I know many of you remember how crazy I was about Star Wars. That would be the very first Star Wars. That would be the only one I really loved. I also liked Return of the Jedi. But, never liked Empire Strikes Back (too dark and unresolved...since obviously it was the tie-in between the two others). And I wasn't real crazy about Phantom Menace (although I liked it more than most people...and that pod race was pretty cool!). But, absolutely DEPLORED the other prequels. Horrible! A pox on whoever made those movies!
Many of you teased me, wondered about me, scoffed at me and worried about me...because of my love of Star Wars. I did see it at least 20 times in the first year (lost track after 20). Yes, a tad strange...but, I was obviously not the only one who felt this kind of affinity towards this movie! I thought...with the 40th anniversary...that I would try to explain the feelings around that time of my life...which began in 1977.
I was wearing bib overalls. All the rage. Dark blue jean bib overalls, a yellow and white striped shirt underneath...and my wooden healed wedge sandals. I thought I looked cool. I'm sure I didn't. Besides being all of 14 years old, nerdy and with braces...how cool could I be? I was with my friend Jill Wanstreet (and I have no idea what she was wearing)! But, we always managed to have fun together...and this time was no different.
But, let me back up as to how and why my friend Jill and I arrived at this day. My older SISTER Jill had seen Star Wars right after it came out (May of 77) with her husband in Denver (they lived down there while he was attending seminary). She told me that I just HAD to see this movie and that I HAD to see it in Denver at the Cooper Theater. The Cooper was the biggest theater in Denver back then. It was on Colorado Boulevard...it was a Cinerama Theater...the theater was round and the screen was huge and curved.
I hope some of you got to go to this glorious theater...it was razed in 1994 to put in a Barnes and Noble. What a travesty! A pox on them too!! What a treasure it would be to still be able to see movies in that venue. I feel forever blessed for this experience.
Now...back to my Star Wars experience! My sister said I must come down to Denver...so, my friend Jill and I planned a weekend night at my sister's place and to see this new movie that had just come out. We knew very little about it. There was buzz for sure...but, at that age...and with no social media...no immediate reviews...just the newspaper and TV...we didn't know much. But, we were game. So, my sister and her husband dropped these two geeky, gawky 14 and 16 year old girls off at this big city theater. My sister had instructed us on what to do. The first line we had to get into was the ticket line. After standing in that (for about 2 hours), we then moved to the seating line (another hour). I thought we'd NEVER get in! My friend and I somehow managed to entertain each other. Then, once we were inside...my sister said we must RUN to the stairs and get seats in the balcony. They had seen the movie this way and said it was a better experience to be up high in those balcony seats. So, of course when the rope was lifted to let everyone into the theater...it was a mad rush! My friend Jill was pushing me...into several people! But, we made our way up there...I was so nervous about finding two seats together in a 'good spot'. I remember even sitting ON the woman next to the seat in such a rush to sit down!
That was it. We made it...in to see this movie that we really had NO idea about what to expect. And then the curtains parted (yes, the Cooper had actual velvet curtains)...and there it was...the 20th Century Fox logo and theme song...(you know it!). And then...the STAR WARS THEME (you know that too! And I bet are humming it now!). And that opening crawl...well, if you haven't seen it (there is something wrong with you)...but, if you haven't...I can't explain it. It was just awesome. And even though we had no clue what that crawl was talking about the first time...it was AWESOME! And then to see that first Empire battle ship fly on the screen...wow! That moment...that impeccable, unique moment was a SCENE I had never SEEN before! Again...if you've seen it...you know what I mean! Ya just know what I'm talkin' about!!! If you didn't get to see this on the big screen the first time...I'm sad for you...
I knew this was something special. Then...the movie. The story - a phenomenal good vs. evil tale. The characters - interesting, funny and good looking! Even the wookie (Chewbacca...my all-time favorite)was adorable! (I still have my stuffed Chewbacca from Xmas '77!) And those droids - so loveable! And of course the three main stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford...greatest casting ever! As usual...I loved the blonde - Luke, and my friend liked the brunette - Han. Thank goodness! That always worked out well for us...so we didn't 'fight' over which guy was 'ours'! Luke was alllll mine! And of course, the bad guys were really bad...Darth Vader! What about the cantina? It was all great!
