Rick Springfield, The Hooters, Paul Young & Tommy Tutone
I Want My 80s Tour
Riveredge Park, Aurora, Illinois
August 31, 2023
Words and photos: Roman Sobus
The summer concert season is winding down here in the Midwest and with the prospect of chilly weather on the horizon, more and more shows are being scheduled at indoor venues. Last Thursday was a spectacular warm day and an excellent opportunity to catch a performance at Riveredge Park in Aurora Illinois, on the banks of the Fox River,
Rick Springfield brought his “I Want My 80s Tour” and I just needed to be there! The tour brought a few of Rick’s contemporaries to the stage with Tommy Tutone opening with a five song set concluding with “867-5309 / Jenny” as the audience sang along! I mean, who hasn’t tried to dial that number? He was immediately followed with an equally short set by Paul Young. The sold out crowd was warmed up and ready for more!
The Hooters were up next. Formed in 1980, they are no strangers to the stage and we were able to get a sampling during their set opening with “I’m Alive” and included “Why Won’t You Call Me Back” They had the crowd dancing in the aisles!
There was no doubt the audience came to see Rick Springfield. Scarcely a week since his 74th birthday, he showed no sign of slowing down! Stepping on stage to loud applause of his adoring fans, right into “Affair of the Heart”, picking up a bouquet of roses tossed on stage and smashing them against the guitar sending red petals flying everywhere.
While his band has changed over the years, he is still the star! The musicians playing with him are tight and compliment his style. He draws his audience into the performance, inviting them to participate. During “Don’t Talk To Strangers” he split the sing-along into boy and girl groups.
Selections during the 11 song performance that evening included “I Get Excited”, “Love Is Alright Tonight” and “I’ve Done Everything For You”. He concluded the set with “Jessie’s Girl”. I can’t imagine anyone not having a great time at his shows. It certainly made me feel young again!
