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Late, Late at Night
In a searingly candid memoir which he authored himself, Grammy Award-winning pop icon Rick Springfield pulls back the curtain on his image as a bright, shiny, happy performer to share the startling story of his rise and fall and rise in music, film, and television and his lifelong battle with depression.
In the 1980s, singer-songwriter and actor Rick Springfield seemed to have it a megahit single in “Jessie’s Girl,” sold-out concert tours, follow-up hits that sold more than 17 million albums and became the pop soundtrack for an entire generation, and 12 million daily viewers who avidly tuned in to General Hospital to swoon over his portrayal of the handsome Dr. Noah Drake. Yet lurking behind his success as a pop star and soap opera heartthrob and his unstoppable drive was a moody, somber, and dark soul, one filled with depression and insecurity.
In Late, Late at Night , the memoir his millions of fans have been waiting for, Rick takes readers inside the highs and lows of his extraordinary life. By turns winningly funny and heartbreakingly sad, every page resonates with Rick’s witty, wry, self-deprecating, brutally honest voice. On one level, he reveals the inside story of his ride to the top of the entertainment world. On a second, deeper level, he recounts with unsparing candor the forces that have driven his life, including his longtime battle with depression and thoughts of suicide, the shattering death of his father, and his decision to drop out at the absolute peak of fame. Having finally found a more stable equilibrium, Rick’s story is ultimately a positive one, deeply informed by his passion for creative expression through his music, a deep love of his wife of twenty-six years and their two sons, and his life-long quest for spiritual peace.
In the 1980s, singer-songwriter and actor Rick Springfield seemed to have it a megahit single in “Jessie’s Girl,” sold-out concert tours, follow-up hits that sold more than 17 million albums and became the pop soundtrack for an entire generation, and 12 million daily viewers who avidly tuned in to General Hospital to swoon over his portrayal of the handsome Dr. Noah Drake. Yet lurking behind his success as a pop star and soap opera heartthrob and his unstoppable drive was a moody, somber, and dark soul, one filled with depression and insecurity.
In Late, Late at Night , the memoir his millions of fans have been waiting for, Rick takes readers inside the highs and lows of his extraordinary life. By turns winningly funny and heartbreakingly sad, every page resonates with Rick’s witty, wry, self-deprecating, brutally honest voice. On one level, he reveals the inside story of his ride to the top of the entertainment world. On a second, deeper level, he recounts with unsparing candor the forces that have driven his life, including his longtime battle with depression and thoughts of suicide, the shattering death of his father, and his decision to drop out at the absolute peak of fame. Having finally found a more stable equilibrium, Rick’s story is ultimately a positive one, deeply informed by his passion for creative expression through his music, a deep love of his wife of twenty-six years and their two sons, and his life-long quest for spiritual peace.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 390 reviews
May 2, 2019
Very interesting to read about his life from birth to present, as I was a huge fan of his as a young girl and especially as a teenager. However, it was full (as in, just about every paragraph contained an example) of obnoxious, immature profanity and childish sexual innuendo that reeks of a 60+ yr old man who has never matured past the age of 15. I respect his struggle with depression and even with his assumed sexual addiction, but it's hard to respect a grown man who still thinks and talks *exactly* like the raging-hormone controlled teenage boys I knew back in high school. I applaud his honesty, but he could have done it with more class. For example, he directly mentions his penis (using every possible name for it) more times than I can count. And there are other things he shares that were just way, way TMI. I enjoyed the many interesting and funny stories he shared, as well as reading about his reaction to all the struggles he's faced, but I'm left with the disappointing feeling that he's never grown up. I began to dislike him early on in the book, and am sad to say I liked him less and less the further I read.
February 23, 2012
I was a big Rick Springfield fan in the 80's so I wanted to read the book and learn more about him. It started out choppy but parts were interesting. I didn't quite "get" his depression. Perhaps it's more "chemical?" I'm not doubting he suffers from it, just that he seemed to have a loving family and a relatively good childhood despite moving around alot because his father was in the Australian Army. He certainly lived the "rock star" life. I'm not quite sure if he convinced me that he's changed his ways. Hopefully for his long suffering wife he has.
December 30, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. I am a bit of a prude so I had some problem with some of the content and the language. But as someone who suffers from depression I found his insight helpful. And what an interesting life he has lived! I cried so hard at times that I could not continue. At times I had to stop to look things up on the internet to get a better understanding, read lyrics or watch a video (I have never been so into a book that I did this). A very painfully honest look into his life that left me really liking him, faults and all.
November 22, 2016
Cute baby boomer rock star, Rick Springfield, who wrote "Jessie's Girl" and played Dr. Noah Drake on "General Hospital" spills everything in his no holds barred memoir, "Late, Late at Night." Nothing is spared from Springfield's life long dance with Mr. D (his depression) to his battle with sex addiction. While his attitude towards women is horrible, especially in the early years, at least he's honest about it. Touching stories about his beloved dogs, his relationship with a little girl named Sahara, and his father's deadly cancer keep you turning the pages. Even more bizarre is what happened to his son Liam. Springfield doesn't want you to miss a beat, so he crams in all 61 years of his life. Granted, some passages turn into a whirlwind litany of this and that happened, but this autobiography reads like he actually wrote it, instead of a ghostwriter. Discover the inspiration behind some of Springfield's songs, marvel at the odd coincidences he notices, and get the inside scoop on the ups and downs of the music business. Spring for it, if you're a fan.
November 28, 2012
Dear Rick,
Seriously, Rick. You wrote it by yourself?
Don’t be insulted. I just didn’t see it coming. I think you’re pretty fragile, actually, and I don’t want to hurt you. I was impressed with your writing. I gotta be honest: it wasn’t stellar, but I was definitely interested. Absorbed, even.
But that’s because we’ve got history. So, yes, I read your memoir, Late, Late At Night (though it’s been out for a year). I figured I owed it to you. Of course you owe it to me to read my books, as well, but (1) that’s another story, and (2) I won’t hold you to it.
I decided to write this in the form of a fan letter. Ironically—given my obsessive personality—I’ve never written one before. It’s fitting that it’s for you.
I loved you! You were my first and second concerts (not counting Captain & Tennille)! I watched “General Hospital” (mostly) for you! I coerced my classical music-loving piano teacher to listen and analyze with me your 1985 album, Tao. Little did I know, you were probably spiritually done with Taoism by the time the album came out. And there I was trying to decipher your religious meanderings, your spiritual inclinations—and the Taoism phase was already kaput! You had moved on to meditation or positive thinking or a chickenless diet!
Shortly after forcing you on my piano teacher, I was told to quit piano (by little voices in my own head) and, well, I stopped listening to your music completely. No turning back. It just turned out that I had no musical talent whatsoever—and you and I, um, were just not meant to be. After a brief but meaningful fling with Duran Duran, I met Bono and U2. We’ve been together ever since.