So, when the movie ended...on a very high, inspirational note...I turned to my friend Jill..and we both just had tears in our eyes (yes Jill...you did! I wasn't the only nerd who loved it!!). It was just the most incredible experience. A wonderful, feel-good movie. And soooo unique. Just so very, very special.
I guess that's all I can do to help people understand the phenomenon. And why it was such a special movie to me. And it was such a special time for me. I loved the movie. I loved that I saw it in Denver in that wonderful theater. I loved that I saw it with my best friend. I loved Luke and all the characters! I loved 1977...that was actually my favorite summer ever. I loved the music that summer...it was a true coming of age time for me. I was about to turn 15...so for my birthday I wanted to take some friends to Denver to see STAR WARS! I wanted them to experience what I experienced! So, my mom drove me and 4 unsuspecting friends to the Cooper Theater (my mom was unsuspecting too!). Of course I instructed them that we must RUN to the stairs and head to the balcony for the best seats. So , the minute the rope lifted we all ran! And this is a memory that my mother would still talknabout and woukd quote, "You said run for the stairs...we have to beat everyone"...And then she said she turned around...and there was no one behind us! Ok...this was August 27th and by then the allure had worn off just a little. But, still...we HAD to get those great seats! And we did. And my friends liked it (I think). Maybe my mom kind of liked it too. But, probably none of them as much as me!! No, probably not.
So, my rep as a true Star Wars geek was cemented. I was teased, laughed at...but, it was nothing new for me. I've been teased and laughed at all my life for things I love, wear, do or believe in! It was a fitting thing for me to love this movie. And I saw it numerous times that year. Several dates took me to see it...or I took them! (If you wanted to date Jody Olsen...you had to take her to see Star Wars!). Actually, only one boyfriend refused that offer (you know who you are!). His loss...?? I made everyone who hadn't seen it...go with me to see it!
I took my mom and dad (dad said he stuffed pieces of napkin in his ears cuz it was too loud!). My brother took me and a friend to it on New Year's Eve 1977. By this time it had moved to the Continental Theater off of Hampden (I'm not sure when it moved there...but, maybe it played at the Cooper about six months and then moved to Continental for another six?). That was not as great of a theater...but, still pretty big and nice. I do know Star Wars was playing in the theater for over a year. Remember this was pre any sort of rentals or streaming obviously...so, it had to be shown in the theater. And people (like me) wanted to see it over and over! In the Denver Post there was an ad with a birthday cake saying, "Happy one-year birthday to Star Wars! (And I have the clipping of that somewhere in one of my Star Wars scrapbooks!)
The phenomenon of the first Star Wars was almost inexplicable. But, as I said...I was not the only one who felt the allure. And to see the millions of faithful fans that continue to love it as the 38 1/2 years have passed...the children of people my age who also love it...and even their children now!?! (My sister's boys were in love with the movie...I guess the geekiness got passed on to them!) Who can explain it? Was it like a religious experiece? (Jedi is a religion to some!) Or was it just the sheer joy it brought? Or just the fact that it was so different and so well-made? Who knows?! I just do know that it has endured!
Remember...the Force will be with you ALWAYS!!
