoot, featuring all the original members.
The "Destination Cancun" is announced for November 2012.
2012
Rick records a song with Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters
for Dave Grohl's forthcoming documentary, "Sound City" which
will chronicle the legendary recording studio and the bands
and artists who recorded there.
Rick appears on two more episodes of "General Hospital" in
his role of "Dr. Noah Drake".
Rick appears as a special guest on the hit TV show, "Hot In
Cleveland".
Rick and his band head in to the studio to begin work on the
next studio record.