I’m never going to hear the end of this use of language. But you should’ve seen what happened when I asked my husband to pick your book up at the library for me. I had two books on hold, yours and a “legit” book of literary fiction. I didn’t tell him what he was retrieving for me. I got home, and the two books—yours and the legit one—were stacked on the counter, yours on the bottom. On the top one, the yellow post-it note said, “Whatever.” I lifted it off the pile. On your memoir, the yellow post-it said, “Oh My God. You’re kidding me.” And then he wrote something obscene, which I can’t repeat.
Understand that my husband never takes the Lord’s name in vain.
But, thank you, Rick, because he was so jealous that he was pretty much Mr. Attentive for one whole night.
So, yeah, the analogy of a romance works. We had a romantic relationship, Rick. I grew out of it. I read your memoir, though, because of my longstanding affection for you and our complicated history.
I had a lot of thoughts.
First, I was impressed. My initial response was to figure out who your ghostwriter was. Apparently, there isn’t one. I’m still a little surprised about this. Like it or not, you’re the teen idol from the eighties—not some writer! Besides your use of big words, your storytelling instincts were pretty good: dialogue, showing rather than telling, blah blah blah. So, if no ghostwriter, who’s your editor? I’m being sort of insulting, aren’t I?
Second, your memoir is dubbed as “searingly candid” in just about every place. And my novel is dubbed “wincingly candid” in many places too. Plus, I like to remind people about this label whenever possible. We must hold onto this. You choose to let us into your world of depression and sexual addiction. With searing candor. Nice job. I don’t know what to say about this. I’m writing a book about addiction, you know. Funny. I still have questions. Is it all too easy to call something an addiction, to categorize one’s deep moral flaws as addictions? Is it a way of removing responsibility? I struggle with philosophizing about such things. I’m just not sure, Rick. I appreciated your candor, but at times it seemed simplistic. Do you know what it’s like to fall on your knees, prostrate and weeping, filled with self-loathing, because all you do is destroy others? Actually, I think you might. But your ability to write these woes might not measure up. Am I being insulting again?
Third, you are one of those people who struggles with finding the meaning of life. Kudos to you! I’m not terribly fond of those who don’t give a rat’s ass (did I just write that?). I’d be willing to bet that, though my own pre-teen hormones drew me in your direction (by the way, you still look great!), your constant spiritual wrestling really kept me interested. I like a man who wrestles. That said—here comes the backhanded compliment thing—you could probably search a little harder. Oh, cruelty! I just think there’s more to it. Your struggle seems a little superficial. I don’t know where you’re at right now, but I can genuinely say I hope you find some spiritual rest. You might need to do more than go to one of those goofy weekend seminars. Again, with the insults.
Fourth, one of my own great joys in reading this was realizing the discrepancy between what was truly going on versus what I thought was going on during those wild eighties. Ha! You’re old, man! When I loved you, I was eleven, twelve, thirteen. You were a grown-up, doing all kinds of grown-up things! I have to confess that I was totally engaged in your narrative because it was a window into my own immaturity.
Fifth, your wife of five million years (twenty-eight years?) is a saint. You know this, I think. I don’t really know why the hell she stays with you—but I do know that marriages are private mysteries. Some of us make it, and some of us don’t. And I also know that what happens between a husband and wife is incommunicable. There are just things that can’t be shared outside of that crazy relationship. Though you’ve been a lying/cheating/bastard, I am proud of your longstanding marital “success.” I wish you the best.
Sixth, I’ve got three passages to quote and freely say what I think about them.
•You write, “As a songwriter, it’s natural for me to stay open and receptive to everything that I and the people around me are feeling, doing, saying, and fantasizing about. It’s not a skill set that every job requires . . . I need to stay sympathetic and connected to the emotional roller coaster that most ‘grown-ups’ have become desensitized to . . One consequence of this openness is that I remain pretty naïve and gullible, despite the things I’ve gone through.” I’m just thinking about this a lot, Rick. Is this a real consequence of maintaining artistic sensitivity? I’m pretty sure you’re onto something, but I’m not sure I fully agree. Interesting, though.
•On your marriage, you wrote, “There is something to be said for swimming across the river of shit in a marriage hand in hand, so that when you get to the other side, you have someone to hose you off and together you can enjoy the last rays of the setting sun.” Indeed, there is something to be said for this!
•Still on your marriage, you write, “Now that I’m recording again, Barbara and I don’t see a lot of each other, but at least we sleep in the same bed every night, and there’s a lot to be said for that.” I really agree, Rick. There is something very wise here, I think. I could go on and on about this, but I won’t. I’m glad that Rick Springfield supports my position on fostering marital intimacy through sleeping in shared space.
Seventh, there were two things I just didn’t love all that much. Your dog-love didn’t work for me. And you should know that I’m a total, full-fledged, animal-loving freak! Dare I say, you went a little overboard? I’m with you on dog-love. I’m with you on the solace pets provide. But you’re a little nutty, man. (Which reminds me, I’ve gotta feed the cats.) And your adoration of Sahara, the little girl who dies of cancer—this too didn’t work for me. This will sound monstrous of me, but I found it a little, hmm, clichéd? I don’t know. I just didn’t get it. Why did this kid stick out to you so much? There are so many sick kids out there. (I’m going to get hate mail over this.) So many. She was one of those kids who, somehow or other, drew everyone in? I know a ton of kids like that, Rick! Funny kids, cute kids, sweet kids—I know them! Why did the mom go see your concerts out-of-state like that? With her kid? Where was that husband, who you do mention? I just don’t get it! My guess is that your feelings are genuine and the story is real, but there’s something missing in the writing. You’re just not communicating the emotional weight present in this narrative.
I’ve said nothing about your music. You identify yourself fully as a musician. I can respect that. Rock on. Keep Barbara. Find peace.
Love,
Jennifer
Seriously, Rick. You wrote it by yourself?
Don’t be insulted. I just didn’t see it coming. I think you’re pretty fragile, actually, and I don’t want to hurt you. I was impressed with your writing. I gotta be honest: it wasn’t stellar, but I was definitely interested. Absorbed, even.
But that’s because we’ve got history. So, yes, I read your memoir, Late, Late At Night (though it’s been out for a year). I figured I owed it to you. Of course you owe it to me to read my books, as well, but (1) that’s another story, and (2) I won’t hold you to it.
I decided to write this in the form of a fan letter. Ironically—given my obsessive personality—I’ve never written one before. It’s fitting that it’s for you.
I loved you! You were my first and second concerts (not counting Captain & Tennille)! I watched “General Hospital” (mostly) for you! I coerced my classical music-loving piano teacher to listen and analyze with me your 1985 album, Tao. Little did I know, you were probably spiritually done with Taoism by the time the album came out. And there I was trying to decipher your religious meanderings, your spiritual inclinations—and the Taoism phase was already kaput! You had moved on to meditation or positive thinking or a chickenless diet!
Shortly after forcing you on my piano teacher, I was told to quit piano (by little voices in my own head) and, well, I stopped listening to your music completely. No turning back. It just turned out that I had no musical talent whatsoever—and you and I, um, were just not meant to be. After a brief but meaningful fling with Duran Duran, I met Bono and U2. We’ve been together ever since.
