Jessie’s Girl hit maker Rick Springfield cancels Australian tour to make movie with Meryl Streep

SORRY, fans: Rick Springfield’s got himself a new girl, and a new movie, and he’s cancelled what would have been his first tour in 30 years.

RICK Springfield has cancelled his first Australian tour to film a movie with Meryl Streep instead.

The Jessie’s Girl musician and actor was due to start the tour in October.

Springfield has some of the most patient fans in Australia; they have waited 30 years to see the Sydney-born musician tour here.

Australian promoter Aldo Lennard has stated the axing was not due to low ticket sales.

“I don’t use excuses like ‘scheduling conflicts’ or ‘routing difficulties’,” Lennard said.

“The shows had actually sold really well, most venues were half full if not almost sold out. We’ve had female fans crying on the phone today.

“We were about to do a second burst of promotion for the tour when we got wind this movie role was coming up. We didn’t want to cancel the tour until Rick signed the contract, which he did today. He’s filming in New York at the exact same time as he was meant to be touring in Australia. I’m positive if he hadn’t got this role he would have toured here. He was born in Australia, his mum still lives in Melbourne, he was really keen to get back here and tour the country for the first time.”

The movie, titled Ricki and the Flash, starts filming in mid September. Springfield’s Australian tour was due to start on October 7.

The movie was written by Diablo Cody (Juno) and is about an ageing rock star (presumably played by Streep) trying to connect with her estranged kids.

“Sorry to all my Aussie fans,” Springfield said in a statement.

“I was so looking forward to playing for you for the first time in 30 years. I promise to make it up to you next year. In the meantime, this movie is a great opportunity. It’s not every day that Meryl Streep and Jonathan Demme come calling.”

Hollywood’s calling ... Australian rocker Rick Springfield was due to tour in October.

Lennard said Springfield has a key role in the movie, which is directed by Jonathan Demme and also stars Kevin Kline.

He is expected to be involved in the soundtrack of the movie, which is due out in June next year.

Lennard is punting on the movie being a success in Australia, then rescheduling Springfield’s tour for around September 2015 to capitalise on the increase in his profile.

Fans with tickets for Springfield’s Australian shows can get a refund at point of purchase.

Springfield’s most recent acting work was a controversial role in US drama Californication; playing an exaggerated version of himself.

The well-preserved rocker turns 65 later this month.

Originally published as Jessie’s Girl hit maker Rick Springfield cancels Australian tour to make movie with Meryl Streep