Somebody's really off key singing background.....Todd playing Clapton's old SG from his Cream days.....Todd called it "Sunny"....After "Sunshine of your Love".
The guy with the green hair is doing sound tech right on stage along with the band - possibly also background synth. Man, I wish I'd had a good sound tech on stage with me when I was a club-crawler. Rundgren knew what he was doing...
This is a kick ass song..... listen to the original.... where are the freaks these days...?? Todays musician have all become walking cliches....... and what a great live band.... except for the hidden young girl on backing vocals... hehe!!
There seem to be a lot of delicate, young things with mobiles and lanky, pock-marked legal highers who see themselves as freaks and heads. I am only saying but what....
Nowadays we seem to see a lot of prissy, delicate priggish things in tie-dyes accompanied by lanky pock-marked youths clutching mobiles who see themselves as freaks and heads; wtf but I am getting old. Peace
todd is n has always been a true livin legend i miss the daze when seein todd was as common as seein the mail carrier I met him my fave was when he play the white baby grand and hin dressed ina white tux wif tails TODD I STILL LOVE U u are the wizard/true star!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The only thing I remember about the "Black Maria" was that it was what people called the hearse that picked up the dead, especially the poor dead. This is connected from a memory from a book about Annie Sullivan (Helen Keller's teacher) when I was young. I have to look this up! And I LOVE THIS SONG!!!!!!!!!!
@mickmaag, this is the original Utopia with Kevin Ellman on drums. This is rare footage because Jean-Yves "M.Frog" Labat is still "playing" the synthesizer -- he would soon be replaced by Roger Powell. This lineup only appeared on the first Utopia album, and even the tour behind that album featured Powell. Ellman stuck around until 1975, when he left and was replaced by Willie Wilcox.
Thank you so very much for sharing this one with the world. I indeed remember when this Midnight Special aired in 1973, but had no idea anyone had copies of it!
A Dream last forever !!!! been a fan since the Nazz daze I even loved your production on the Hall & Oats LP (sadly an overlooked gem) TODD rocks and i am so pleased to know my name is on your TODD LP poster -it is a Much loved GEM I will never forget searching the poster for my name !! very clever idea Sad that they don't make proper Lp covers like those days - I think they should still release CD's in proper LP jackets ! Rickster
The Fool guitar went from Clapton to Jackie Lomax (Sour Milk Sea), then Todd purchased it from him, fairly cheap from what I remember. Todd had to do some extensive work on it, very rough shape. Todd then auctioned it off, didn't get a ton for it I believe. Either some collector owns it or Olivia Harrison. I forget.
I love this old footage. I've never seen TR perform or any TV stuff ever, so this is a real find for me. Todd is the most underrated musician on the planet. Crazy outfit!
That`s M. frog Labatte. He was in the Todd Rundgren band Utopia for a short time. He was sort of a Brian Eno Synth guy. He actually had a couple of solo albums which were VERY eclectic.
Black Maria - Todd Rundgren [Upper Darby, Pennsylvania] - 1972 - "One of his harder rocking songs that has plenty of guitar HOOKS and drum work." - Something/Anything? (Bearsville/Rhino) [Disc 2]-1990. NOTE: It's good to see a live video of this song. "-)
Saw Todd in the '70's and in the '90's and he was awesome both times. Check out 'Something/Anything'. He wrote every song and played ALL the instruments on 3/4 of it.
Sound tech, yes. Look at the gear that he's adjusting during Rundgren's solo - Rundgren is looking at him, asking for a touch more volume. Yes, I know all about Eno, I did an entire 6-hour special for Radio New Zealand on Eno, including the Roxy days, and we even interviewed him. What Rundgren's tech is doing here is adjusting levels and effects for the stage mix - not for the mains. Yeah, he's also got a synth next to him, but he's not running tape loops.
Love it! The backup vocals sound like Flo & Eddie from the Zappa years. Love how much personality and sound that Rundgren gets simply from an SG with a Fender Deluxe Reverb.
The lower left of the custom made rack is the "Synthi A " by EMS. the knobs are the mixer aspect and the keyboard is how you control it. Brian Eno in Roxy Music also has the Synthi A but not in a rack. Look up Synthi A and you;ll see a picture of the small part that is the actual synthesizer.
Probable group line up : - Kevin Ellman -Drums, John Siegler -Bass, Moogy Klingman -Keyboards, Ralph Schuckett - Keyboards, M Frog Labat - Synthesizers and old Todd himself on that flash Gibson SG. Never got to see him untill Utopia came over to Glasgow Apollo in 1977 during the Ra tour. ( My first concert !)
