David Cassidy on the Web
Speaking with...DAVID CASSIDY
October 4, 2002
Chicago Sun-TimesBr> By Miriam Di Nunzio
David Cassidy
8 p.m. Saturday
Paramount Theatre, 8 E. Galena, Aurora
Tickets, $40-$75
(630) 896-6666
Once a teen idol, always a teen idol--even if you happen to be 52 years old. In the midst of his first solo tour in decades, David Cassidy is taking it all in stride--and enjoying every minute he shares with his fans.
"I'm having the best time in my life," Cassidy proclaims. "The people who come out for the concerts are just crazy--in the best way. [Laughs] They're up and dancing and shouting the entire concert. The only difference between now and, say, 25 years ago is maybe their voices have dropped an octave. [Laughs] And now when they throw their lingerie up on stage, they actually write their names and [phone] numbers in it. The moms are coming with their kids and we're all having this wild, fun time."
Cassidy is of course best remembered as the frontman for "The Partridge Family" television series from the early '70s. But the singer also enjoyed a hugely successful solo career, and at one time, his fan club was larger than those of the Beatles or Elvis Presley.
Earlier this year, Cassidy released a new album, "Then and Now" (Decca), which soared to the No. 5 spot on the British album charts.
"We went back into the same studio and re-recorded all the [solo and "Partridge Family"] hits with the same band and even the same microphone I used 25 years ago. We also threw in some new stuff, and we just had a blast recording it."
Cassidy spent the past nine years working in live theater, first on Broadway and in a national tour of "Blood Brothers," and then in Las Vegas where he starred for three years in "EFX' at the MGM Grand and for the past two years in "At the Copa" at the Rio Suites.
"I worked for the past nine years doing eight to 10 shows a week, six nights a week, 48 weeks a year, so being on the road [laughs] is actually a lot easier--and more fun. It's something that I love doing. I strap on my guitar and I'm 19 years old again."
Cassidy recently moved his family--wife and songwriter Sue Shifrin- Cassidy and their 11-year-old son, Beau--from the desert landscape of Las Vegas to oceanfront property in south Florida.
HERE'S WHAT ELSE CASSIDY HAD TO SAY:
CD you're listening to these days: Marvin Gaye's "Greatest Hits"
Last good book you read: I re-read The Catcher in the Rye three months ago.
Last good movie you saw: "The Shawshank Redemption"
Best advice you ever got: It was from my dad [the late actor Jack Cassidy], at the peak of my career, around 1974. He came to one of my concerts and told me, "Fashion, fads, everything comes and goes, but true talent will survive. You've got it, so don't ever be discouraged."
The one thing you miss most about your dad: His great sense of humor. No one could make me laugh the way he did.
Your biggest musical influence: John Lennon. The Beatles wrote the soundtrack to my youth, along with Motown.
Best thing about being David Cassidy: Being able to have people all over the world tell you that you've been a part of their lives. What an incredible feeling it is to hear that.
Worst thing about being David Cassidy: I suppose just not being able to blend in to normal life, to just be able to go to the grocery store or stand in line at the bank unrecognized. But that's such a small price to pay.
Best disguise you wear in public: I don't often wear one, but if I do it's usually glasses and a hat.
First Partridge Family member you'd vote off of "Survivor": [Laughing] The first Chris [Jeremy Gelbwaks]. Because he had this really annoying habit of kicking everyone in the shins.
Thoughts on your daughter Katie recording "I Think I Love You": She didn't seek my advice, but I would have advised her not to do it, to simply not go into the business at such a young age (15). My advice would have been stay in school, go to college and then go out and attack it [a music career]. I do like her [hip-hop] version of it. I love her and I wish her all the best.
Favorite Chicago memory: Oh, that would have to be Candy, this girl I dated when we were in our 20s. Wow. I had a really really wonderful relationship with her for a few years. We'd fly out to see each other.
One word to describe your life: Blessed.
