"On distancing himself from “The Partridge Family”: “Absolutely never. Peoples’ interpretations of me saying I want to do other work didn’t mean I never wanted to talk about ‘The Partridge Family.’ I’ve carried the flag, so to speak, and I hold it in such esteem because it’s touched so many lives. Although I had done 10 leads in dramatic shows and had done a Broadway show before “The Partridge Family,” it’s responsible for making me familiar with people and becoming successful and being able to have the rest of my life to make that. I don’t know how to describe it, but it was a very precious experience for me. As an actor, I care about the work, I just didn’t want to talk about it over and over and over ..."Found here. Um? No. Especially not the "absolutely never" part. But that's okay because this really seems like a sincere effort at smoothing dissed fans' ruffled feathers. Do notice that he says as an actor, he cares about the work. He doesn't comment on the Partridge Family music. Bah, I nitpick, right? Earlier in the interview is the inevitable mention of having been good friends with John Lennon. He holds his icon as dear to his heart as some of his fans hold him. Too bad these declarations smack so much of reflected glory.
Interesting and candid interview. I like the format.
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I watched the Unscripted show and read this interview, and I don't know, but I feel quite pleased with him. At Unscripted he says nothing new, but he seems sincere. In the GO&DO-interview there is nothing new either, but I think it's quite sympathetic. OK, maybe I don't believe he's completely honest about PF :-), but still. But then again, "it's all about the work" - hasn't seen a lot of that attitude lately. A new show, David!
I'm having a less harsh view of him again these days as well. I think it's partly acceptance of certain things. But my understanding of his comments about "it's all about the work" and he's "never done anything for money" has recently changed. I think what he means is that he did not get into acting and singing and stay in it for the money and fame. He did it for the work. This I believe. But it does seem obvious that money and other factors do play a pretty large role in the projects he's chosen to do, as it does for all of us who have to work! We take on projects that we NEED based on other factors, like family, location, hours, pay. A person in show business can't be any different in this respect.
I know this has been covered before, but when I go back and look at concert reviews from 2008, they are really good. It seems that there is a connection between his having new exciting projects in the works/released (Remix and Ruby) and his acceptance of his PF legacy. He really seems to wear his emotions on his sleeve.
I like that he's trying to "smooth the ruffled feathers" of fans. At least he cares enough to do that.
I don't think he's that good at saying what he really means either. When he's not rambling he's trying to give sound bites to cover topics that he really feels much more complexly about and so it comes out as contradictions.
Singme, I understand his "it's all about work" the same way you do, that it's not about money and fame, but I also interpret it as meaning "do a good job". After all the disastrous reviews etc. this winter, I don't think one can say he has done a good job. Of course I haven't been to any of the shows, but there seems to be a big majority who consider he hasn't been at his best.
Like you both say, in these interviews he seems to kind of apologize (too strong word but you what I mean). Let's hope he has started climbing up from the low where he seems to have been lately!
Singme, I understand his "it's all about work" the same way you do, that it's not about money and fame, but I also interpret it as meaning "do a good job". After all the disastrous reviews etc. this winter, I don't think one can say he has done a good job. Of course I haven't been to any of the shows, but there seems to be a big majority who consider he hasn't been at his best.
Like you both say, in these interviews he seems to kind of apologize (too strong word but you what I mean). Let's hope he has started climbing up from the low where he seems to have been lately!
Seems we all got the same vibe from this interview. Singme, I think your interpretation of what he means by "all about the work" is correct. In any case, I have no doubt that he was destined to be an entertainer and loves it. Would he have lasted as long in the industry if he didn't love entertaining? I strongly doubt it.
without going into this guy's personal life, I don't know if I could guess where he is in his life.
I don't know whether he is doing these concerts for pocket change or he needs the money.
Maybe he just like other entertainers, just telling people what they think they want to hear
I was pleasantly suprised by the upbeat nature of these recent interviews. I agree with everything Singme says in her first paragraph, that's my take on it too!
I hope David is speaking from the heart and gnerally believes the sentiments he has expressed. I'm sure his fans would be relieved and happy that David appears contented and has acquired a balanced philosophy of life as he matures. It is quite plausible that he genuinely feels this way now, even though, in the past, the PF and accompanying image has been a millstone around his neck. What you spout in young/mid-life is not necessaraily what you may feel with the wisdom of age. That does not mean to say that there will not be periods when he might still have moments of darkness or regret. This is why he can come across so sincere at times, he really means it. At other times, when he doubts himself, he has to cover up or hide those feelings, and that's why he then appears to be insincere.
I suspect partly he regrets not taking more chances with opportunities in the theatre, which in turn might have led to more acting offers. As Singme pointed out, David had a family to support, which in turn must have influenced certain decisions (choosing work in Vegas/moving into solo concerts). Putting effort into other stage offers, with no guaranteed success, may have been a risk he couldn't take
with family commitments. (As a single man, he may have been prepared to gamble for critical recognition.) He had already experienced a show closing abruptly early in his careeer.