Great footage of TR and the original Utopia band. I thought there was never any footage featuring M. Frog Labat (the guy with green hair playing a EMS VCS3 synthesizer) and drummer Kevin Ellman at all. Thanks!
+Ken Trice Yes, this was the original Utopia line up. I saw them on Toulon's campus in 74'? in New orleans....promoting the "TODD" album, it was awesome
If i am not mistaken thats Eric Clapton's psychedelically painted Gibson SG that he used while he was in Cream. Anyways, "Black Maria" was one my 3 favorite Todd Rundgren songs from back in the day along with "I Saw The Light" and "Hello Its Me"
I'm 41 and NEVER saw a synthesizer like that. I never even HEARD of a synth like that. I guess my age would confirm why. I was only 4 when this video was filmed.
remember that Todd has a sense of humor, and often likes to do over-the-top stuff on stage, just for the fun of it, or just to make things interesting...
@DovG M. Frog didn't actually play an instrument in Utopia but basically processed the sound of the members of the band thru his various modules. Roger on the other hand is one hell of a player as evidenced by his dueling solos with TR on "Another Live".
@smokesimusmaximus True, Todd pronounces it "Ma-rye-ah" (Mariah). However, on the record he spells it "Maria". It's a Toddism. By the way, keep looking, because there is a LOT of Todd Rundgren on youtube - much of what he recorded and many of his performances from TV, shows, videos, etc., plus interviews, lectures...
The story I heard was : Eric gave it to George Harrison who gave it to a friend (I forget the guys name) Todd loaned the dude cash and the guitar was collateral. They guy never paid Todd back & 9/10th of the law it became Todd`s. The ACTUAL was sold at auction and the one Todd uses now is a VERY well done replica..
In response to a comment by zeets93 concerning the players on the organ I did some checking and it looks like Ralph Schucket and Moogy Klingman musicians from the original Utopia album. Hope this helps!!!!
Is this Utopia? I saw Todd at about this time here in Mobile AL and he had the guy playing the synth or whatever with the big console...that guy also played flute on a couple songs
Check out his guitar,it has an impressive pedigree.Originally owned by George Harrison,he sold it to Eric Clapton.Early Cream photos show Eric with this guitar.Todd bought it from Eric and he still owns it.
I read a snippet about Todd and his appreciation for Bowie was into then. This may explain the "Bowiesque" theatrics. Regardless, Todd is and will always be an incredibly talented artist.
@pdeckder kevin on drums.. OOOh yeah.. havent seen his face in a long time... ..? ralph schuket on keys, John siegler on bass and moogy on keys.. but i didnt recognize Kevin...thanks... today he is a very successful money manager.... look him up.. pretty amazing what this guy pulled off...
This fromer artisited, author's and greatest, singer's also a genuis, too he's knowed abouts machiery definiton means. Term engineers, all those instrums... it's costly price's ranged, amounted $150,0000, million's dollar's, for individ... 're millionaires, & billionaires, could afforded it's, his clothes it's shik... with designed on shirts, he's highly intellect...
Thank you, crabshaw! BUT, I still would like to know EXACTLY what he's doing. He's not playing a keyboard, " just" turning knobs. What are those knobs doing? I get into the technical side of music, not just the obvious. Does anyone know?
This Looks like it's from "The Midnight Special" , the late Wolfman Jack use to host. I love Todd, Talent + so genuine. I have to believe that Ted Nugent stole some of his wardrobe.
Who knew Prince took his "Purple rain" era look and style from Todd's Keyboard player. I mean I heard he was a big fan but he just straight ripped him off!
That's not Roger Powell with the green hair - that's Jean Yves Labat (AKA M.Frog). Roger replaced him on synth, and ultimately Ralph Shuckett and Moogy Klingman on keyboards.
wow...dig Roger Powell's dye job!Better yet,dig Todd's Gibson SG...that used to belong to Eric Clapton back in the CREAM days.The guitar's name was/is "The Fool".
Todd Rundgren is wonderful. He's one of my all-time favorite musicians. I loved him and his music since I first heard him at 15. I'm 23 now.
Wow! I'm going to have to watch this one aver about 10 times. I'm sold.
Todd Rundgren ... always such a shy, retiring, quiet sort of boy. I think this outfit was his Sunday Go to Meetin' suit.
