When Eddie Money stuck his neck out during a 2012 Geico commercial, in which he sung “Two Tickets to Paradise,” while pretending to be a travel agency owner, fans shouldn’t have been surprised.
A generation ago, Money, now 65, kept his career going during the early ’80s by being one of the few rockers who filmed amusing, narrative videos MTV loved.
“Yeah, it’s kind of the same thing,” Money on a call from Los Angeles. “The Geico commercial was fun to do and it was funny. The same goes for my videos. I had a blast with them back in the day. I don’t have to be serious all the time like some of these guys have to be. I do whatever it takes.”
That’s apt since Money, who possesses a thick Brooklyn accent, is one of those unlikely rocker stories but somehow he has gutted it out. Money never had much of a voice, but he belts out songs that are full of hooks and has always been a charmer onstage.
“I think you can always see that I love what I do,” Money said. “I know I could be doing a lot of other things but music has always been my passion.”
The Brooklyn born and Long Island bred entertainer appeared to be set to follow in his father’s footsteps as a New York City cop.
“But I couldn’t do it,” Money said. “I didn’t want to get my hair cut but it’s much more than that. I couldn’t imagine working as a policeman for 25 years. There was no way I was going to do that.”
During the late ’70s, Money charted with the aforementioned “Two Tickets to Paradise” and “Baby Hold On.” He kept going during the ’80s courtesy of the MTV aided hits “Shakin” and “I Think I’m In Love.”
Money made a comeback during the mid-’80s with ‘Take Me Home Tonight,’ which features Ronnie Spector. “That surprised a lot of people,” Money said. “Ronnie sounds so amazing on that song.”
Money also had a number of minor hits over the years. Some of them, such as the catchy “Big Crash,” won’t be a part of his set Saturday at the Big E (Eastern States Exposition) in Springfield, Mass.
“I wish I could play them all,” Money said. “I play so, so many of the hits, but I also play some songs the ladies love. There’s balance at my shows.”
There is also balance in Money’s life. Money had some trouble with drugs, which plagued his career during the late ’80s and ’90s. But in 2001, he joined a 12-step program and recovered. “I discovered that I didn’t need anything else for me to be Eddie Money,” Money said. “I’m fine in my own skin.”
Money is clean, sober and has his wit. “I didn’t drink that away,” Money said.
He also has his memories. “It’s been incredible,” Money said. “I love looking back. There was the US festival with The Police. I remember it was 95 degrees out and I was spraying everyone when I was singing ‘Gimme Some Water.’ There were about 650,000 people singing along to ‘Gimme Some Water.’ It was outrageous. And then there was the time I toured with the Rolling Stones. I opened some dates for them and it was incredible hanging out with Keith Richards. I played the Silverdome with The Who and played Madison Square Garden with Cyndi Lauper. I loved the life and I have no regrets.”
Money would have lived a much different life if he became one of New York City’s finest. “That would have been difficult,” Money said. “If I became a cop, I would be retired right now. But instead, I’m singing and I’m far from retired. I still have so much to give, so much to do. I didn’t always make the right choices but as far as my career goes, I certainly did the right thing. I love to sing and entertain fans. It’s in my blood.”
EDDIE MONEY appears Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Big E, 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield. Tickets are $25, which includes entry into the fair. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets: www.thebige.com, 413-205-5109.
Editior’s note: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Geico.
