Rick Springfield's Harrowing Vietnam Mortar Revelation

During a September 8, 2026, appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, rocker Rick Springfield disclosed a harrowing experience from his 1968 tour entertaining U.S. troops in Vietnam. Springfield, who performed with MPD Ltd. near Da Nang, recalled firing several mortars during an attack. He later learned that one of his rounds may have resulted in a fighter's death, a memory that continues to deeply affect him.

Springfield's personal life also garnered attention, particularly his marriage to Barbara Porter. The couple met in the 1970s at Sound City Studios and married in Australia in October 1984. They have two children, Liam and Joshua. Springfield credits Porter with significantly influencing his career's positive trajectory, noting that her presence provided crucial support during challenging times early in his career.

Reflecting on their enduring relationship, Springfield shared in a 2025 PEOPLE interview that he and Porter have successfully navigated over 40 years of marriage by treating arguments lightly and finding humor in their disagreements. He believes seeking external counsel during difficult periods has also been vital. Springfield emphasizes their mutual support, stating they have taken turns being each other's anchor.