Haven't heard every single thing he's done. Even missed periods of his long career. He's got tons of material, if you didnt know or care, but hands down, he and his work, what comes through him is some of my favorite. Heck, he IS my favorite.
In San Francisco, either 1990 or 1991, Todd Rudgren and his wife served me and my girl freeThanksgiving dinner in the Haight-Ashbury area. He was serving dinner to us homeless hippies and had not announced himself by name. He was very humble. I recognized him and he confirmed his identity but asked me not to tell anybody as he wanted to kindly serve the neighborhood, he wasn't seeking recognition. HUMBLE! He was kind and he was humble. THANK YOU TODD and MS. Rudgren!!! Much love back to you! David
I just listen to “I saw the light” my heart is aching. Takes me back to the 70s. Dang we were so lucky to live thru those days. That music. Driving in the summer with windows down. Living in the moment no freaking cell phone. LPs were spinning. Thank you Todd Rundgren what a gift you are to so many. Xo
@@ElectricHellfire i doubt you have any more in your vocabulary...AND, your comment shows how limited your knowledge of his work is...MORE than enough said...
All praises due to Todd. Was visiting my parents in a small town in PA and took a walk by a theatre that Todd was playing that night. The tickets were sold out but someone had an extra ticket they were going to give me for free. I gave him face value anyway I was so stoked. Todd and his band were fantastic. He is one of a kind. The kind of human that makes this experience on earth worthwhile. Really nice to hear about his acts of kindness. Love you Mr. Rundgren.
Have been a fan since the early 70s. He writes all his own lyrics, composes all the music, plays every instrument and records and produces. Simply genius and sublime.
i'm thinking you know that he didn't do that on EVERY album...although, yes, he is definitely a genius...even when he WASn't playing all the instruments/doing all the vocals...
AND YES...................I REMEMBER HIM JUMPING ALL OVER THE STAGE/MIAMI BEACH AUDITORIUM JUST AFTER PUTTING OUT HIS FIRST UTOPIA LP, JUST A MAD GENIUS
I went to the same junior high school, that Todd did, though years after him. And, my uncle was in the same classes, with Todd's sister in high school. Todd Rundgren is the pride of Upper Darby, Pa.
Sadly The upper Darby school district was pretty pissed at the Rundgren family over the length of Todd’s hair which went all the way to the supreme court in the 1960s that was a lot of 🍞. I had a friend who taught high school at upper Darby I went out with very popular in the 1980s he volunteered to play at the senior prom in the upper Darby school district said thanks but no thanks Mr. Rundgren even though Todd has done so much through his spirit of harmony foundation and donated musical instruments to his local elementary and high school rock on Mr. Todd Rundgren you’re my 🧙♂️ and true star 🌟
My mom met her future lifelong best friend, in the Tower Theater. That friend introduced her to my dad. So, if it wasn't for the Tower Theater I might not even exist. Lol.
After a concert in 75 ( utopia) I walked up to the stage to say hello. Todd came up to the front of the stage and shook my hand. Down to earth, nice guy was my impression. Great show too
Between stepping up to raise Liv and making an insanely accurate comment about John Lennon....I have new levels of respect for Mr Rundgren besides being an actual artist who is true to his music....
@@stevenelson1840 Todd is absolutely right about John Lennon he rode the coattails of Paul McCartney to fame on his own he's a mediocre composer musician
@@markvegas7152 I am 68 yrs old. I've seen Todd many times and even knew his Bassist, Kasim Sultan. I am a musician of 45 yrs touring. For Todd to say something stupid about Lennon simply attests to his ignorance and jealousy. All of the Beatles song are legally written by Lennon/McCartney. Obviously, some songs are distinctly the work of one or the other. But Lennon was every bit as valuable to Beatles songwriting as Paul. It's actually quite silly to say Lennon couldn't stand on his own work. I don't think you know much about The Beatles to say you agree with another person that doesn't know much about the Beatles. Especially a dude that barely went beyond being a one-hit wonder and never came anywhere close to being the influence on the music world as John Lennon.
''The Verb to Love'' is by far the most beautiful song he ever did. The lyrics are so heartfelt and real and the vocal performance is one of his best ever plus when I saw him perform it he was in tears before the end ! (He was in tears singing ''Bag Lady'' as well so it just says something about the mans empathy and sensitivity) Pure genius. Love ''I saw the Light'' as well obviously !
Todd has quite an impact in my musical and personal inspirations...throughout my music career. Genius beyond words can express on a multitude of various levels (music, production, video, computers. etc.). Cheers.