Friday, December 18, 2015
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Rick Rocks Red Rocks - August 15, 1982
I fell in love with Rick Springfield on October 24, 1981. I know, I know...he was a singer and actor who was every girls' dream (well...not every girl...but quite a few!)...but, on that night as I saw him on 'Solid Gold' singing "I've done everything for you..."...he stole my heart! I told my best friend and roommate at the time that we were going to go see him at his upcoming concert at the Rainbow Music Hall in Denver (concert venue...long since defunct). So, I got tickets and his album 'Working Class Dog' (vinyl..which I played til it wore out!)...and we went to this concert in Denver, November 1, 1981! Wonderful. His van drove right past us. Swoon. So, throughout the remainder of that year and into 1982...my love for him grew. I studied the man, bought all of his prior albums, watched him get a Grammy...and awaited the day when his new album was to be released, 'Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet'! The first song was played on KBPI (Rock station)..."Calling All Girls". Great song which I still love. My bf at the time said he was signing that to me! ;)
I soon learned that Rick would be at Red Rocks...August 15th of 1982. I was going to be there! But, would my best friend Jilly want to go too? Yes (God bless her!!!). I then learned the tickets were all general admission...first come, first row! I convinced her to go with me and spend the night there to be first in line for the show! What a good friend, huh? She didn't even like him that much (I don't think?)...but, she knew how much I did!! In fact, look at this schedule of shows from that month and year...no wonder I loved the 80s so much...I would give ANYTHING to get back in time...but, that's a Huey Lewis song :) !
HTTP://redrocksonline.com/concerts-events/calendar/1982/08
So, off we went to Red Rocks in Morrison, CO on a Saturday night in Jill's inherited white Chrysler Cordoba (once her grandma's). We parked and headed up the hill with numerous paraphernalia...sleeping bags, food, clothes to change into. And we schlepped up the steep hill that gets to the stadium. Well...along the way we got tired...so, we stopped numerous times to rest...setting our stuff down along the way. Of course, I had no idea if this was even allowed to spend the night there! But, we got to the top finally and a guy tells us we can camp out...but, on the other side entry way...and that there were others already there. So, we were about 10th in line of getting in...not too bad?! We all got settled in on our hard spots for the long night...when cops come up and say it's illegal to stay there and that we all had to head out! Mass confusion erupted with those of us there...since the Red Rocks guys said we could stay. But, no...we had to all leave and come back in the morning! I guess Jill and I thought we would just stay in the car? We really didn't have a back up plan. So, we grabbed all our stuff and schlepped back down on the other side where we had parked. Most of the other people parked on the side where we thought we were allowed to stay. Here Jill and I were the only ones on this other side and it was very dark (no lighting there at that time) and we were completely alone! I was a little scared...
So, we get to the Cordoba and Jill says..."I can't find my keys!". Again, there we are in a pitch black empty lot at who knows what time of night (i'm guessing around 10:00 but I don't remember...). We couldn't see a thing to even look for them. I said...we have to go back up and just tell them we can't leave...no keys!! So, we grabbed ALL our stuff AGAIN and schlepped back up that mountain...AGAIN (for those familiar with Red Rocks...not an easy climb really!!).
We get to the top and explain to the Red Rocks guys what happened...and they said...ok...just sleep here in the bleachers. I thought...SCORE...we are going to be the VERY FIRST ONES IN LINE NOW...since everyone else had to leave! What a strange twist of luck! I was actually so happy.
My memory fades at this point. Not due to drinking (I didn't drink much then...)...but, I guess just old age. But, we did get front row seats as hoped for! Yea...I got my wish! Front row for Rick Springfield...my idol!
Jill remembers that we changed and laid out in the sun and drank little bottles of booze we brought in! I don't remember that (ok...maybe it was because of the booze!)...or maybe it was because I was soooooo excited for this concert!!
But, as we sat there...I started to wonder how on earth we were going to get home. Remember...we had no keys to her car?? I said we better go re-trace our steps...and also make sure she didn't lock them in the car! So, we found some nice people to save our front row seats (and if they hadn't...they would have seen the wrath of JO!!!). So, we walked down to our car. No keys in the ignition. Good and bad. Where were they?! They could've been ANYWHERE considering all the hikes up and down we took and moving around from one side of the arena to the other...yikes! Still...I said, "Let's think about where we stopped on our walk up with all our things". We kept stopping to rest along the way...maybe she accidentally dropped them? So, we scanned the whole trail. And at one of the last places we remembered stopping was a large rock...and lo and behold...the keys were there! Kind of behind this rock so no one had seen them to pick them up or anything. OMG! Good luck just continued to shine on us! Along with the sun shine that was beating down. Yea...it was all going just great!!