I’m never going to hear the end of this use of language. But you should’ve seen what happened when I asked my husband to pick your book up at the library for me. I had two books on hold, yours and a “legit” book of literary fiction. I didn’t tell him what he was retrieving for me. I got home, and the two books—yours and the legit one—were stacked on the counter, yours on the bottom. On the top one, the yellow post-it note said, “Whatever.” I lifted it off the pile. On your memoir, the yellow post-it said, “Oh My God. You’re kidding me.” And then he wrote something obscene, which I can’t repeat.
Understand that my husband never takes the Lord’s name in vain.
But, thank you, Rick, because he was so jealous that he was pretty much Mr. Attentive for one whole night.
So, yeah, the analogy of a romance works. We had a romantic relationship, Rick. I grew out of it. I read your memoir, though, because of my longstanding affection for you and our complicated history.
I had a lot of thoughts.
First, I was impressed. My initial response was to figure out who your ghostwriter was. Apparently, there isn’t one. I’m still a little surprised about this. Like it or not, you’re the teen idol from the eighties—not some writer! Besides your use of big words, your storytelling instincts were pretty good: dialogue, showing rather than telling, blah blah blah. So, if no ghostwriter, who’s your editor? I’m being sort of insulting, aren’t I?
Second, your memoir is dubbed as “searingly candid” in just about every place. And my novel is dubbed “wincingly candid” in many places too. Plus, I like to remind people about this label whenever possible. We must hold onto this. You choose to let us into your world of depression and sexual addiction. With searing candor. Nice job. I don’t know what to say about this. I’m writing a book about addiction, you know. Funny. I still have questions. Is it all too easy to call something an addiction, to categorize one’s deep moral flaws as addictions? Is it a way of removing responsibility? I struggle with philosophizing about such things. I’m just not sure, Rick. I appreciated your candor, but at times it seemed simplistic. Do you know what it’s like to fall on your knees, prostrate and weeping, filled with self-loathing, because all you do is destroy others? Actually, I think you might. But your ability to write these woes might not measure up. Am I being insulting again?
Third, you are one of those people who struggles with finding the meaning of life. Kudos to you! I’m not terribly fond of those who don’t give a rat’s ass (did I just write that?). I’d be willing to bet that, though my own pre-teen hormones drew me in your direction (by the way, you still look great!), your constant spiritual wrestling really kept me interested. I like a man who wrestles. That said—here comes the backhanded compliment thing—you could probably search a little harder. Oh, cruelty! I just think there’s more to it. Your struggle seems a little superficial. I don’t know where you’re at right now, but I can genuinely say I hope you find some spiritual rest. You might need to do more than go to one of those goofy weekend seminars. Again, with the insults.
Fourth, one of my own great joys in reading this was realizing the discrepancy between what was truly going on versus what I thought was going on during those wild eighties. Ha! You’re old, man! When I loved you, I was eleven, twelve, thirteen. You were a grown-up, doing all kinds of grown-up things! I have to confess that I was totally engaged in your narrative because it was a window into my own immaturity.
Fifth, your wife of five million years (twenty-eight years?) is a saint. You know this, I think. I don’t really know why the hell she stays with you—but I do know that marriages are private mysteries. Some of us make it, and some of us don’t. And I also know that what happens between a husband and wife is incommunicable. There are just things that can’t be shared outside of that crazy relationship. Though you’ve been a lying/cheating/bastard, I am proud of your longstanding marital “success.” I wish you the best.
Sixth, I’ve got three passages to quote and freely say what I think about them.
•You write, “As a songwriter, it’s natural for me to stay open and receptive to everything that I and the people around me are feeling, doing, saying, and fantasizing about. It’s not a skill set that every job requires . . . I need to stay sympathetic and connected to the emotional roller coaster that most ‘grown-ups’ have become desensitized to . . One consequence of this openness is that I remain pretty naïve and gullible, despite the things I’ve gone through.” I’m just thinking about this a lot, Rick. Is this a real consequence of maintaining artistic sensitivity? I’m pretty sure you’re onto something, but I’m not sure I fully agree. Interesting, though.
•On your marriage, you wrote, “There is something to be said for swimming across the river of shit in a marriage hand in hand, so that when you get to the other side, you have someone to hose you off and together you can enjoy the last rays of the setting sun.” Indeed, there is something to be said for this!
•Still on your marriage, you write, “Now that I’m recording again, Barbara and I don’t see a lot of each other, but at least we sleep in the same bed every night, and there’s a lot to be said for that.” I really agree, Rick. There is something very wise here, I think. I could go on and on about this, but I won’t. I’m glad that Rick Springfield supports my position on fostering marital intimacy through sleeping in shared space.
Seventh, there were two things I just didn’t love all that much. Your dog-love didn’t work for me. And you should know that I’m a total, full-fledged, animal-loving freak! Dare I say, you went a little overboard? I’m with you on dog-love. I’m with you on the solace pets provide. But you’re a little nutty, man. (Which reminds me, I’ve gotta feed the cats.) And your adoration of Sahara, the little girl who dies of cancer—this too didn’t work for me. This will sound monstrous of me, but I found it a little, hmm, clichéd? I don’t know. I just didn’t get it. Why did this kid stick out to you so much? There are so many sick kids out there. (I’m going to get hate mail over this.) So many. She was one of those kids who, somehow or other, drew everyone in? I know a ton of kids like that, Rick! Funny kids, cute kids, sweet kids—I know them! Why did the mom go see your concerts out-of-state like that? With her kid? Where was that husband, who you do mention? I just don’t get it! My guess is that your feelings are genuine and the story is real, but there’s something missing in the writing. You’re just not communicating the emotional weight present in this narrative.
I’ve said nothing about your music. You identify yourself fully as a musician. I can respect that. Rock on. Keep Barbara. Find peace.
Love,
Jennifer
May 29, 2011
Rick Springfield has sang some of my favorite early 80's cheese hits. "Jessie's Girl" "You Better Love Somebody" and "Don't Talk To Strangers" are classics I love to turn up when they come on the radio. The danger of reading books like this is that you get to know the person behind the songs and sometimes, as in this case, it is disappointing. Before we go into why, a little about the pace of the book. It is SOOOOO slow in the beginning as Rick drones on and on about his early life. It got to a point where I skipped whole chapters to get to stuff that was interesting. It doesn't always have to be about music or scandal for me to read it, and I want to know where people come from, but Rick sucks all the fun out of getting to know him. When he finally gets into it about his career, it is the all too sad tale about how selfish people will do whatever they want without worrying about the consequences of their actions. His constant cheating on his wife through out the years, including fairly recently paints Rick as someone who STILL is an arrested adolescent who still doing whatever he wants without worrying about who it hurts. I want to make it clear, the reason I don't like the book is not because Rick is flawed, but that he never learns from his stupidity. Andre Agassi's "Open" was brutal but awesome. Andre learned from things and you rooted for him as he figured himself out to a degree. On the music side of things, the details on Rick's rise to fame and the nitty gritty behind the scenes about how the business works was lame too. Overall, if you are looking for a rock bio that delivers the goods read Sammy Hagar's "RED" I will always love "Jessie's Girl" but I am no longer very interested who wrote it anymore.