I was never a big fan of Todd's music, mostly because I never took the time to listen deeply into it. Then when my band opened for the 1992 Ringo All Starr Band Tour in St. Louis and Kansas City, we were just hanging out and eating with some of the legendary guys. I was able to spend a little time with a few of them and they were all very cool and willing to share a bit. But I had a real nice one-on-one with Todd, just killing time before the Kansas City show. Mostly just commenting on the venues and making light of the facilities - then a little about my band - and his band and how they were all real happy to cover each other's tunes, and what work was required because Ringo insisted that every show had different set lists and more songs to learn. It was like talking to another band guy on my low level. After that I listened deeply to his music and became a big fan. He's definitely one of a rare kind. And courageous in his innovation and willingness to step out on the edge to achieve something new.
Rundgren has the ability to step on stage and blow the audience away with the first sounds of his voice. It's an amazing thing to see happen. And no explaining it.
Saw him play...never quite thought of him as a great guitar player...but Man that Dude can play! After the show and he was gracious enough to sign my Guitar, we were out on the street. Thanks Todd...
Todd signed my SG "Fool guitar" replica after a show - he joked that he'd better not see it up for sale on eBay afterward! Almost 20 years later, you better believe that I still have that guitar!
I have always loved Todd Rundgren, I love his style and that he doesn't like to be compared to anyone. Btw, A Wizard A True Star is my absolute favorite album, it's genius.
Rundgren a 'one-man show' from a multi-instrumentalist songwriter composer, is at the top of my favorites. I love his soulful voice, guitar magic, harmonies, melodies, and Rundgren's musical imagination. And, a word for his band Utopia- what great musicians preaching the same musical soul as Rundgren. As a package, I don't think they could be beat...but of course this is my personal musical taste.
Today I learned that Jay Z is in the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame. I find it absolutely crazy that you can be in the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame and not even write one rock ‘n’ roll song.
A unique guy who has many sounds. He's no one trick pony. Everything he does sounds different. I like his voice enough to keep listening to him. The human voice is something that is a sort of a deal breaker. His voice fits his music and that's what counts. You could have the best band in the world but if the vocalist is not appealing to you, you will probably want to get away from it.
Ever since I first heard Rundgren's music back in the 1970s I became a big fan. I saw him and Utopia do the RA tour, and also got to see him when he did the Back to the Bars tour. I listen to him less these days, but about twice a year I will put on some headphones, lie down, and listen to A Treatise on Cosmic Fire on the Initiation album. He is so so talented and has such a wide range of styles. I guess he could have kept doing stuff like Something/Anything, which I also really like, but I guess he was bored with that. We all benefited immensely from that boredom and his decision to radically branch out. Thanks Todd!
I've seen about 80 concerts. Saw Rundgren's Utopia prog band when I was a kid in about 1974. To this day, one of the top ten best concerts I've ever seen.
After listening to the horrific story of Steven Tyler from Julia Holcomb - Liv is lucky to have had an awesome Dad, because of Tyler would've known from early on them it's possible that Liv not her mother would even have survived it - so thank goodness for Liv's real Dad Todd Rundgren, the one who showed up, the one who cared & loved her as much as she clearly was. 🙏🏼
The album was called No World Order, not New World Order. Watched a video of him talking about how he loved Major 7th chords, so I'm going to learn how to play piano and learn nothing but Major 7ths so I can play "A Dream Goes On Forever." Rock on, Todd.
Find his "Wailing Wall" on the Ballad of Todd Rundgren album and learn that one 1st. It's easy and it lays under the hands naturally, if you're playing the piano. You can literally see the M7 chords and suspensions, and the rest will come quickly. I heard Wailing Wall back in '70 or '71 and simply noodled it out until got it right. It dznt hurt that it's written in the key of C. There ARE Todd songbooks out there, btw. Bearsville publishing?
Todd was very unique for hollywood and or musicans in that he took responsibility for his or steven tyler's child. Plus his Something / Anything was amazing.
"A WIZARD A TRUE STAR " is one of my favorite Todd Rundgren works. I loved his " sounds of the studio " off "Something Anything " Todd truly is "A WIZARD A TRUE STAR " .
you think that's all he produced that wasn't mentioned here? how about Hall & Oates, the Tubes, and XTC's 'skylark'/they're highest selling album...and andy partridge pretty much HATED todd...but andy, while also a genius, is emotionally underdeveloped...i'm sure there's a long list of other people Todd's produced but i'm running out of virtual ink...