So, we were just enjoying everything now at this point. But, it was a very long day as the concert was not going to start until that evening. Red Rocks policy is that the concert will go on rain or shine...unless it's life-threatening or threatening to the artists. There have been very few times that concerts have been cancelled altogether due to weather. Except of course one that I did attend in 2013...Barry Manilow...but, I digress (that wimp!). :)
So, at about 3:00 on the day of Rick's concerts...storm clouds rolled in. I prayed it would not rain. Well...that didn't work...it didn't just rain...the heavens opened up! There were waterfalls flowing off of the Red Rocks! I wouldn't leave my seats...so, I was drenched. But, we also risked our lives as it was lightning too (of course) and the obligatory Colorado hail soon followed! Wow...was Rick really worth all this? Schlepping, climbing, getting kicked out, getting locked out...getting freaked out by all the rain (not to mention sunburns from all the sun tanning earlier in the day!!). Was it really worth it???
I was so worried that all this would be for nought...so I thought! But, it was not! The clouds soon departed and the sun started to shine! It was one of the notorious Colorado afternoon storms. Once it passed...the skies were blue again and we were in the front row...although unable to get all dolled up (our bags of clothes were soaked)...we were still in the front row! Rick would just have to see his 'wet rat' fans who endured so much to see him! I was about to see him...front row center!!
Greg Kihn, of "Our Love's in Jeopardy" and "The Break-Up Song" fame...opened for Rick. He was great. It was great. Then, Mr. Rick Springfield...Ricky Springfield...in the flesh! 'Working Class Dog' (1981) and 'Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet'(1982) were the albums he played from so...the song list (what I can remember...). 'new' songs: "Don't Talk To Strangers", "Calling All Girls", "Kristina", "What Kind of Fool Am I?", "I Get Excited". Old songs were: "Love is Alrite Tonite", "I've Done Everything for You", "Inside Sylvia", "Everybody's Girl", "Carry Me Away". If anyone is not familiar...ALL of these songs are just great! But, of course...the best for last is ALWAYS, "Jessie's Girl!". The day was complete...and fantastic...and I'm sure Rick saw me in my hot pink top with black polka dots...soaked, no make-up, sunburned. But, I KNOW he saw me... Cuz, he's watching me with those eyes...and he's lovin me with that body...I just know it! Ha...I guess not. I think the real song for me on that day was "What Kind of Fool Am I?"...to sit out...sit in the rain like that!! :)
What a memory...glad I got it all written out before I lose it! ;)
I soon learned that Rick would be at Red Rocks...August 15th of 1982. I was going to be there! But, would my best friend Jilly want to go too? Yes (God bless her!!!). I then learned the tickets were all general admission...first come, first row! I convinced her to go with me and spend the night there to be first in line for the show! What a good friend, huh? She didn't even like him that much (I don't think?)...but, she knew how much I did!! In fact, look at this schedule of shows from that month and year...no wonder I loved the 80s so much...I would give ANYTHING to get back in time...but, that's a Huey Lewis song :) !
HTTP://redrocksonline.com/concerts-events/calendar/1982/08
So, off we went to Red Rocks in Morrison, CO on a Saturday night in Jill's inherited white Chrysler Cordoba (once her grandma's). We parked and headed up the hill with numerous paraphernalia...sleeping bags, food, clothes to change into. And we schlepped up the steep hill that gets to the stadium. Well...along the way we got tired...so, we stopped numerous times to rest...setting our stuff down along the way. Of course, I had no idea if this was even allowed to spend the night there! But, we got to the top finally and a guy tells us we can camp out...but, on the other side entry way...and that there were others already there. So, we were about 10th in line of getting in...not too bad?! We all got settled in on our hard spots for the long night...when cops come up and say it's illegal to stay there and that we all had to head out! Mass confusion erupted with those of us there...since the Red Rocks guys said we could stay. But, no...we had to all leave and come back in the morning! I guess Jill and I thought we would just stay in the car? We really didn't have a back up plan. So, we grabbed all our stuff and schlepped back down on the other side where we had parked. Most of the other people parked on the side where we thought we were allowed to stay. Here Jill and I were the only ones on this other side and it was very dark (no lighting there at that time) and we were completely alone! I was a little scared...