August 16, 2015
This is possibly the worst book that I have ever read. One should learn something with each book they read and what I learned from this book is 1)Some people would definitely benefit from a ghost writer, 2) Never read a book by someone who dropped out of school way too early and 3)Some people are published without any editing. I wonder if the editor decided "You can't pay me enough to try to fix this drivel." I think I actually lost brain cells in the process of reading this.
October 18, 2010
Ok, before I get into this review -- lets talk about Rick Springfield. Now a lot of this will date me, but most of you already know I'm a 40 year old women, so this shouldn't be a surprise. I've always liked Rick Springfield, I never had a crush on him mind you, at the time he was a little too pretty for my tastes (Back than my loves were Tom Selleck, Parker Stevenson, Joe Elliot of Def Leppard & Tom Wopat), but he looked like a decent fellow and I really enjoyed his music. Any of you who have ever lost your Dad will know of his
hauntingly beautiful and honest "My Father's Chair". I find that I cannot listen to the song without thinking of my beautiful Dad and how emptier the world is without him (& how sad that my boys will never get to meet him) I also loved his song Like Father, Like Son and used to play it over and over. And well I think we all love Jessie's Girl (NO I did not name my boy after the song - Jesse is the name of my maternal Grandma - Jesse Porter) even you youngster's.
Over the 80's and 90's I liked some of his songs and enjoyed watching him in various TV shows, But it wasn't until I caught him in Californication that I really became interested in him. Anyone who can poke fun at himself liked he did on Californication, has to be alright (and wow he's got a nice little bod on him). A few months after that I heard he had written a memoir so I begged my Simon and Schuster contact to get me a copy to review. Well, I am glad I did as you will see in the review
One last thing, I hope I have the chance to tell him how important and decent it is to write of his struggle with depression. This can really help those who are suffering and thinking of ending it all realize that they are not alone and that things will get better. It's nice to see a celebrity speak so openly and honestly and non-judgmentally about depression, it really makes up for schmucks like Tom Cruise. Hmm, maybe I will ask Rick that if he ever meets up with Tom Cruise to give him a smack upside the head from this Canadian girl who suffered from Post Postpartum Depression and didn't have time to exercise because she was too busy taking care of her special needs child. Screw you Tom!! Ooops, sorry about the rant, every time I hear that boys name I get fired up
Late, Late at Night: a Memoir
by Rick Springfield
Touchstone Book (Simon and Schuster)
ISBN: 978-1-4391-9115-6
Description: In a searingly candid memoir which he authored himself, Grammy Award-winning pop icon Rick Springfield pulls back the curtain on his image as a bright, shiny, happy performer to share the startling story of his rise and fall and rise in music, film, and television and his lifelong battle with depression.
In the 1980s, singer-songwriter and actor Rick Springfield seemed to have it all: a megahit single in “Jessie's Girl,” sold-out concert tours, follow-up hits that sold more than 17 million albums and became the pop soundtrack for an entire generation, and 12 million daily viewers who avidly tuned in to General Hospital to swoon over his portrayal of the handsome Dr. Noah Drake. Yet lurking behind his success as a pop star and soap opera heartthrob and his unstoppable drive was a moody, somber, and dark soul, one filled with depression and insecurity.
In Late, Late at Night, the memoir his millions of fans have been waiting for, Rick takes readers inside the highs and lows of his extraordinary life. By turns winningly funny and heartbreakingly sad, every page resonates with Rick's witty, wry, self-deprecating, brutally honest voice. On one level, he reveals the inside story of his ride to the top of the entertainment world. On a second, deeper level, he recounts with unsparing candor the forces that have driven his life, including his longtime battle with depression and thoughts of suicide, the shattering death of his father, and his decision to drop out at the absolute peak of fame. Having finally found a more stable equilibrium, Rick's story is ultimately a positive one, deeply informed by his passion for creative expression through his music, a deep love of his wife of twenty-six years and their two sons, and his life-long quest for spiritual peace.
The Good Stuff
Beautifully honest and raw
The book leaves you feeling very hopeful and you really, really, want to give him a hug
As mentioned above what he is doing is a good thing by revealing his struggle with depression
Delighted to see that he has nerd qualities -- I love a man who has Star Wars toys!
Extremely witty and self deprecating
Made me cry, many, many times
The love for his Mom and Dad is written so beautifully and with no accusations, just observations
He Loves Dogs - really that is enough for me. He writes so wonderfully about his love for his many canine companions
He really doesn't sugar coat his mistakes
Loved the 1st chapter, really grabbed my interest and loved to hear about his travel adventures on the way to England
The part about his suicide attempt is heartbreaking -- the first, and not last time I cried while reading
The chapter on Sahara is beautiful and so very sad at the same time -- again there were tears and really must learn not to read sad stuff on the TTC, I was crying and people were staring like I was some kind of freak -- normal people cry assclowns!!!
Also Chapter where the dog dies is brutal but beautiful -- and yes -- more crying
GO BUY THE BOOK!!!!
The Not so Good Stuff
Would have liked more pictures (The picture of him with his son Liam is beautiful!!)
At times I was a little ticked off at him for some of his choices and the hurt being done to his two boys by those choices. I would be very interested in how they feel about this memoir
The first chapter may be a little difficult for those who like things in a more linear way. In my case, I liked it because it reminded me of how I tell stories sometimes. It really endeared him to me, but I am putting it in here, because it might be a struggle for some. Do not let it stop you from reading the book!!
Damn you Rick, I stayed up late, late, late at night reading the book because it was so damn good. Don't be making any comments about the bags under my eye's when I get my picture taken with you!
Favorite Quotes/Passages (There are tons of good ones, but I'm not giving you any more than this)
"The idea of that little kid hopping around a tiny Aussie country town on a pogo stick versus the guy I see in the mirror today is one of the biggest mind-fucks of my life."
"Maybe it will help prevent wars over the color of the flag, but I doubt it. And nothing will ever stop us all fighting over the true name of God."
"And I am finally made aware of the "myth of fame". It may seem like an obvious revelation, bu honestly, unless you've gone through it, you can't imagine what kind of mind-fuck it really is to truly understand that, in and of itself, fame is not ultimately transformative."
What I Learned
I sooo don't want to be a celebrity -- no no never mind - always knew that
A lot about depression and addictions and a better understanding of them
About the background of certain songs
That his wife is a saint, because HONESTLY, I don't think I would have put up with the infidelities (Yup, I totally made a distant judgment call -- sorry Rick)
I really like the word mind-fuck
That I Really would like to sit down with him and talk about things.
Who should/shouldn't read
Anyone who has suffered or is still suffering from Depression or thoughts of suicide
Anyone interested in Rick Springfield OBVIOUSLY
Not for the prudish or judgmental -- and if you are one of those types of people, probably not best to keep following this blog.
