Concert Review: Todd Rundgren – Arena Tour

The Barrymore Theatre, Madison
October 7, 2008

I had such a great time at Todd Rungren’s recent “Arena” show at the Barrymore! It was one of those shows where I feel so grateful for the Madison music scene – where “those with ears to hear” enjoy $200 concert experiences for $20. You know what I’m talking about: the ability to easily see legendary musicians – both young and old – up close and personal in great little venues.

I hesitated to review the show, since I already gushed about TR in my preview. But I do want to tell those Rundgren fans down the road to “Enjoy the Show!” . . . The band consists of Todd on guitar / Jesse Gress on guitar / Prairie Prince on drums / the lovely Rachel Haden holding it down on bass / and another old friend – Kasim Sulton on guitar, keys “and things.”

As you can see from the lineup, the current tour is guitar-heavy – which suits me fine, especially when it includes one of my real Guitar Heroes! Kasim added great rhythm color, and Jesse Gress was a really fine player also.

After opening with Love in Action, Todd played a number of oldie but goodies – including Black Maria (a personal favorite) and even way back to Open My Eyes. Then he played the Arena album in its entirety, before closing the show with the ever-popular Couldn’t I Just Tell You and Just One Victory.

I picked up Arena at the show, and have been enjoying it since. As usual, credits are pretty simple: Produced, Performed and Written by Todd Rundgren. TR fans will not be disappointed. . .

Cheers! — Mister Bill