So, we get to the Cordoba and Jill says..."I can't find my keys!". Again, there we are in a pitch black empty lot at who knows what time of night (i'm guessing around 10:00 but I don't remember...). We couldn't see a thing to even look for them. I said...we have to go back up and just tell them we can't leave...no keys!! So, we grabbed ALL our stuff AGAIN and schlepped back up that mountain...AGAIN (for those familiar with Red Rocks...not an easy climb really!!).
We get to the top and explain to the Red Rocks guys what happened...and they said...ok...just sleep here in the bleachers. I thought...SCORE...we are going to be the VERY FIRST ONES IN LINE NOW...since everyone else had to leave! What a strange twist of luck! I was actually so happy.
My memory fades at this point. Not due to drinking (I didn't drink much then...)...but, I guess just old age. But, we did get front row seats as hoped for! Yea...I got my wish! Front row for Rick Springfield...my idol!
Jill remembers that we changed and laid out in the sun and drank little bottles of booze we brought in! I don't remember that (ok...maybe it was because of the booze!)...or maybe it was because I was soooooo excited for this concert!!
But, as we sat there...I started to wonder how on earth we were going to get home. Remember...we had no keys to her car?? I said we better go re-trace our steps...and also make sure she didn't lock them in the car! So, we found some nice people to save our front row seats (and if they hadn't...they would have seen the wrath of JO!!!). So, we walked down to our car. No keys in the ignition. Good and bad. Where were they?! They could've been ANYWHERE considering all the hikes up and down we took and moving around from one side of the arena to the other...yikes! Still...I said, "Let's think about where we stopped on our walk up with all our things". We kept stopping to rest along the way...maybe she accidentally dropped them? So, we scanned the whole trail. And at one of the last places we remembered stopping was a large rock...and lo and behold...the keys were there! Kind of behind this rock so no one had seen them to pick them up or anything. OMG! Good luck just continued to shine on us! Along with the sun shine that was beating down. Yea...it was all going just great!!
So, we were just enjoying everything now at this point. But, it was a very long day as the concert was not going to start until that evening. Red Rocks policy is that the concert will go on rain or shine...unless it's life-threatening or threatening to the artists. There have been very few times that concerts have been cancelled altogether due to weather. Except of course one that I did attend in 2013...Barry Manilow...but, I digress (that wimp!). :)
So, at about 3:00 on the day of Rick's concerts...storm clouds rolled in. I prayed it would not rain. Well...that didn't work...it didn't just rain...the heavens opened up! There were waterfalls flowing off of the Red Rocks! I wouldn't leave my seats...so, I was drenched. But, we also risked our lives as it was lightning too (of course) and the obligatory Colorado hail soon followed! Wow...was Rick really worth all this? Schlepping, climbing, getting kicked out, getting locked out...getting freaked out by all the rain (not to mention sunburns from all the sun tanning earlier in the day!!). Was it really worth it???
I was so worried that all this would be for nought...so I thought! But, it was not! The clouds soon departed and the sun started to shine! It was one of the notorious Colorado afternoon storms. Once it passed...the skies were blue again and we were in the front row...although unable to get all dolled up (our bags of clothes were soaked)...we were still in the front row! Rick would just have to see his 'wet rat' fans who endured so much to see him! I was about to see him...front row center!!