I am sure he still loves the work and performing regardless of all other factors. If he did not, I think he would be putting all his energy into breeding and training racehorses. By all accounts, he is successful in that business and devoting 100% of his time to it would no doubt make him more money and give him satisfaction.
I'm just not sure how much drive or energy he has to push the boundaries, maybe he is content with just his concerts. At the moment I'd guess it's 80/90% horse business, 10/20% performing, you know, he can tick along nicely with the occassional 'fix' of a concert.
Personally I'd like to see the percentage towards performing rise! There's a lot more he can give in terms of GOOD concert performances (rehearsals please?), I dont think he rates his voice as highly as he should and he really needs to gain more confidence in the voice rather than the 'performance'. He needs to go out on a limb and actively seek an acting role, one that will test his perceived image. I would love to see him do this, he continually calls himself actor first and foremost, it obviously means so much to him so I say for goodness sake David GO FOR IT, offer to take a role for free if that's what it takes! Perhaps that recent film fell through, if so, then I admire the upbeat vibe of that interview even more.
Thanks for posting it.
Aw, looks like I killed the thread with my solemn post!
I'm just happy that DC seems to have his sunny face on at the moment, here's to (his) positive thinking, long may it last!
Awww. You make great points, as usual, British Fan! I feel the same way. It's a shame that he has ugly spells and I'm sure it's no fun to watch. It seems hard for him to rise above those dark feelings, yet he's got to go out and perform. I think that's one major reason I could never be in show business!!!
It just boggles my mind when he doubts himself!!! WTF?!!! Maybe because he's such a perfectionist about his talent? Or maybe it's his old demons nagging at him? Depression?
I've been listening to Cassidy Live! again recently, and watching some YT videos of him performing from a couple of years ago, and ... the man is SO GOOD live. I practically melt when I here him sing anything at this point, but live is just thrilling.
I even loved his performances on Ruby. Initially when I saw a couple of shows on the tube it seemed he was over emoting. But when I watched them all in sequence online, I thought he was fantastic. I'm convinced he could do just about any acting role superbly.
No access to computer, hence my silence today.
Singme, when does he doubt himself? Or is that an assumption? I don't recall any outright statements on his part to that effect.
I haven't visited this site in quite some time and am happy to see that you are all still here. I enjoy your chats because you have a realistic view of DC and your appreciate for his talent. I agree with the comments above and IMHO the man of our adulation has been having some senior moments
(60 oh my!). In all fairness, as I approach my late 50s I see some of this in myself. I have been doing the same type of work for 30 years and know that I am good at it and make a decent living, but man it is getting old. Can't imagine if I had to entertain others while doing it. In addition, I too have very recently sent my son off to college in another state and believe me, it is a life altering experience that is difficult to deal with at times. I think I kind of understand what he is going through but am glad that he seems to be in a better place lately. I hope he stays there because we are going to see him at Hard Rock in October and I hope he is in prime form since it's my first time since his Vegas days.
Hi DD! I was referring to the second sentence in British Fan's last paragraph. I get this impression sometimes too. Remember in a recent concert when he said "I suck"? Plus doing more of his solo work and coming up with new stuff in his performances, taking more risks professionally has been discussed on your blog and I thought, at times, associated with him not having as much confidence in what he is capable of as he should have.
singmedavid: I agree. Take risks and be happy as an artist. His aries energy needs new challenges to thrive and feel a sense of joy about the work. He didn't need to apologize in that one Youtube in Texas, that i observed - where he made a tiny mistake.. Just continue.. have fun! Your fans just want that, for You to happy, 'cause they love you. You're doing so well, congrats on such great energy and love of what you're doing.
New Fan
Aw, Lynn I sympathise! My son has been away at College for a couple of years and my youngest (daughter)moves away to college in September. I'm sure David misses his son as I feel they have had a special bond.
When both mine have flown the nest, I was thinking of visiting the US for one of David's concerts, having never seen him, I noticed the Biloxi date, do you know much about this area, is it safe, looks like its one of those free concerts, do you think this will mean waiting in line all day? Any feed back would be welcome, if you're still lurking that is!
Apologies for going off-topic!
Thanks for your insights, Lynn! I hadn't thought about the impact of Beau going off to Boston. I'm about to face potentially the same thing. I have twins who are graduating HS this year! They are my only two. One may be going out of state, but both will probably be going away even if they stay in state.
I'm considering Biloxi as well. Wouldn't it be great if we could meet up at this concert! Do you live near Biloxi?
British Fan,
I have not been to Biloxi but know people that have. It is not fancy but as long as you stay near the casinos you will be fine. It does look like standing in line all day is not out of the question. I would much rather go to the Vegas show but I can't travel that week.
Thanks for the information Lynn, much appreciated.
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