Rick Springfield, famous for his song “Jessie’s Girl,” recently learned that he has brain damage stemming from a dramatic onstage fall he experienced 25 years ago. The 75-year-old singer underwent a full-body MRI which revealed the long-term effects of the incident that occurred in 2000.
Reflecting on the fall, Springfield shared, “I fell 25 feet, hit my head, and then wood came down and hit my head, and then my head hit the stage again.” At the time, he thought he had only injured his wrist, but the MRI results revealed that he is dealing with brain damage from that traumatic event. “I’m working on trying to repair that,” he explained.
The musician believes that many people have an aversion to learning about their health issues. Springfield cited a personal story involving his father, who passed away after neglecting to seek medical advice regarding suspected stomach cancer. “It could have been fixed if he had gotten it checked out,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of being proactive about health.
Springfield has emphasized taking control of his own health. He acknowledged he has made significant lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol intake, improving his diet, and maintaining a regular exercise routine. “As you get older, it’s kind of a natural thing to drop all that stuff,” he noted, mentioning that he enjoys an occasional sip while performing but abstains otherwise.
For his mental health, Springfield has explored various treatment options, admitting he has struggled with depression since his teenage years. He has tried alternative treatments, but with mixed feelings. Regarding ketamine treatment, he said, “It was a creative experiment.” However, he decided it wasn’t for him, saying it made him feel heavy and didn’t provide the change he was hoping for.
Rick Springfield became a well-known figure in the 1980s, not only for his music but also for his acting, particularly on “General Hospital.” Though he faced challenges on the road to success, his breakthrough came in the early 1980s, leading to numerous hit songs and popularity that continues today. Springfield is set to release a new “Greatest Hits” album and will kick off his “I Want My ’80s” tour this May.