Greg Kihn, of "Our Love's in Jeopardy" and "The Break-Up Song" fame...opened for Rick. He was great. It was great. Then, Mr. Rick Springfield...Ricky Springfield...in the flesh! 'Working Class Dog' (1981) and 'Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet'(1982) were the albums he played from so...the song list (what I can remember...). 'new' songs: "Don't Talk To Strangers", "Calling All Girls", "Kristina", "What Kind of Fool Am I?", "I Get Excited". Old songs were: "Love is Alrite Tonite", "I've Done Everything for You", "Inside Sylvia", "Everybody's Girl", "Carry Me Away". If anyone is not familiar...ALL of these songs are just great! But, of course...the best for last is ALWAYS, "Jessie's Girl!". The day was complete...and fantastic...and I'm sure Rick saw me in my hot pink top with black polka dots...soaked, no make-up, sunburned. But, I KNOW he saw me... Cuz, he's watching me with those eyes...and he's lovin me with that body...I just know it! Ha...I guess not. I think the real song for me on that day was "What Kind of Fool Am I?"...to sit out...sit in the rain like that!! :)
What a memory...glad I got it all written out before I lose it! ;)
Monday, April 6, 2015
Hard to Hold
I have had many wonderful memories with Rick Springfield...especially in the 80s. Today, a friend has mentioned that 'Hard to Hold' was released today...31 years ago. I had to write about one of my experiences.
I was always a dreamer. And I loved Rick more than anything in 1983. I moved to LA from Colorado to be an actress...but also to be near him! I did actually live a few blocks from him in Toluca Lake. But, that's another story for another time. I worked as an extra in some movies...but, soon had to take a job in a law firm as a receptionist. It was a job where I had to be there all the time...no absences. There was no voicemail...they had to have a live phone answerer! A friend called out of the blue telling me he had won tickets to a Jefferson Starship concert. The concert was in the daytime on a weekday...a Friday afternoon, May 15, 1983. I thought that was strange. So, of course I said no I can't go. But then he told me that Rick Springfield would be there too! OK...that's it. I'd find a way to go!
Shamefully, I did make up a pretty bad lie to get out of work (that a person I knew had died and I had to go to a funeral)...yes, awful...but, I knew that was the ONLY way my militant boss would let me leave work! So, I went to the concert. It was at a venue called the LA Sports Arena in Inglewood. I don't think it's there anymore...but, at one time it was a big arena - like the Forum (not quite as big). Starship did play. It was '83...so, I'm pretty sure it was still Grace Slick and Micky Thomas. It was great...but, still strange that it was a daytime concert. After talking to a few people in the arena...I learned that this was a gig to shoot footage for this upcoming Rick Springfield movie. The tickets were all given away on a radio station. They had it during the day due to the shooting schedule and chose Starship to get a more 'rocker' crowd! Isn't that funny?
So, after Starship played...Rick came on. Unfortunately, most of the people who came for Starship...didn't want to stay for Rick (they should have had him open first - in hindsight!). I guess the 'rocker' crowd didn't want to see Rick! Sad but probably true! Anyway...I started talking to a man with a clipboard. He said they were also going to be shooting the next day to get more scenes and asked if I wanted to be an extra! Of course I did! So, I was on the list on the clipboard. Of course, I went shopping that night. Had to get a new outfit for my role in Rick's movie! Stonewashed gray jeans, a gray and white striped cowl neck top and spikey gray high heel pumps! And big white earrings and necklace (plastic..all the 80s rage!).
I arrived at the LA sports arena on the morning of May 16, 1983 in my El Camino. I was put in a line of people...maybe 200. We were shuffled into the arena. At first, I was seated very far in the back...could hardly even see Rick on stage. I sat there awhile and made a few friends. Then, I noticed two people in charge talking about something and people started raising their hands...so, I just raised my hand too...and they said, "ok...you follow us!". I was escorted to the front row...right by the stage (the part that jets out in 'Stand Up' and 'Love Somebody'). Well, I was ecstatic of course! There he was...right there!
I can't put into words how much this meant to me at the time. Rick was my everything. And for a little girl from Colorado...to be in a movie with her idol...was really a dream come true. We filmed those two songs...over and over and over...for 8 hours! I am not kidding. I actually did get sick of the songs! It was grueling (especially in high heels!). But, I lived through the pain. I ended up making very good friends...got Rick's autograph (remember...back then no smartphones...so no pics!). What a day it was. I thought this was a funny story that some of the Rickabee's might like!
