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.