I remember seeing this in 1973. That feathered outfit blew my mind. Doesn't get much more glam rock than that!
Way beyond their time culturally...green hair and face paint....look out KISS...
That's great to hear. I fell in love with his music when I was about 15 and I'm now 50.
What an awesome musician this guy is
Somebody's really off key singing background.....Todd playing Clapton's old SG from his Cream days.....Todd called it "Sunny"....After "Sunshine of your Love".
I LOVE this song.. and of all the versions, this one is the most FanToddstik!!!♥
The guy with the green hair is doing sound tech right on stage along with the band - possibly also background synth. Man, I wish I'd had a good sound tech on stage with me when I was a club-crawler. Rundgren knew what he was doing...
M. Frog Labat on early synth
THE wizard, THE true star; 40 years of ART and still going strong...if only you were in europe more often, todd!
nice. another rundgren gem from the midnight special. haven't seen this one before. thanks much!
I still get chills to this day when Todd plays "Black Maria" at his shows. He is the best, I to just love him!!
This is a kick ass song..... listen to the original.... where are the freaks these days...?? Todays musician have all become walking cliches....... and what a great live band.... except for the hidden young girl on backing vocals... hehe!!
There seem to be a lot of delicate, young things with mobiles and lanky, pock-marked legal highers who see themselves as freaks and heads. I am only saying but what....
Nowadays we seem to see a lot of prissy, delicate priggish things in tie-dyes accompanied by lanky pock-marked youths clutching mobiles who see themselves as freaks and heads; wtf but I am getting old. Peace
It certainly is a kick arse song like all of his stuff
todd is n has always been a true livin legend i miss the daze when seein todd was as common as seein the mail carrier I met him my fave was when he play the white baby grand and hin dressed ina white tux wif tails TODD I STILL LOVE U u are the wizard/true star!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aww !! Look at our Moogy Klingman !! This is Always a Favorite of Mine !!
*PING xoxo
What a great song - it still holds up today.
OMG!!!!!This is absolutely steller!
The only thing I remember about the "Black Maria" was that it was what people called the hearse that picked up the dead, especially the poor dead. This is connected from a memory from a book about Annie Sullivan (Helen Keller's teacher) when I was young. I have to look this up!
And I LOVE THIS SONG!!!!!!!!!!
@mickmaag, this is the original Utopia with Kevin Ellman on drums. This is rare footage because Jean-Yves "M.Frog" Labat is still "playing" the synthesizer -- he would soon be replaced by Roger Powell. This lineup only appeared on the first Utopia album, and even the tour behind that album featured Powell. Ellman stuck around until 1975, when he left and was replaced by Willie Wilcox.
Thank you so very much for sharing this one with the world. I indeed remember when this Midnight Special aired in 1973, but had no idea anyone had copies of it!
Saw Todd play "Maria" with The New Cars a few weeks ago in Shawnee Ok. Al Dimeola is my favorite guitarist. Todd my all time favorite musician. Roger
Ah, the old freak parade blues - thanks for the posting, this is great stuff!
A Dream last forever !!!!
been a fan since the Nazz daze
I even loved your production on the Hall & Oats LP (sadly an overlooked gem)
TODD rocks and i am so pleased to know my name is on your TODD LP poster -it is a Much loved GEM I will never forget searching the poster for my name !!
very clever idea
Sad that they don't make proper Lp covers like those days - I think they should still release CD's in proper LP jackets !
Rickster
So talented!
Great playing by Todd on Eric's guitar from the Cream era. Wonderful song from Todd's "Something Anything", what a record.
The Fool guitar went from Clapton to Jackie Lomax (Sour Milk Sea), then Todd purchased it from him, fairly cheap from what I remember. Todd had to do some extensive work on it, very rough shape. Todd then auctioned it off, didn't get a ton for it I believe. Either some collector owns it or Olivia Harrison. I forget.
I love this old footage. I've never seen TR perform or any TV stuff ever, so this is a real find for me. Todd is the most underrated musician on the planet. Crazy outfit!
The best lineup ever!
Great Bird of Paradise this Todd!
What a tallent.
F.Y.N.
:) oh Todd........ how I love you...
A Wizard, a True Star...and a Real Man!!
That`s M. frog Labatte. He was in the Todd Rundgren band Utopia for a short time. He was sort of a Brian Eno Synth guy. He actually had a couple of solo albums which were VERY eclectic.
I think it's Midnight Special. We used to watch that show all the time. We (boomers) had THE BEST music.
