Mid-Michigan Concert Drama Ends With $68K Payout for 80s Rocker

It took nearly three years, but 80s rocker Rick Springfield is finally going to be paid for a show he did in Mid-Michigan in 2023.

Former Bay City State Theatre Executive Director Mike Bacigalupo has agreed to pay Springfield $68,750 after a check issued to the 80s pop icon bounced. The payment stems from an August 2023 performance at Bay City’s Wenonah Park. The singer had already received a deposit of $48,750 prior to the show.

What Led to the Dispute With Rick Springfield?

According to MLive, Bacigalupo’s check bounced just five days after the performance.

Springfield, operating as “Springthorpe Brothers Corp.,” filed a lawsuit in Bay County Circuit Court against Bacigalupo and the State Theatre in January of 2024. Bacigalupo—who endorsed the check on behalf of the State Theatre—claimed the issue was beyond his control, saying the venue’s account had been breached, which created problems with funds being released.

Springthorpe Brothers said they were assured the money would be wired, but that never happened. The outlet also reports that Springfield’s case is one of several legal disputes involving Bacigalupo.

“Despite Defendants’ repeated assurances that the money would be wired to Plaintiff, no payment has been made to rectify the outstanding balance owed,” the lawsuit states.

Lawsuit Filed Over Bounced Check

On March 10, Circuit Judge Joseph Sheeran signed a judgment in Springfield’s favor for $68,750—the amount of the bounced check—plus interest as allowed by law.

For Rick Springfield, it’s been a long wait—but it looks like this Mid-Michigan concert saga is finally hitting its final note.