Richard Marx and Rick Springfield ‘Just Bonded’ from the First Time They Met: ‘I’ve Always Loved His Music’ (Exclusive)

Richard Marx and Rick Springfield Forge Strong Friendship from Their First Meeting

Richard Marx recently shared insights into his enduring friendship with fellow musician Rick Springfield, revealing that their bond was immediate upon their first meeting. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter sat down for an exclusive interview with PEOPLE ahead of their co-headlining acoustic performance at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, reflecting on their shared history and mutual admiration.

The two artists first crossed paths back in 1988 when Springfield unexpectedly showed up at Marx’s show at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles. Despite this chance encounter, Marx admitted that he had been a huge fan of Springfield long before they officially met. Describing their initial interaction as pleasant, Marx recalled how he and Springfield hit it off and eventually collaborated on a song, albeit one that they both deemed unworthy of release. However, this experience marked the beginning of a lasting friendship between the two musicians.

Marx highlighted the similarities in their sense of humour as a key factor in their bond, which is evident in their on-stage banter during their current touring together. The duo’s chemistry shines through as they playfully interact with each other while also demonstrating genuine respect for each other’s musical talents. Their joint tour, titled “An Acoustic Evening with Rick Springfield & Richard Marx,” was born out of a conversation years ago when Springfield invited Marx to join him on a fan cruise. Despite initial reluctance, Marx eventually agreed, leading to a successful partnership that continues to captivate audiences.

Over the years, Marx and Springfield have explored different formats for their performances, from opening shows with a duet to taking turns in the spotlight before coming together for a final song. This unique approach sets their collaboration apart from other musical partnerships and enhances the experience for both themselves and their fans. Marx expressed his deep appreciation for Springfield’s music, confessing his lifelong admiration for hits like “Don’t Talk to Strangers” and “Jessie’s Girl,” which they perform together on stage with infectious enthusiasm.

The acoustic performances by Marx and Springfield are set to run until October 8, culminating in a final show in Knoxville, Tennessee. As they continue to delight audiences with their musical talents and endearing camaraderie, the friendship between these two iconic artists serves as a testament to the enduring power of shared passion and creativity.

In conclusion, the enduring friendship between Richard Marx and Rick Springfield showcases the magic that can happen when two talented musicians come together in harmony. Their shared history, mutual respect, and genuine camaraderie on and off stage have endeared them to fans around the world. As they continue to captivate audiences with their captivating performances, Marx and Springfield’s bond remains as strong as ever, a testament to the lasting impact of true friendship in the world of music and beyond.