5 Dewey's
OK. Now I'm off to meet with my buddy Tosca who I haven't seen in over 15 years and than it's off to the signing at Indigo. I've got my IPOD charged with some Ring Spring field tunes, 2 copies of the book (1 for MY Jesse and 1 to raise money for the Spina Bifida Association walk next year) and my push up bra (Hey, ever since Californication I find him a lot hotter than he was back in the 80's)
Hopefully I don't come across as a total nerd when I see him and hopefully sound more articulate than the time that I met Paul Gross.
hauntingly beautiful and honest "My Father's Chair". I find that I cannot listen to the song without thinking of my beautiful Dad and how emptier the world is without him (& how sad that my boys will never get to meet him) I also loved his song Like Father, Like Son and used to play it over and over. And well I think we all love Jessie's Girl (NO I did not name my boy after the song - Jesse is the name of my maternal Grandma - Jesse Porter) even you youngster's.
Over the 80's and 90's I liked some of his songs and enjoyed watching him in various TV shows, But it wasn't until I caught him in Californication that I really became interested in him. Anyone who can poke fun at himself liked he did on Californication, has to be alright (and wow he's got a nice little bod on him). A few months after that I heard he had written a memoir so I begged my Simon and Schuster contact to get me a copy to review. Well, I am glad I did as you will see in the review
One last thing, I hope I have the chance to tell him how important and decent it is to write of his struggle with depression. This can really help those who are suffering and thinking of ending it all realize that they are not alone and that things will get better. It's nice to see a celebrity speak so openly and honestly and non-judgmentally about depression, it really makes up for schmucks like Tom Cruise. Hmm, maybe I will ask Rick that if he ever meets up with Tom Cruise to give him a smack upside the head from this Canadian girl who suffered from Post Postpartum Depression and didn't have time to exercise because she was too busy taking care of her special needs child. Screw you Tom!! Ooops, sorry about the rant, every time I hear that boys name I get fired up
Late, Late at Night: a Memoir
by Rick Springfield
Touchstone Book (Simon and Schuster)
ISBN: 978-1-4391-9115-6
Description: In a searingly candid memoir which he authored himself, Grammy Award-winning pop icon Rick Springfield pulls back the curtain on his image as a bright, shiny, happy performer to share the startling story of his rise and fall and rise in music, film, and television and his lifelong battle with depression.
In the 1980s, singer-songwriter and actor Rick Springfield seemed to have it all: a megahit single in “Jessie's Girl,” sold-out concert tours, follow-up hits that sold more than 17 million albums and became the pop soundtrack for an entire generation, and 12 million daily viewers who avidly tuned in to General Hospital to swoon over his portrayal of the handsome Dr. Noah Drake. Yet lurking behind his success as a pop star and soap opera heartthrob and his unstoppable drive was a moody, somber, and dark soul, one filled with depression and insecurity.
In Late, Late at Night, the memoir his millions of fans have been waiting for, Rick takes readers inside the highs and lows of his extraordinary life. By turns winningly funny and heartbreakingly sad, every page resonates with Rick's witty, wry, self-deprecating, brutally honest voice. On one level, he reveals the inside story of his ride to the top of the entertainment world. On a second, deeper level, he recounts with unsparing candor the forces that have driven his life, including his longtime battle with depression and thoughts of suicide, the shattering death of his father, and his decision to drop out at the absolute peak of fame. Having finally found a more stable equilibrium, Rick's story is ultimately a positive one, deeply informed by his passion for creative expression through his music, a deep love of his wife of twenty-six years and their two sons, and his life-long quest for spiritual peace.
The Good Stuff
Beautifully honest and raw
The book leaves you feeling very hopeful and you really, really, want to give him a hug
As mentioned above what he is doing is a good thing by revealing his struggle with depression
Delighted to see that he has nerd qualities -- I love a man who has Star Wars toys!
Extremely witty and self deprecating
Made me cry, many, many times
The love for his Mom and Dad is written so beautifully and with no accusations, just observations
He Loves Dogs - really that is enough for me. He writes so wonderfully about his love for his many canine companions
He really doesn't sugar coat his mistakes
Loved the 1st chapter, really grabbed my interest and loved to hear about his travel adventures on the way to England
The part about his suicide attempt is heartbreaking -- the first, and not last time I cried while reading
The chapter on Sahara is beautiful and so very sad at the same time -- again there were tears and really must learn not to read sad stuff on the TTC, I was crying and people were staring like I was some kind of freak -- normal people cry assclowns!!!
Also Chapter where the dog dies is brutal but beautiful -- and yes -- more crying
GO BUY THE BOOK!!!!
The Not so Good Stuff
Would have liked more pictures (The picture of him with his son Liam is beautiful!!)
At times I was a little ticked off at him for some of his choices and the hurt being done to his two boys by those choices. I would be very interested in how they feel about this memoir
The first chapter may be a little difficult for those who like things in a more linear way. In my case, I liked it because it reminded me of how I tell stories sometimes. It really endeared him to me, but I am putting it in here, because it might be a struggle for some. Do not let it stop you from reading the book!!
Damn you Rick, I stayed up late, late, late at night reading the book because it was so damn good. Don't be making any comments about the bags under my eye's when I get my picture taken with you!
Favorite Quotes/Passages (There are tons of good ones, but I'm not giving you any more than this)
"The idea of that little kid hopping around a tiny Aussie country town on a pogo stick versus the guy I see in the mirror today is one of the biggest mind-fucks of my life."
"Maybe it will help prevent wars over the color of the flag, but I doubt it. And nothing will ever stop us all fighting over the true name of God."
"And I am finally made aware of the "myth of fame". It may seem like an obvious revelation, bu honestly, unless you've gone through it, you can't imagine what kind of mind-fuck it really is to truly understand that, in and of itself, fame is not ultimately transformative."
What I Learned
I sooo don't want to be a celebrity -- no no never mind - always knew that
A lot about depression and addictions and a better understanding of them
About the background of certain songs
That his wife is a saint, because HONESTLY, I don't think I would have put up with the infidelities (Yup, I totally made a distant judgment call -- sorry Rick)
I really like the word mind-fuck
That I Really would like to sit down with him and talk about things.
Who should/shouldn't read
Anyone who has suffered or is still suffering from Depression or thoughts of suicide
Anyone interested in Rick Springfield OBVIOUSLY
Not for the prudish or judgmental -- and if you are one of those types of people, probably not best to keep following this blog.
