The 17th annual Ride for Roswell which raises money for cancer research at Roswell Park Cancer institute in Buffalo, NY, did a little something different for the 2012 ride. For the first time, an opening ceremony was planned for this year’s event and was held at the University of Buffalo Stadium where the UB Bulls play. The event was emceed by former Buffalo Bills standout Steve Tasker and local TV sports anchor, from WGRZ TV, Adam Benigni. Former Buffalo Bills linebacker Chris Spielman gave a very inspirational and heartwarming speech along with video tributes to cancer survivors and the arrival of the 200 Strong Club Peloton after its 12 mile procession from Roswell Park to UB Stadium.
The music provided for the evening’s festivities featured 80’s heartthrob, and occasional General Hospital character known as Dr. Noah Drake, Rick Springfield. Rick was very interactive with the crowd throughout his show as he made his way through it slapping hands on the song “Human Touch.” He went all the way back to the stands and back for this, making everyone feel they were a part of the song and show. He also brought up 3 kids on stage for the song “Don’t Talk to Strangers.”I guess you can say it was somewhat of a fun and teachable moment at the same time. He had each one dance and sing the title to the track when he put the microphone in front of them.
Rick and his band knew the crowd was there to primarily to hear his biggest hit “Jessie’s Girl.” And teased them throughout by playing a couple of chords to it and singing few words while continuing on with the songs they were doing. Rick also played “Crossroads’ above a security persons head without any flinching by him but did get him (who’s name was Rick too) to also sing a verse to “Don’t Talk to Strangers.”
Springfield seemed like the perfect musical guest to get things rolling for the Ride for Roswell 2012!
Set List:
Who Killed Rock and Roll?
Affair of the Heart
Jet (Wings cover)
I Get Excited
Bop til’ You Drop/Celebrate Youth/Calling All Girls/Don’t Walk Away/State of the Heart/What Kind of Fool Am I? (Medley)
I’ve Done Everything for You
Love is Alright Tonight
Crossroads (Eric Clapton cover)
Don’t Talk to Strangers
Love Somebody
Human Touch
Jessie’s Girl
Encore:
Wild Thing (The Troggs)
We would like to thank the publicist for the Ride for Roswell Leslie Garrity for allowing BackstageAxxess.com to review such a worthy cause.
For more information on the Ride for Roswell or to make donations, please go to: Ride for Roswell.