Black Maria - Todd Rundgren [Upper Darby, Pennsylvania] - 1972 - "One of his harder rocking songs that has plenty of guitar HOOKS and drum work." - Something/Anything? (Bearsville/Rhino) [Disc 2]-1990. NOTE: It's good to see a live video of this song. "-)
Saw Todd in the '70's and in the '90's and he was awesome both times. Check out 'Something/Anything'. He wrote every song and played ALL the instruments on 3/4 of it.
He's old enough to be your Grand Papa but he sure knows how to rock & roll. Have fun kid. :)
Sound tech, yes. Look at the gear that he's adjusting during Rundgren's solo - Rundgren is looking at him, asking for a touch more volume.
Yes, I know all about Eno, I did an entire 6-hour special for Radio New Zealand on Eno, including the Roxy days, and we even interviewed him. What Rundgren's tech is doing here is adjusting levels and effects for the stage mix - not for the mains. Yeah, he's also got a synth next to him, but he's not running tape loops.
It's not a sound tech, it's "keyboardist" M. Frog Labat.
Love it! The backup vocals sound like Flo & Eddie from the Zappa years.
Love how much personality and sound that Rundgren gets simply from an SG with a Fender Deluxe Reverb.
The lower left of the custom made rack is the "Synthi A " by EMS. the knobs are the mixer aspect and the keyboard is how you control it. Brian Eno in Roxy Music also has the Synthi A but not in a rack. Look up Synthi A and you;ll see a picture of the small part that is the actual synthesizer.
Probable group line up : - Kevin Ellman -Drums, John Siegler -Bass, Moogy Klingman -Keyboards, Ralph Schuckett - Keyboards, M Frog Labat - Synthesizers and old Todd himself on that flash Gibson SG. Never got to see him untill Utopia came over to Glasgow Apollo in 1977 during the Ra tour. ( My first concert !)
It was the height of the glam era. What did you expect?
nuttin Less! LOVE the Glam era!
The synth is unreal.
Great footage of TR and the original Utopia band. I thought there was never any footage featuring M. Frog Labat (the guy with green hair playing a EMS VCS3 synthesizer) and drummer Kevin Ellman at all. Thanks!
Kevin Ellman the late Moogy Klingman this was the best Utopia
+Ken Trice Yes, this was the original Utopia line up. I saw them on Toulon's campus in 74'? in New orleans....promoting the "TODD" album, it was awesome
Absolutely true. I call that lineup “Hugetopia.”
If i am not mistaken thats Eric Clapton's psychedelically painted Gibson SG that he used while he was in Cream. Anyways, "Black Maria" was one my 3 favorite Todd Rundgren songs from back in the day along with "I Saw The Light" and "Hello Its Me"
Nice guitar playing.
Nice band.
I'm 41 and NEVER saw a synthesizer like that. I never even HEARD of a synth like that. I guess my age would confirm why. I was only 4 when this video was filmed.
Ya gotta be 20 years older to recall these... lol
todd did some great work this for example
that's why i loved the todd/kasim/roger/willie version of Utopia...they all can sing...kasim voice, especially,complements todd's vocals
M. Frog LaBatt rules the world!
What is that gut at the console with all the knobs doing? I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants to know.
Todd is a god.
From an unbeliever
this guys' arrangement skills kick ass.
i love how people ''think'' they know what they are talking about!
Dont forget to go see Todd on tour 3/25/09 Starting in Florida and working his way up the coast bto cleavland
remember that Todd has a sense of humor, and often likes to do over-the-top stuff on stage, just for the fun of it, or just to make things interesting...
Actually 1974 or 75. Us teenybppers watched this every Friday night and then Don Kirschen's Sat. Night.
Oh!..I'm goin down slow! YOU scare me so!lol...Black Maria....how can you not like it?
@DovG M. Frog didn't actually play an instrument in Utopia but basically processed the sound of the members of the band thru his various modules. Roger on the other hand is one hell of a player as evidenced by his dueling solos with TR on "Another Live".
LOL the background vocals are hilarious!!
Never one of my favorite songs by Todd. Totally different ball game seeing it live like this, though!
@chelababy1 Yes, me too.. Moogy and Todd Rock Love Forever!!!! Tinkerbell..never neverland Cheers'em on XO ♥♥♥ **_**
@smokesimusmaximus True, Todd pronounces it "Ma-rye-ah" (Mariah). However, on the record he spells it "Maria". It's a Toddism.