I saw the movie on the first day of its release...the first showing at the theater in Hollywood...a noon show (how did I get out of work that day?) on April 6, 1984. I often think I was one of the first to yell out "Hard to Watch" whenever he talked about it at his concerts! Did I coin the phrase? Who knows. But, since I had a 'starring' role in it...I felt I had a right to critique it! No, I didn't care for the movie. But, still to know that I was an extra with my idol...was a great day. And a great memory.
I was always a dreamer. And I loved Rick more than anything in 1983. I moved to LA from Colorado to be an actress...but also to be near him! I did actually live a few blocks from him in Toluca Lake. But, that's another story for another time. I worked as an extra in some movies...but, soon had to take a job in a law firm as a receptionist. It was a job where I had to be there all the time...no absences. There was no voicemail...they had to have a live phone answerer! A friend called out of the blue telling me he had won tickets to a Jefferson Starship concert. The concert was in the daytime on a weekday...a Friday afternoon, May 15, 1983. I thought that was strange. So, of course I said no I can't go. But then he told me that Rick Springfield would be there too! OK...that's it. I'd find a way to go!
Shamefully, I did make up a pretty bad lie to get out of work (that a person I knew had died and I had to go to a funeral)...yes, awful...but, I knew that was the ONLY way my militant boss would let me leave work! So, I went to the concert. It was at a venue called the LA Sports Arena in Inglewood. I don't think it's there anymore...but, at one time it was a big arena - like the Forum (not quite as big). Starship did play. It was '83...so, I'm pretty sure it was still Grace Slick and Micky Thomas. It was great...but, still strange that it was a daytime concert. After talking to a few people in the arena...I learned that this was a gig to shoot footage for this upcoming Rick Springfield movie. The tickets were all given away on a radio station. They had it during the day due to the shooting schedule and chose Starship to get a more 'rocker' crowd! Isn't that funny?
So, after Starship played...Rick came on. Unfortunately, most of the people who came for Starship...didn't want to stay for Rick (they should have had him open first - in hindsight!). I guess the 'rocker' crowd didn't want to see Rick! Sad but probably true! Anyway...I started talking to a man with a clipboard. He said they were also going to be shooting the next day to get more scenes and asked if I wanted to be an extra! Of course I did! So, I was on the list on the clipboard. Of course, I went shopping that night. Had to get a new outfit for my role in Rick's movie! Stonewashed gray jeans, a gray and white striped cowl neck top and spikey gray high heel pumps! And big white earrings and necklace (plastic..all the 80s rage!).
I arrived at the LA sports arena on the morning of May 16, 1983 in my El Camino. I was put in a line of people...maybe 200. We were shuffled into the arena. At first, I was seated very far in the back...could hardly even see Rick on stage. I sat there awhile and made a few friends. Then, I noticed two people in charge talking about something and people started raising their hands...so, I just raised my hand too...and they said, "ok...you follow us!". I was escorted to the front row...right by the stage (the part that jets out in 'Stand Up' and 'Love Somebody'). Well, I was ecstatic of course! There he was...right there!
I can't put into words how much this meant to me at the time. Rick was my everything. And for a little girl from Colorado...to be in a movie with her idol...was really a dream come true. We filmed those two songs...over and over and over...for 8 hours! I am not kidding. I actually did get sick of the songs! It was grueling (especially in high heels!). But, I lived through the pain. I ended up making very good friends...got Rick's autograph (remember...back then no smartphones...so no pics!). What a day it was. I thought this was a funny story that some of the Rickabee's might like!
I saw the movie on the first day of its release...the first showing at the theater in Hollywood...a noon show (how did I get out of work that day?) on April 6, 1984. I often think I was one of the first to yell out "Hard to Watch" whenever he talked about it at his concerts! Did I coin the phrase? Who knows. But, since I had a 'starring' role in it...I felt I had a right to critique it! No, I didn't care for the movie. But, still to know that I was an extra with my idol...was a great day. And a great memory.
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