5 Dewey's
OK. Now I'm off to meet with my buddy Tosca who I haven't seen in over 15 years and than it's off to the signing at Indigo. I've got my IPOD charged with some Ring Spring field tunes, 2 copies of the book (1 for MY Jesse and 1 to raise money for the Spina Bifida Association walk next year) and my push up bra (Hey, ever since Californication I find him a lot hotter than he was back in the 80's)
Hopefully I don't come across as a total nerd when I see him and hopefully sound more articulate than the time that I met Paul Gross.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2023
I read this book as part of a literary dare of sorts. At a recent party I met a 20-something guy who revealed to me that he had been in rehab for six months during the pandemic. I told him that everyone I know who had been in rehab (regardless of what sort of addiction) had read The Heroin Diaries, and told me that everyone in rehab loved that book. He admitted that he had read a dog-eared copy he found in the tv room at the rehab. that he loved it, and that all of his rehab freinds had also read and loved it. Then he went on to say that he loved a lot of other rock star bios as well, even those by artists whose work he did not like or was unfamiliar with. And so we threw down, challenging the other to read a bio by a rock star they did not like or did not really know much about. He named three books he assumed would work for me by that measure. This book (I have NEVER been a Rick Springfield fan, and until I read this was not aware he recorded any song other than Jesse's Girl), Jewel's memoir (again, a solid choice), and the Autobiography of Gucci Mane (which was a bad choice because I already read it and LOVED it.) I chose this one and am happy I did so. (He is reading Keith Richards' Life at my behest, and he reports he is loving it -- I still marvel that I know people so young they really know nothing about the Rolling Stones.)
I guess it won't surprise anyone that our erstwhile heartthrob is not deep. It is also not surprising that this lack of depth is blasted into sharp relief when he is trying to show how deep he is. One moment he is bemoaning the toxic masculinity rampant in Australia, and the next moment there is elegiac tribute to the toned women and the men who live to drink and fight. One moment he is going on about how he is a good man fighting a sex addiction, the next moment he is going on about how his wife is everything to him and we should not judge her for staying with him when he has shagged hundreds (thousands?) of women while they have been together, though he knows it destroys her. (I am judging her tbh, but not 1/10th as harshly as I am judging him.) The moment after than he is writing tortured songs about the women he is shagging that his wife will have to hear. (Or maybe she won't? I mean does anyone listen to Rick Springfield other than Jesse's Girl?) And speaking of songs, I felt bad because Rick talks about how he works through his intense feelings through music and how listening to some of his songs is really hard for him as a result (not because they are so bad but because they really get to his heart.) Then he provided some of the lyrics. I laughed and laughed. Hallmark would fire him for being too simultaneously goopy and superficial. I only read the words, the tunes might be delightful, but holy hell those are some godawful lyrics. All of them! An example for you:
Oh my God!
It's my life
What am I doing kicking at the foundation?
That's right
My life
Better start looking at my destination.
I told you it was bad. And that really is one of the better lyrics quoted in the book.
Despite all this, I generally enjoyed reading the book. Rick has a clear voice that I liked. No one is going to accuse him of sounding too much like an MFA. The man that wrote those lyrics above wrote this, and you can tell. Still, I liked it. The book also has some organizational issues. He repeats himself several times in later chapters, apparently forgetting he already told us some of those things. And Rick is a navel gazer. He is a self-help loving, Eastern religion appropriating, one-with-nature type of fool. And with all that he is perhaps the least self-actualized person whose memoir I have read. He repeatedly says low-key offensive things about Asian, Black and LGBTQ+ people, and it is obvious he doesn't see it. He talks about busting out of his whore/madonna mindset, and then every woman in the book is a whore or a madonna (or someone about whom he thinks nothing other than whether or not she is gay or straight -- bi appears not to be an option.) His wife is constantly referred to as his princess, as being perfect. There is never any indication he sees her as a dimensional human being. It is no wonder he cheats -- he has far less respect for her as a sentient being than he has for his dogs (whom he really loves and brings to life on the page.)
I don't mean to castigate Rick. He is who he is. He talks openly about his struggles with depression and sex addiction which is a good thing. He celebrates the noble things he does a little too much so it is clear they do not come fully from real generosity, but he thinks about trying to do the right thing. (He doesn't really do the right thing very much, but he thinks about it.) In the end, this was generally fun and worth the read. Also, I owned it from some long ago library bag day sale, so I got one more book off the shelf winging its way to the donation bin. So it is a win! I alternated audio (read by Mr. Springfield), and hardback here, and both are worthwhile. It is hard to recommend one over the other, but I did like the pictures in the text version.
I guess it won't surprise anyone that our erstwhile heartthrob is not deep. It is also not surprising that this lack of depth is blasted into sharp relief when he is trying to show how deep he is. One moment he is bemoaning the toxic masculinity rampant in Australia, and the next moment there is elegiac tribute to the toned women and the men who live to drink and fight. One moment he is going on about how he is a good man fighting a sex addiction, the next moment he is going on about how his wife is everything to him and we should not judge her for staying with him when he has shagged hundreds (thousands?) of women while they have been together, though he knows it destroys her. (I am judging her tbh, but not 1/10th as harshly as I am judging him.) The moment after than he is writing tortured songs about the women he is shagging that his wife will have to hear. (Or maybe she won't? I mean does anyone listen to Rick Springfield other than Jesse's Girl?) And speaking of songs, I felt bad because Rick talks about how he works through his intense feelings through music and how listening to some of his songs is really hard for him as a result (not because they are so bad but because they really get to his heart.) Then he provided some of the lyrics. I laughed and laughed. Hallmark would fire him for being too simultaneously goopy and superficial. I only read the words, the tunes might be delightful, but holy hell those are some godawful lyrics. All of them! An example for you:
Oh my God!
It's my life
What am I doing kicking at the foundation?
That's right
My life
Better start looking at my destination.
I told you it was bad. And that really is one of the better lyrics quoted in the book.
Despite all this, I generally enjoyed reading the book. Rick has a clear voice that I liked. No one is going to accuse him of sounding too much like an MFA. The man that wrote those lyrics above wrote this, and you can tell. Still, I liked it. The book also has some organizational issues. He repeats himself several times in later chapters, apparently forgetting he already told us some of those things. And Rick is a navel gazer. He is a self-help loving, Eastern religion appropriating, one-with-nature type of fool. And with all that he is perhaps the least self-actualized person whose memoir I have read. He repeatedly says low-key offensive things about Asian, Black and LGBTQ+ people, and it is obvious he doesn't see it. He talks about busting out of his whore/madonna mindset, and then every woman in the book is a whore or a madonna (or someone about whom he thinks nothing other than whether or not she is gay or straight -- bi appears not to be an option.) His wife is constantly referred to as his princess, as being perfect. There is never any indication he sees her as a dimensional human being. It is no wonder he cheats -- he has far less respect for her as a sentient being than he has for his dogs (whom he really loves and brings to life on the page.)
I don't mean to castigate Rick. He is who he is. He talks openly about his struggles with depression and sex addiction which is a good thing. He celebrates the noble things he does a little too much so it is clear they do not come fully from real generosity, but he thinks about trying to do the right thing. (He doesn't really do the right thing very much, but he thinks about it.) In the end, this was generally fun and worth the read. Also, I owned it from some long ago library bag day sale, so I got one more book off the shelf winging its way to the donation bin. So it is a win! I alternated audio (read by Mr. Springfield), and hardback here, and both are worthwhile. It is hard to recommend one over the other, but I did like the pictures in the text version.
October 14, 2018
I'm a tough grader. The two reasons I didn't give this 5 Stars is because I really also wanted the book to dive even more into his music. That said, I learned some things about the music I did not know before. For example, there's a good reason why many people believe the album Shock/Denial/Anger/Acceptance is his masterpiece.