By the way, keep looking, because there is a LOT of Todd Rundgren on youtube - much of what he recorded and many of his performances from TV, shows, videos, etc., plus interviews, lectures...
I forgot to add that this is a great live version of a GREAT song.
lady gaga eat your heart out.
unless I'm mistaken, the keyboard player in the purple is Craig Frost from Grand Funk
Guts. Attitude. Snarl. Hair spray. 🖤💙
Bravo ⚘
The story I heard was :
Eric gave it to George Harrison who gave it to a friend (I forget the guys name) Todd loaned the dude cash and the guitar was collateral. They guy never paid Todd back & 9/10th of the law it became Todd`s. The ACTUAL was sold at auction and the one Todd uses now is a VERY well done
replica..
Sound Tech? I don't think so. He's playing an early synth. Have you checked out Roxy Music when Eno was with them?
i think he wore that feather costume at his recent awats concert-fits a little tighter these days
In response to a comment by zeets93 concerning the players on the organ I did some checking and it looks like Ralph Schucket and Moogy Klingman musicians from the original Utopia album. Hope this helps!!!!
Rough and rowdy Darke county. That is where I met him, and Rick Derringer. Todd rhymes with,,, well, met Rick in church. ;)
Awesome song! That's Eric claptons sg that he used in Cream. I read that it somehow ended up in todds hands
Is this Utopia? I saw Todd at about this time here in Mobile AL and he had the guy playing the synth or whatever with the big console...that guy also played flute on a couple songs
Go Philly!! Cool tuehn.
Check out his guitar,it has an impressive pedigree.Originally owned by George Harrison,he sold it to Eric Clapton.Early Cream photos show Eric with this guitar.Todd bought it from Eric and he still owns it.
I read a snippet about Todd and his appreciation for Bowie was into then. This may explain the "Bowiesque" theatrics. Regardless, Todd is and will always be an incredibly talented artist.
Those were The Four Tops presenting Todd Rundgren!
@pdeckder kevin on drums.. OOOh yeah.. havent seen his face in a long time... ..? ralph schuket on keys, John siegler on bass and moogy on keys.. but i didnt recognize Kevin...thanks... today he is a very successful money manager.... look him up.. pretty amazing what this guy pulled off...
Lord....
(I think...I've thought that was the line since it came out in the 70's!)
WOW! If all that's true, do you think Todd still has that guitar? I don't disbelieve that at all. BUT, that's a cool story!!!
The backing vocals are hilariously cute xD
This fromer artisited, author's and greatest, singer's also a genuis, too he's knowed abouts machiery definiton means. Term engineers, all those instrums... it's costly price's ranged, amounted $150,0000, million's dollar's, for individ... 're millionaires, & billionaires, could afforded it's, his clothes it's shik... with designed on shirts, he's highly intellect...
Vive M Frog with his green hairs and his EMS!
Great!
Does anyone know how Todd acquired Clapton's SG?
I looked it up, and it said it was like a paddy wagon, picking up criminals, not dead people.
The history of that guitar alone makes me dizzy!
Thank you, crabshaw! BUT, I still would like to know EXACTLY what he's doing. He's not playing a keyboard, " just" turning knobs. What are those knobs doing? I get into the technical side of music, not just the obvious. Does anyone know?
This Looks like it's from "The Midnight Special" , the late Wolfman Jack use to host.
I love Todd, Talent + so genuine. I have to believe that Ted Nugent stole some of his wardrobe.
Who knew Prince took his "Purple rain" era look and style from Todd's Keyboard player. I mean I heard he was a big fan but he just straight ripped him off!
@mercmarc and to do it again during the ..recent A wizard a true star .. shows... pretty interesting...lol
That's not Roger Powell with the green hair - that's Jean Yves Labat (AKA M.Frog). Roger replaced him on synth, and ultimately Ralph Shuckett and Moogy Klingman on keyboards.
wow...dig Roger Powell's dye job!Better yet,dig Todd's Gibson SG...that used to belong to Eric Clapton back in the CREAM days.The guitar's name was/is "The Fool".
Todd needs to have a little chat with his harmony vocalist. That guy can peel paint.
Wow, Eric Clapton's The Fool SG? Didn't know he gave it to Todd. Seems to still have the great tone.
Does ANYBODY REALLY know how Todd got Eric's Gibson SG? Please let me know.
" how we burned in the camps later...the Black Maria sitting out there on the street with one lonely chauffeur..."
Alexander Solzhenitsyn