I've been a little surprised by how few people seem to be aware of Todd Rundgrens' musical legacy and talent. I myself couldn't be more excited about his upcoming appearance. It's been too long for me... I last saw Todd in the early 1980's at Headliners (12.01.1983) ... and I like the idea behind the Arena Tour - which promises to be a 70's style arena rock approach.

Todd is one of the early psychedelic-rock musicians to whom I listened closely - and who was also a producer. Beginning in the early 1970's, he recorded and engineered his own music, playing all instruments, singing all voices, writing all the songs. He has a real distinctly-treated guitar sound - and he does know how to shred it - when he chooses.

He's also capable of writing just the most beautiful love songs and ballads - which to me is a plus. Come on - "Hello, It's Me" - pop ballads don't come prettier! But all Todd's stuff is tightly produced and there are rewards for close listening. I guess you'd expect no less from someone who built his own studio.

Throughout the mid-late 1970's I saw him frequently in Chicago leading his various incarnations of Utopia - the fantastic rock band including Roger Powell, Kasim Sulton & Willie Wilcox.

I was even party to the fateful New Year's Eve 1978 show at the Uptown Theatre (Chicago), which had to be postposed due to a blizzard until January 5, 1979. We celebrated New Years twice that year - and that show was so red hot I'm sure everyone present remembers it well today.

Utopia is a band that I saw almost as often as I saw the Grateful Dead - and my decision criteria was the same: If the band was playing anywhere in the vicinity, I was going to that show - even if it was the night before a big mid-term exam ("Right Tommy?!").

For my money, the most entertaining performances I've seen are musicians who are also good producers. They understand their electronics, and know how to use it to enrich their musical color pallette. Todd Rundgren is one of these.

Here's a link to Todd's official site - which he designed and maintains himself: TR-i.com . I recommend checking it out.
I also encourage you check out these YouTube videos I found for you.

  Utopia Theme (c. 1973) This is Part I.


Here's Part II - Stick with it. It's cool.


This is from the Ra period (c. 1977) - which I loved.


Here's a clip from Daft Punk's Electroma -
featuring "International Feel" from Todd Rundgren's - A Wizard A True Star (1973).

Hope you make it out to the show! If your interest got you this far - you really should! Todd is a concept performer - and the concept for this Arena Tour will be fun.

His new album - Arena - was just released Sept 30 and should be available at the show.

-- Mister Bill