Rick Springfield has captivated audiences with his live performances for decades, and while he may not often appear on critics’ lists of the best concert performers, the truth is that he certainly deserves a prominent spot on that roster. His unique style and engaging stage presence have brought joy to countless fans, making his shows unforgettable experiences filled with energy and nostalgia.

Burning Film: Rick Springfield Through the Lens is an exciting new publication that visually chronicles the Australian rock icon’s concert experiences over the last two decades. This remarkable collection features stunning photographs captured by acclaimed photographer Jay Gilbert, who formed a bond with Springfield during his tenure at Universal Music, the singer-songwriter’s label at that time. However, Gilbert’s admiration for Springfield dates back to long before they met professionally.

“I’m a huge fan of power pop, you know; I grew up listening to the Beatles, Badfinger, Jellyfish, Will Owsley, and anything that showcases great melody,” he recalls in a conversation with the UCR Podcast. “My all-time favorite band as a kid was Cheap Trick. They combined a heavy sound with rich melodies, and for me, Rick’s albums were in the same vein. I remember working in record stores—first at an indie shop, then at Tower Records. I was constantly immersed in the latest releases. When Working Class Dog arrived, I played it and thought, ‘Wow, these musicians are exceptionally talented.’ The backing vocals were phenomenal, and I instantly fell in love with the songs. Then came Success Hasn’t Spoiled Me Yet, and I was completely hooked.”

READ MORE: Discover How Rick Springfield Achieved Breakthrough Success with ‘Working Class Dog’

As Springfield geared up for his latest compilation, Big Hits: Rick Springfield’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 2, it created the perfect opportunity to turn the long-discussed idea of a book into reality—a project that he and Gilbert had been contemplating for five years. Gilbert meticulously sifted through his extensive archive of over 60,000 photographs taken throughout the past two decades, ultimately selecting 200 remarkable images that are featured in Burning Film. This book is available as part of a special box set edition of Big Hits, making it a must-have for fans and collectors alike.

Gilbert shared a selection of captivating images from the book, which you can explore below. “I loved photographing him live because each show is an explosion of energy complemented by fantastic lighting,” he shares. “I’ve collaborated on seven albums with him, and that’s the exciting part. When you’re in the studio, it feels like being a mad scientist as you brainstorm and experiment with what you can create together.”

This summer, Rick Springfield is set to hit the road again as the headliner of his latest installment of the I Want My ’80s tour, featuring an impressive lineup of special guests, including John Waite and Wang Chung.

Listen to Rick Springfield and Jay Gilbert Discuss Their Work on the ‘UCR Podcast’