Rick Springfield, the iconic musician behind hits like "Jessie's Girl," has come a long way since his days as Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital. In a recent interview, Springfield opened up about his lifelong passion for guitars and the instruments that have shaped his musical journey.
A Lifetime of Playing
At 75 years old, Springfield has been playing guitar for over six decades. "I've been playing since I was 13," he says, "so if I don't have something at 75 I should just give up now!" This dedication to his craft has led to a level of skill that often surprises fans who may only know him from his acting career or pop hits.
The Creative Process
Springfield's songwriting process is organic and driven by exploration. "I noodle until I find something," he explains. "Then I expand on that. If it goes somewhere, I continue – if it doesn't, I move on." This approach has served him well throughout his career, from his early hits to his latest releases.
A Guitar Collection to Envy
As a self-proclaimed "guitar whore," Springfield has amassed an impressive collection of instruments over the years. His beloved '59 Fender Stratocaster, purchased from a desperate seller, holds a special place in his heart. "I bought it off a druggie – which I feel terrible about," he admits. The guitar has since been restored and remains a prized possession.
Other notable instruments in his collection include:
- A 1964 Epiphone Casino, inspired by his love for The Beatles
- A Gibson SG from 1969, his first American-made guitar
- A Martin backpack guitar, gifted by a fan and used to write numerous songs
Steampunk Creations
Among Springfield's more unique guitars are his steampunk-inspired instruments created by Tony Cochran. These delicate, visually striking guitars were initially used on tour but proved too fragile for regular performances. "They were fun to play so I started taking them on the road. But they were so delicate that I retired them pretty fast and stuck them on the wall," Springfield explains.
The Guitar Behind "Jessie's Girl"
The guitar that helped create Springfield's biggest hit, "Jessie's Girl," was his trusty Gibson SG. "It's been a really lucky guitar for me, and it has a great sound," he says. This guitar, along with a 1971 Gibson Les Paul Custom, were the primary instruments used on his breakthrough album "Working Class Dog."
Continuing to Create
Despite his long and successful career, Springfield shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to write and record new music, finding inspiration in every guitar he picks up. "Every guitar is inspirational," he says. "If you're a writer, especially, you just start noodling... and see if there's a song in a guitar."
From his early days in Australia to his current status as a rock icon, Rick Springfield's guitar journey has been filled with memorable instruments and acoustic rock songs. His passion for the craft remains as strong as ever, proving that for some musicians, the love of the guitar truly is a lifelong affair.