Rick Springfield is coming to Tampa on Dec. 30 to play the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. And I can say this securely and confidently:

If you're never seen "Dr. Noah Drake" live, do ... not ... miss ... this ... concert.

Sorry for the annoying punctuation, but I've seen Rick twice -- and hung out backstage with him both times (not to brag, but hey, yeah I'll brag. It was fun!). Both were excellent shows full of ever hit you can remember -- and some you shouldn't have forgotten. And if he's still doing the shtick where he comes out into the audience to play a couple tunes, then just cross your fingers that he'll launch into Jessie's Girl right in front of you.

Of course, Rick had a new album out in 2008  -- Venus in Overdrive -- so no telling if he'll throw in some current stuff with the old standards. Doesn't matter. The new album's good stuff.

Tickets for concert go on sale Friday, Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. through the Hard Rock Shop and Ticketmaster. Prices are $40 for general admission and $55 for reserved seating.

By the way, the Rick Springfield Cruise departs tomorrow (Nov. 12). Sadly, I won't be onboard. Somehow, I doubt the Rickster needs a wingman anyway.

[Times file photo]