Over twenty years later, Rick Springfield is coming to terms with the lasting effects of a fall he experienced on stage. The iconic ’80s rock star disclosed to People in an interview released on Monday that a recent comprehensive MRI scan showed evidence of ongoing brain damage resulting from an incident at a Las Vegas concert in 2000. “I fell 25 feet, sustaining impact to my head from both a wooden object and the stage itself,” he recounted to the publication. “Initially, I believed I had only injured my wrist, but the scan revealed the presence of brain damage from the fall, so I am now focused on rehabilitation.” According to the Cleveland Clinic, a traumatic brain injury can manifest in various ways and may occur from a severe blow or sudden jolt to the head, among other potential causes. The scan results were unexpected, prompting the “Jessie’s Girl” singer to seek answers. While some individuals may opt to remain unaware of their health issues, Springfield takes the opposite approach. Reflecting on his father’s health struggles, he shared, “My dad passed away because he avoided seeking medical attention. He suspected he had stomach cancer for years but never sought a diagnosis. When he eventually collapsed at home, it was discovered that he had suffered from a ruptured ulcer, leading to fatal blood loss. Timely intervention could have saved him.” Transitioning from his successful music career to television and ultimately embracing his status as a nostalgia icon of the ’80s, Springfield is preparing for an upcoming tour and has been featured on an ’80s-themed program on SiriusXM. In February, Volume 2 of his “Greatest Hits” collection became available for streaming. Currently, Springfield is taking a more moderate approach towards substances commonly associated with the music industry in his earlier years. “I used to drink a lot, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve naturally reduced my intake,” he explained. “While I’m not part of Alcoholics Anonymous, I respect the program’s effectiveness for many. I may have a drink or two on stage, but I refrain from alcohol otherwise.” Scaling back on alcohol has positively impacted his mental health, and he has explored alternative treatments like Ketamine and LSD. “I tried LSD, and surprisingly, it had a positive effect,” he revealed. “It had been decades since my last experience with it, but the high was remarkable. I don’t advocate for drug use, but I’m open to methods that enhance my well-being and personal growth. I could benefit from some assistance in that regard. I’m always seeking improvement.”
