Greer's OC

Chances are if you grew up in the ‘80s, Rick Springfield, the former pop star most known for the hit “Jessie’s Girl” and his role as heartthrob, Dr. Noah Drake on “General Hospital”, will bring back memories of acid wash skinny jeans, big hair, VHS players and when MTV actually played music videos. Just a poof in '80s time, like Pac-Man and 867-5309.

The thing is, Rick Springfield’s persona as a ’80s icon hasn’t entirely disappeared. At 64, Springfield has morphed into a novelist, he still writes music, performs at least 100 concerts a year, and is touring this summer with Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. Just last month, he was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

On Friday, he’ll be at Laguna Beach Books from 1 to 3 p.m. signing copies (and performing a few hits) of his New York Times best selling novel, “Magnificent Vibration,” and later that evening he’ll be kicking off the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series with a full band show at the Back Bay Amphitheater.

Rick Springfield was nice enough to answer our questions as well as Greer’s OC fans burning questions yesterday in preparation for his Orange County visit.

1. What were some artists that you hung out with back in the day?
I really didn’t hang out with anyone, maybe a little bit with Richard Page of Mr. Mister and with Richard Marx, but naturally I’m a loner. I’m not social at all. The only time that I’m extroverted is on stage.

2. Why did you change your name from Springthorpe to Springfield?
I never did. It was changed for me at 16. I was in a professional band for the first time and one of the guys said, “Hey, you can’t be in a band with a name like Springthorpe.” Its been a huge hassle ever since, as legally I go by both. But when I travel with my family, the names can be confusing and my wife doesn’t like it.

3. You hit the charts like a bullet. How did you deal being a heartthrob to millions of women overnight?
I really never though about it. It wasn’t a focus, I was just a musician and a songwriter. Being a heartthrob was never a goal, but I guess looking a certain way is part and parcel of just getting known.

4. What made you decide to be a musician?
I grew up in Southern Australia and we didn’t have television, but my mom and dad loved musicals, so I was exposed to those, “Oklahoma”, “Carousel”, and all of the great ones. But the Beatles changed everything for me. It was the first time that I believed, ‘you can do this.’

5. How long did it take you to write your book, “Magnificent Vibration"?
About four months, I never had a set schedule, I would just open my laptop on planes, or if I was standing in the kitchen I would write, I just wasn’t disciplined to adhere to a set schedule. That’s not how I work. Every writer needs a great editor, and my editor Stacy Creamer, who worked with me on both books was awesome.

6. Did you played yourself, or a complete fabrication, on “Californication”?
Oh no, not at all. Well, if I was a cocaine addicted, troubled out of control person, I certainly wouldn’t play one a show. It was a twisted version of myself.

7. What kind of shampoo and conditioner do you use?
Bed Head’s Moisture Maniac. I just really like it.

8. What are you most proud of?
My family life, my wife and two sons, now 27 and 25.

9. What cause are you most interested in?
Anything to do with kids and animals. My friend’s daughter died young of cancer and that had a huge impact on my life, and my friend Linda Blair rescues dogs, and so I support that too.

10.  Do you keep in touch with John Stamos or any “General Hospital” castmates?
I haven’t seen John in at least 30 years, but he’s a great guy. Jackie Zeman and I email each other every now and again. And Tony Geary now lives in Amsterdam, so I saw him not too long ago.

11. What’s next for you?
I just finished my sequel to my novel, and I’m going to release a new album, so you can download it, and I’ll be touring with Cheap Trick and performing in Australia for the first time as a solo artist.

12. Do you still collect "Star Wars" figurines?
Oh God, that’s the nerd me in me. I have super rare ones that I’m considering selling since they’re getting pretty valuable now. I think they’re in my mom’s basement.

Rick Springfield’s book signing is at Laguna Beach Books is a ticketed event, cost of each ticket is $24.99 plus tax and it includes a copy of the book. Only books purchased at Laguna Beach Books will be autographed. Tickets can be purchased in the store or online here.

Laguna Beach Books at The Old Pottery Place at 1200 S. Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. 949.494.4779.

"An Evening With Rick Springfield" starts at 8 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach at 1107 Jamboree Road in Newport Beach. Tickets cost $80 to $100 and can be purchased here.

Dana Point Food, Wine & Music Festival Returns

The second annual Dana Point Food, Wine & Music Festival is coming up on Saturday, June 21 from noon to 7 p.m. It’s a free event with more than 50 brews, 50 wines, 15 restaurants, 5 musicians participating. All food, wine and beer is available by purchasing tickets here.

The event is at Sea Terrace Park in Dana Point.