When I remember the 1980s (particularly the early ’80s), I always think of summertime. The radio dial delivered the soundtrack to those last days of school and trips to the beach. And at the top of the dial were songs like “Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield or “Missing You” by John Waite. So, it’s more than a bit fitting that on a hot summer Sunday, Rick Springfield brought his I Want My ‘80s Tour to Wolf Trap along with 1980’s hitmakers John Waite, Wang Chung, and Paul Young.
As a tip of the hat to those enduring songs, the lines into Wolf Trap were long, but, fortunately, there were plenty of places to cool off while concertgoers made their way into the venue.
Although much of the crowd at Wolf Trap seemed to be in the demographic who heard those hits played for the first time on the radio, there was a sizable younger group who may not have grown up with those songs, but clearly have good taste.
Kicking things off was Paul Young on July 6 and a relatively short four-song set that ended with the hit single, “Every Time You Go Away.” And though I hadn’t had the fortune to see him before, Paul Young sounded great.
The 1980s, like so many eras, has its own flavor and style and those chart-topping songs from that first half of the decade are full of heartbreak but also optimism. Speaking of optimism and a healthy feeling of youthful expression, the English band Wang Chung took the stage next.
Singer Jack Hues remarked on the 40th anniversary of the film, The Breakfast Club, as well as the anniversary of the film To Live and Die In LA, and the duo of Hues and Nick Feldman along with their band played “Fire In The Twilight” and “To Live and Die in LA” from the respective soundtracks.
Watch the official music video for “To Live and Die in LA” by Wang Chang on YouTube:
But the highlight of Wang Chung’s set was a cover of The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go,” which then merged into the hit, “Everybody Have Fun Tonight,” as the crowd danced and sang along.
I was caught off guard by the following set as singer John Waite hit the stage with a blast and went right into “Change.” It’s funny how when you hear a piece of music or a song you haven’t heard in a long time it has the ability to open up memories. When I heard those lines — “We always wish for money / We always wish for fame / We think we have the answers” — it was like watching those videos on MTV in the downstairs of my house on that dead-end street so many years ago.
Waite performed a number of songs by his old band, The Babys, including “Midnight Rendezvous” and “Every Time I Think of You,” but, for me, it was those tunes I remember from those MTV days: The Bad English song, “When I See You Smile” and of course “Missing You.” But there were surprises too, like a fantastic cover of the Led Zeppelin “Whole Lotta Love” and Buddy Guy’s (who just performed at Wolf Trap last month) “Let Me Love You Baby.” I have to say, not only did Waite’s voice sound amazing (hitting those powerful high notes), but he commanded that stage with gusto.
There’s a part of me that says I’m not keen on surprises. I tend to like having some prior knowledge of what’s coming down the road, so to speak, but secretly (even to myself, I have to admit) I love a good shake up. Right before Rick Springfield took the stage, a montage of music videos, snippets of General Hospital, and even a hilarious SNL skit that featured “origins” of “Jessie’s Girl” played over huge screens suspended over the stage, getting everyone up and cheering before Springfield’s band took the stage.
Running onto the stage, Rick Springfield was clearly full of energy as he kicked things into gear with “I’ll Make You Happy,” a bouncy rocker originally by fellow Australians, The Easybeats. In his black leather jacket overtop a red flannel, Springfield exuded a youthful spirit that belied his 75 years.
And from then on, it was a roller coaster of hits from the Sammy Hagar-penned “I’ve Done Everything For You” with its bubble gum power pop to a medley of rockers that started with “Living in Oz” and “Bop ’til You Drop” to Eddie Money’s “Two Tickets to Paradise” and just a bit of the breakthrough hit “Jessie’s Girl” (but more on that tune in a moment).
Watch the official music video for “Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield on YouTube:
As the sun set and that cool breeze swept through Wolf Trap, Rick Springfield and his band slowed down just a tad. Taking a moment out, Springfield told the crowd about his battles with depression through the years and how he has learned to push away those feelings of self-doubt with the help of his family and fans.
“What I think our job is is to give you a couple of hours of freedom from the monkeys that are chattering in your head,” Springfield started. “And the great thing is it’s reciprocal… Because it frees us too. That’s why I still tour, because it’s the only time I’m truly happy.” He continued, “I know my wife and kids would hate that admission, but they certainly understand.”
That energy he seemed to have in abundance was certainly infectious as fans sang along, dancing as Springfield walked out along the edge of the stage and into the crowd, seemingly ending with “Human Touch” before the beginnings of “Jessie’s Girl” started as he ended the set with the hit song.
Although the weather was scorching, Springfield really transported you to another place — one definitely cooler and with more rockin’ hooks. Rick Springfield’s I Want My ’80s Tour is a pretty incredible line up, and it’s one not to sleep on.
Rick Springfield’s setlist included:
I’ll Make You Happy (The Easybeats cover)
Affair of the Heart
I’ve Done Everything for You (Sammy Hagar cover)
Living in Oz / Bop ‘Til You Drop / Souls / Two Tickets to Paradise / Jessie’s Girl / What’s Victoria’s Secret? / What Kind of Fool Am I / Rock of Life
Love Is Alright Tonite
World Start Turning
State of the Heart (Mondo Rock cover)
Don’t Talk to Strangers
Love Somebody
Human Touch
Jessie’s Girl Video
Here are more photos of Rick Springfield performing at Wolf Trap on July 6, 2025. All photos copyright and courtesy of David LaMason.
And here are more photos of John Waite performing at Wolf Trap:
And here are more photos of Wang Chung performing at Wolf Trap:
And here are more photos of Paul Young performing at Wolf Trap:
