Rick Springfield's life is now an open book, literally. On October 12, 2010, his fascinating memoir Late, Late at Night hit shelves and is already a New York Tiimes Best Seller. The book's tone is very conversational, rife with Rick's wry, self-deprecating humor and in-your-face accounts.
The book traverses Rick's life, from his awkward childhood years in Australia, when he started his battle with depression, to his current-day zenlike outlook on life. Though the approach of the book is often light, it just accentuates the darker elements. The book opens with Rick trying to commit suicide at the age of 17 and while its told in a blithe voice, that only enhances the sadness of the situation, a sort of comedy verite. Rick's foray into music seems to help him blossom, but when he hits the States, his venture into the dark waters of entertainment, acting and singing, seem to only exacerbate his troubled nature. After years of roughing it, subsisting off of Hungry Man dinners and doing various acting and music gigs, he hits the big time in 1981 with his pop culture touchstone "Working Class Hero" and his stint on soap opera ratings-winner, General Hospital, in the role of Dr. Noah Drake. However, money doesn't buy happiness, and Rick battles with drug, alcohol and sex addiction, searching for something to relieve his inherent blues. It's with the help of his soulmate, his wife of now 26 years, Barbara, that he finally begins to see the silver lining and appreciate himself for who he is, a man who thrives off of performing and creating music.
While the tale of a rock 'n' roller battling the repercussions of stardom might not be original, it's Rick's very personal, frank touch and well-woven storytelling that makes this Touchstone Books release a winner. With rare photos and rare glimpses into this pop icon's life, Late, Late at Night is a page-turner that will keep you up late, late at trying to finish this juicy tome.
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