Rick Springfield Reveals Brain Damage 25 Years After Onstage Fall

Rick Springfield, the iconic musician celebrated for his chart-topping song “Jessie’s Girl,” has recently disclosed a startling health revelation. The 75-year-old artist learned that he suffered from brain damage due to a serious fall during a concert 25 years ago.

After undergoing a full-body MRI, Springfield discovered the long-term consequences of a perilous fall he experienced in 2000. This unfortunate incident involved a 25-foot plunge that left him reeling.

During a candid interview, Springfield recounted the harrowing experience. “I fell 25 feet, hit my head, and then wood came down and hit my head, and then my head hit the stage again,” he said. Initially, he believed he had merely sustained a wrist injury. However, the MRI results unveiled the truth: he had suffered brain damage from the fall. As a result, he has been actively working on recovery strategies.

Life Lessons from a Tragic Fall

Springfield acknowledges that some individuals avoid confronting their health issues out of fear. In reflection, he shared a poignant story about his father’s battle with health concerns. “My dad died from not wanting to know,” Springfield stated. “He thought he had stomach cancer for years and never got it checked out. When he finally collapsed, they found out it was an ulcer that burst, and he died from the loss of blood. It could have been fixed if he had gotten it checked out.”

This experience served as a wake-up call for Springfield. He explained, “That was a giant message to me: If you want to live long, you have to be prepared for some bad news now and then. I could find out I have terminal cancer tomorrow and be dead in a year, but I can only do all I can do.”

Taking Charge of His Health

In recent years, Springfield has prioritized his health. This includes reducing alcohol consumption, altering his diet, and committing to regular exercise. He remarked, “I was drinking quite a bit, and as you get older, it’s kind of a natural thing to drop all that s—. I’m not [in] AA – I mean, I know a lot of people it’s worked for. I’ll have a couple of sips of vodka or something when I’m onstage, but I don’t drink any other time.”

Moreover, Springfield is actively seeking ways to enhance his mental well-being. He has battled depression since adolescence and has explored various treatments, including ketamine and LSD. In his words, “I wanted to see if [ketamine would] open a few things in my brain. It was a creative experiment and an experiment on depression. I did it for as long as suggested, and I wasn’t a big fan. It made me feel heavy and machinelike. It didn’t change much in me – although I have been writing a lot, so you never know what kind of effect it has later on.”

A Candid Approach to Mental Health

Springfield emphasizes his willingness to try different approaches to achieve happiness and improved mental health. He stated, “I did acid, and that was actually a little better. I hadn’t done that since I was in my 20s, but it was a great high. I don’t mean to push drugs on anyone, but I’m not averse to anything that helps me be happier and a better person. I could use some help in that area. I’m always searching.”

A Storied Career

Beyond his personal struggles, Springfield’s career spans decades. He achieved fame not only as a musician but also as an actor. His musical journey began with the release of his first album in 1972, which did not achieve significant success. Following this, he transitioned into acting, landing roles in popular television series such as “The Rockford Files” and “The Young and the Restless.”

Springfield’s big break arrived in the early 1980s when he was cast as Dr. Noah Drake on the daytime soap opera “General Hospital.” This role garnered him widespread recognition and helped pave the way for his music career. His 1980 album, “Working Class Dog,” marked a turning point, featuring the hit single “Jessie’s Girl.” This song catapulted him to stardom and solidified his status as a rock icon.

Recent Projects and Upcoming Tour

Recently, Springfield released the second volume of his “Greatest Hits” album in February. Fans can look forward to his upcoming “I Want My ’80s” tour, which is set to kick off in May.

Reflections on Resilience

Rick Springfield’s journey highlights not only the challenges of navigating personal health but also the importance of confronting one’s reality. As he continues to share his story, he emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to seek help. His experiences serve as a reminder for fans and individuals alike to take charge of their health and well-being.