The other reason I didn't give it a 5? I felt things got a little stretched out during the last 20% or so of the book. This could have been used to - ahem - talk more about the music. But it wasn't.
Bottom line is, this book reinvigorated my love for RS and his music and I am now going back re-listening to everything from a new perspective. Especially S/D/A/A.
I had no idea how much RS was like the rest of the world. He opens himself up in this book and it really means a lot to me to read this stuff. God Bless Him.
The other reason I didn't give it a 5? I felt things got a little stretched out during the last 20% or so of the book. This could have been used to - ahem - talk more about the music. But it wasn't.
Bottom line is, this book reinvigorated my love for RS and his music and I am now going back re-listening to everything from a new perspective. Especially S/D/A/A.
I had no idea how much RS was like the rest of the world. He opens himself up in this book and it really means a lot to me to read this stuff. God Bless Him.
November 23, 2010
Interesting, candid read. As a one-time huge fan, I was compelled to read the entire thing, in spite of the fact that I began to find him very unlikeable and amazingly narcissistic. I'm not sure what the point of the memoir is--other than perhaps the obvious: to sell books and make money. Nothing wrong with that of course, but it isn't as if I came away from the book saying, "Wow...what an amazing tale of someone who overcame adversity" or anything. I suppose you could see him as being brave for telling his story but for me, it seems opportunistic more than anything else. It is fairly well-written, however; not sure if he had a ghost writer or maybe a good editor but I was impressed with the quality of the story telling, if not actually being blown away by the story itself.
February 2, 2017
I was a fan of Rick Springfield back in the "Jessie's Girl" and Dr. Noah Drake days. I appreciate how honestly he told his "tale" and admitted to all he did that he shouldn't, how he dealt with depression, how his wife stuck thru him thru all of it and that they're going strong, his kids, his family, etc. I'm surprised he still has his "manly parts" after all the sexual escapades he had (you'd think it either would have fallen off, or perhaps Barbara would have "removed" it a la Lorena Bobbett). He was very forthcoming and honest and I enjoyed reading about his life.
November 15, 2020
It is an interesting look at the authors life and his battle with infidelity, depression and insecurity. Having read his novel first it was interesting to see what influenced it. I like his music well enough but wouldn't call myself a fan. This was a fairly big departure from the types of books I normally read. I wanted to tell the author to look deeper into Buddhism as the Buddhist believes that it is desire that leads to unhappiness and depression and this might be an Avenue that helps him deal with sex addiction better. It might be what he's looking for as a way of seeing the world and not being crushed by it as it is want to do.
January 9, 2011
I am actually surprised this book was published because it is very casually written. I didn't feel like there was any ghost writing. Rick has struggled with depression and demons his entire life. His book was a very honest recount of his life to date. He's been with hundreds (or more) women which was a bit disturbing to read about. I like him less after reading the book, but can appreciate his honesty. No more crush on Rick.
August 22, 2016
Every time I hear Jesse's Girl on the 80's radio station, I am going to think of Rick Springfield, the guy who couldn't keep it in his pants! Disappointing but predictable that another so called rock star can't be faithful and has personal demons!
Want to read
June 2, 2022his version of Waiting For A Girl Like You is my fav one of this song, but i still love Jordan Knight's (i prefer his vocal as he was in NKOB)and...of course the original one of Foreigner
January 26, 2023
I think most everyone is familiar with Rick Springfield from his hit "Jessie's Girl." For a time, he was a huge teen idol on General Hospital. Tony Geary was the hunk for the older ladies.
Many people didn't realize that Springfield had been a teen idol during a golden period of such things, 1968-1972.
Anyway, this book traces his life to stardom, and his struggles with various addictions, most noticeably a sex addiction. I remember during the 80's most guys thought they'd like to punch Springfield in the face, and to be honest, he doesn't do a lot here to dissuade them.
Many people didn't realize that Springfield had been a teen idol during a golden period of such things, 1968-1972.
Anyway, this book traces his life to stardom, and his struggles with various addictions, most noticeably a sex addiction. I remember during the 80's most guys thought they'd like to punch Springfield in the face, and to be honest, he doesn't do a lot here to dissuade them.
April 30, 2013
I picked this up in the Wal-Mart sale bin, because who doesn’t love “Jessie’s Girl”? And I read it while recovering from being very sick — a nice light(ish) read on a sick day.
It’s pretty good. The publisher (on the jacket) makes much of the fact that Rick Springfield wrote it all himself, and yes, you can tell that he did. Which is not to say that the writing is bad, or even sub-par; it just has a somewhat amateurish voice that fits for a musician writing his own story.
What did I learn from this memoir/autobiography? That Rick Springfield is a pretty thoughtful and reflective guy. That he’s had a lot of sex in his life, and that it messed him up a good bit mentally and emotionally. That he has struggled with depression for much of his life, and has battled it pretty well.
This is an interesting read, but I can see why it landed in Wal-Mart’s bargain bin. I appreciate Springfield’s work ethic and career more from reading it, and I sympathize, as always, with celebrities for all that they get put through in our culture. I won’t say I recommend it, but wouldn’t begrudge readers their turn, either.
It’s pretty good. The publisher (on the jacket) makes much of the fact that Rick Springfield wrote it all himself, and yes, you can tell that he did. Which is not to say that the writing is bad, or even sub-par; it just has a somewhat amateurish voice that fits for a musician writing his own story.
What did I learn from this memoir/autobiography? That Rick Springfield is a pretty thoughtful and reflective guy. That he’s had a lot of sex in his life, and that it messed him up a good bit mentally and emotionally. That he has struggled with depression for much of his life, and has battled it pretty well.
This is an interesting read, but I can see why it landed in Wal-Mart’s bargain bin. I appreciate Springfield’s work ethic and career more from reading it, and I sympathize, as always, with celebrities for all that they get put through in our culture. I won’t say I recommend it, but wouldn’t begrudge readers their turn, either.
July 22, 2011
I totally enjoyed this book because it gave me a myriad of info into Rick Springfield's life and the reasons why he is so likeable(at least to me), as well as being a misunderstood musician, singer and actor! He has been living with depression most of his life and other addictions which it seems he still fights against to this day! In the meantime he is a married man with two sons who are his whole world, but the music and acting bug is also still there which really pleases me because I have been a fan since the 80's when "Jessie's Girl" was released as a single! I now know why some of the things I've seen in the tabloids have happened to him and understand him so much more. I had the pleasure of meeting him a few years ago and he seems like a real nice and likeable man, trying to live his life!
Any Rick Springfield fan will enjoy this book and maybe some who know about him but never considered themself a fan, it is very interesting, but prepare yourself for the language!
Any Rick Springfield fan will enjoy this book and maybe some who know about him but never considered themself a fan, it is very interesting, but prepare yourself for the language!
June 1, 2012
I thought this was a great read. I saw Rick Springfield on GOOD MORNING AMERICA talking about the book when it first came out and decided to check it out. His lifelong struggle with Depression and Spirituality was extremely interesting to me.
I liked the way the book was written - almost as though Mr. Springfield was talking to you one on one. At times, I felt like I was no longer reading but hearing about his struggles as one would talk to an old friend or acquaintance.
The book is very honest and open. Highly recommended even to those who would never admit they know the lyrics to "Jessie's Girl" and turn up the volume in secret when it comes on the local eighties radio station.
By the way, if you haven't heard any current music from Mr. Springfield, please do yourself a favor and give a listen to his most current CD's "Anger/Denial/Shock/Acceptance" and "Venus In Overdrive". Great songs and great CD's by an honest and talented singer-songwriter.
I liked the way the book was written - almost as though Mr. Springfield was talking to you one on one. At times, I felt like I was no longer reading but hearing about his struggles as one would talk to an old friend or acquaintance.
The book is very honest and open. Highly recommended even to those who would never admit they know the lyrics to "Jessie's Girl" and turn up the volume in secret when it comes on the local eighties radio station.
By the way, if you haven't heard any current music from Mr. Springfield, please do yourself a favor and give a listen to his most current CD's "Anger/Denial/Shock/Acceptance" and "Venus In Overdrive". Great songs and great CD's by an honest and talented singer-songwriter.
May 11, 2016
They say that sometimes you shouldn't peek behind the curtain. This was definitely true for me in the case of Rick Springfield. I know that with many famous people there is usually a dark past that drives them to be great at their profession, but in this case Rick's whole life comes across as sad coupled with self-righteous behavior that he continues to indulge in without any real consequences. He touches on his depression throughout the book and seems to justify he repetitive destructive behavior with it. At one point he even scolds the reader for judging him. I know no one is perfect and I’m not naive to the world of Rock-n-Roll, but come on Rick. Really???
I'm not sure what others hope for when reading a memoir, but I expect some happy stories along with the sad. I kept reading with the hope of some happiness, but it never came. This was all sad. Going forward it will be hard for me to listen to his music and have any positive thoughts.
I'm not sure what others hope for when reading a memoir, but I expect some happy stories along with the sad. I kept reading with the hope of some happiness, but it never came. This was all sad. Going forward it will be hard for me to listen to his music and have any positive thoughts.
November 30, 2010
This is one of the best memoirs I've read to date. As a fan of Rick Springfield since I was very young, I was completely connected to this book from the beginning. I thought that reading his story would change the way I viewed his music in a negative way (isn't that what always happens when the curtain is pulled back?), but it had the opposite effect. Knowing the roots of the songs made me understand them in a whole new light, and it only makes me want to listen to his music more. The journey of reading this book was amazing. There is such an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end that it's no wonder he can find the inspiration to write such a diverse repertoire of music. He has my respect for having the guts to write the whole story down for the whole world to read. I am a fan for life!
February 9, 2011
Utter brutal honesty. Heartbreaking for those of us who placed him on a pedestal for decades.... I'm not sure of the point, other than he is famous (der) and I'm sure it's self-medicating for him to release all the deep, dark details on his journey to seek healing and acceptance, and simply because he does have an interesting childhood and rise to fame. For those who are not big fans, I think it's still worth reading. For those of you who are true-blue fans no matter what, you won't be able to put it down. I admit that my juvenile, heart-pounding love was rekindled through the revelation that he LOVES dogs (often more than humans), that he loves to write (not just music), and despite all his mistakes, he is with his true love and soul mate.
April 18, 2011
I am still not entirely sure why I read Rick Springfield's memoir. I did learn a lot about him. I had no idea that he was on General Hospital or that he had written so many albums.
He was very frank about his philandering and sex addiction, and I wish he had said more about his frequent battles with depression. He referred to his depression as "The Darkness" or "Mr. D", but he didn't really talk about how he felt, just what it said to him in his head.
One of the most interesting aspects of the book was the friendship that Rick formed with a girl and her mom. It was just a neat connection between two humans and I found it interesting and moving.
I also liked reading about all his dogs and his relationships with dogs.
He was very frank about his philandering and sex addiction, and I wish he had said more about his frequent battles with depression. He referred to his depression as "The Darkness" or "Mr. D", but he didn't really talk about how he felt, just what it said to him in his head.
One of the most interesting aspects of the book was the friendship that Rick formed with a girl and her mom. It was just a neat connection between two humans and I found it interesting and moving.
I also liked reading about all his dogs and his relationships with dogs.
July 5, 2020
I loved rick during my teens. Loved him on general hospital and I had his poster on my wall with millions of others. I learned about his demons that he still struggles with today. A loving wife who stood by him I’m sure is a reason he is still here making music.
July 30, 2023
I am so disappointed by how this book turned out. As someone who has listened to Rick's music since I entered elementary school and still finds him one of my favorite musicians, I was ecstatic to read his biography. The one thing that made me start to think "....oh no" was how in every chapter (which goes through different times in his life), he either talked about how many times he got laid or how he was suffering due to the little amount of sex he was getting. He also, especially at the beginning of the book, talked about his genitalia way too much. I wanted to push through to get to his later years, but it just came to a point where I wanted to be on my phone or doing something else instead of reading, so I decided to DNF.
May 30, 2024
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook that was read by the author.
It made me laugh and it also made me cry, more than once.
As a huge fan of clean-cut Dr. Noah Drake, I never would have dreamed that he was so into drugs and alcohol and that he cheated on his wife constantly.
We have all heard the term "tell-all" book.
Well, Rick certainly tells it ALL and I learned way more about his penis than I ever cared to know.
Yes, it has a starring role on almost every page. (Reader beware!)
It made me laugh and it also made me cry, more than once.
As a huge fan of clean-cut Dr. Noah Drake, I never would have dreamed that he was so into drugs and alcohol and that he cheated on his wife constantly.
We have all heard the term "tell-all" book.
Well, Rick certainly tells it ALL and I learned way more about his penis than I ever cared to know.
Yes, it has a starring role on almost every page. (Reader beware!)
June 1, 2020
I’ll say this for him, I’ve never read a more unflinchingly honest memoir. It was a frustrating read at times, and he’s a bit of a man-child in many ways, constantly talking about his penis, seriously Rick, STOP.
But I also applaud him for speaking openly about his depression. It was a really fascinating read. I’m still a fan of his music - I think he’s more talented than he often gets credit for, especially as a songwriter, and he’s an indelible part of the sound of the 80s.
But I also applaud him for speaking openly about his depression. It was a really fascinating read. I’m still a fan of his music - I think he’s more talented than he often gets credit for, especially as a songwriter, and he’s an indelible part of the sound of the 80s.
September 17, 2018
He was very open and honest about everything. His upbringing, his addictions, his depression. Dug deep. Very enjoyable. I laughed, I cried. I will definitely be reading the next one.
March 29, 2021
Ah man. This memoir made me think: does the rock star lifestyle develop when someone becomes a rock star or does someone become a rock star because it fits his lifestyle? Hard to tell with Rick Springfield, actually. The memoir is well-written and his narration was great, but it was really sad.
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