David Cassidy on the Web
Sun goes retro with Cassidy, Rat Pack
March 30, 2006
By Gary Melanson
Norwich Bulletin
www.norwichbulletin.com
One-time teen idol David Cassidy has cultivated a multi-faceted career beyond his singing and sitcom stardom, but when he takes the stage this weekend at Mohegan Sun's Wolf Den, it will be like the 1970s all over again.
The star of "The Partridge Family," the television comedy series about a family band that traveled in a psychadelic-painted bus, launched Cassidy into the stratosphere of superstardom that had his face on posters, magazines and lunchboxes all around the world. His live performances still draw those from all across the country and even around the world who love all things David.
"I got a new generation of fans who saw the show on Nick At Nite," Cassidy said, "and I get the same reaction I got in the '70s. I have such a great appreciation that I've had a positive impact on a few generations. I've never forgotten that." He promises an entertaining concert, backed by "my best band ever, bar none," he added.
"I didn't do a concert for 10 years before 2001, when I'd played Las Vegas six straight years, doing over 2,000 shows." Then health concerns prompted a respite from the road prior to this tour. "Playing my songs again, it's like opening this chest and finding these great jewels. I have more appreciation for everything I do than I did at 21. It's the longest break I've had in 15 years and I'm so anxious to get out and play."
Girls around the world:
Anxious doesn't begin to describe fans like Clara Gkolias who will travel from Tewksbury, Mass., to try and catch the free shows on Saturday and Sunday night. "He's my No. 1," she stated enthusiastically. "He sings all your favorite songs, he has a great personality and a lot of energy on stage. I've met him a few times, he's very nice. People come from all over, even England, Holland and Germany. I hear there's a lot of girls coming, most of them stand in line all day and all night."
"I don't get overly excited like some girls do," Gkolias continued. They scream and holler, push and shove and throw things up on the stage at him. Someone threw up some underwear and he just looked at them and said 'they're not my size!' They wear low-cut tops because they think he's gonna like it. They hold up posters that say they love him. It gets a little tight but I think everybody has a good time."
"It's fun, I've been fortunate to do it longer than most," said Cassidy. "But it's never about the money for me, or about the fame. Fame is fleeting, work and talent is what survives." After the Partridge Family ended, he performed in stage musicals for years such as "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," "EFX" and "Blood Brothers," in which he starred alongside his brother, Shaun, another former teen idol, and British singer/actress Petula Clark, who closes her own five-night run at the Sun April 2.
He's also been involved as a producer. One of his projects, "The Rat Pack Is Back!" will play the Cabaret at Mohegan Sun Wednesday through April 9. In that show, actors portray Frank Sinatra's fabled Rat Pack. "It's Frank's birthday in 1961, Joey (Bishop) opens for Frank and Dean (Martin) and Sammy Davis, Jr. come by to say 'Happy Birthday.'" Cassidy will appear in the show for at least the first night, playing one of his own idols. "Bobby (Darin) is in the audience and gets up to sing 'Mack The Knife.' I'll be in my sharkskin suit, I can't wait!'
Childhood crush
Beth Peterson of Ledyard didn't want her friends to know "I had a big crush on him and Donny Osmond when I was a preteen. He had this cute smile and that shag hairdo. I was a dedicated viewer of the Partridge Family, I never missed a show."
Barbara Pazmino of Brooklyn, N.Y., operates the Just David International Fan Club and has seen him perform "practically every year since the late '70s. He's a very good performer and plays all the hits, such as 'I Think I Love You,' 'Come On, Get Happy,' 'I Woke Up In Love This Morning' and 'Doesn't Somebody Want To Be Wanted.' I like 'Summer Days' and my favorite is 'Rock Me Baby' because I like the harder rock stuff," Pazmino said. "He does a Beatles medley, 'Hush' by Deep Purple, 'Gimme Shelter' by the Stones. He can really rock."
Cassidy is married to successful songwriter Sue Shifrin-Cassidy, who also keeps busy with her Kids Charities, dedicated to helping children in need around the world. Their 15-year-old son, Beau, seems to be following in dad's footsteps as is Katie, a 19-year-old daughter from a previous relationship. David also breeds and races thoroughbred horses, a passion since his youth.