I was there too, but I think it was 1974 or ‘75. Unforgettable. I also remember “Something’s Coming,” from West Side Story, that great cover he used to do.
i suppose everyone knows he produced the most '70's of rock albums- Bat Out Of Hell, and was later a member of the Cars while Ocasek was on sabbatical... i do believe his indifference to the rock hall is real, and love that he got in anyway. mind you, i always thought that's why King Crimson didn't get in- Fripp was indifferent... the idea that a new york animal like Rundgren is chilling Hawaiian style is awesome... the man earned it.
Kasim Sulton is my hero. That being said I remember a very popular song entitled "I'm an adult now" by "The Pursuit of Happiness". It was good but I didn't think much about it. A few weeks later I visited some friends and they put on the CD. As soon as the song "She's so young" came on I immediately asked if this was a new Todd Rundgren band? The next morning I was looking at the liner notes and found out he was the producer. This song in particular screams Todd Rundgren with his distinctive chord changes. Todd always had very distinctive chords...Kasim calls them Todd chords.
TPOH are great and they’re from Toronto so they opened for Todd on the Nearly Human show here when it came through town. It was at Roy Thomson Hall which is the home of the Toronto Symphony - not your typical rock venue. Really amazing show.
With no intended discredit to Todd Rundgren's other work I especially like his Utopia work-because I tend to favor music with a more progressive bent. The musicianship and songwriting are amazing. I'm surprised that Todd Rundgren producing Grand Funk Railroad's _We're An American Band_ is unmentioned in the video.
@@gmatt200 There have been a couple of major versions of Utopia. The first album he made calling the band Utopia was in 1974, so if it was before that, the musicians were probably not the guys in Utopia. After that, very likely. He did a fair amount of concerts without Utopia over the years, too.
My favorite stage dancer. He’s so intriguing to watch. I can’t say enough about his musical genius talent so I won’t bother. No one can. It’s beyond comprehension ❤
Todd Rundgren has been a simple, humble man in his life. He has the most unique voice and he was/is the best at what he does. He deserves the respect and recognition he should have gotten from day one. His intelligence is undeniable. Thank you Todd. I love you. You gave/give me hope and Hello it’s Me. One of my favorites.
I had the pleasure of meeting Todd last year through a mutual friend. He's just as real as you and I and it was truly wonderful to be able to thank him for producing records for friends of mine. After all that's been said and done it's just a man and he knows it so he's very humble.
The First Utopia album is one of the greatest rock and roll albums ever made and Acapella is one of the most original and innovative. Mad respect for Todd.
Regarding A Cappella, I recall an interview with Todd around the time of its release and tour, where he talked about the song Lost Horizon from that album having been written, lyrics and melody in a lucid dream. Trippy genius, Todd.
@@lisakvieira9201 hi Lisa...exactly...just goes to show how much of a man Todd really is. He really stood up to the role and earned his accolade from Liv.!..👍🤘🤘🤘🤘
@@Rikk_Klaww777 Hi Rikk, she gas said, Liv that she's very close with him and of course Steven Tyler, so look at it like this she is blessed to have 2 dads in her life, that's cool!!✌
This is great. Fan since the early '70s. The bit about The Fool SG was pretty awesome. I saw that Midnight Special offering where he's playing it for Black Mariah (then a piano for Hello Its Me). This was like '73 and viewed here since. Loved viewing this but while i loved Cream, i didn't know the guitar was originally EC's until later. Story was the 'repair' involved grafting new wood from the neck to the headstock to replace wood that had rotted away. Could be wrong but recall reading the guitar was sold to pay a debt to the IRS. Nice he had a spare :) also, wasn't he and a girl friend robbed during the 'mink hollow' days ? Guys were looking for drugs, didn't find any so took jewelry and cash instead. Luckily, they weren't hurt.
I just always enjoyed the fact that Todd's creativity is based primarily on doing what he wanted to do without much real concern for commercial viability. That is the definition of an artist!
Don't mean to sound pedantic, but you miss spelled Todd Lundgren. It's amazing how Todd took responsibility for raising Jefferson Aeroplane's Stephen Taylor's 82 year old daughter, actress Liv Ullmann, as his own. Hopefully, after getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - alongside the likes of the Food Fighters, Jay-Y and Lana Turner - Todd can now concentrate on getting back into shape for The Expendables 4!!
Todd lived near Woodstock NY for dome time in the 80s. He spent s lot of time at Bearsville studio about 2 miles outside the village of Woodstock. I'm from that area. Todd cool in public. They had massive flea markets in the village back then. He liked them. He was skinny. Had a blonde streak in his long hair. Had Chuck Taylor sneakers on. Just rock and roll. I was a preteen. My dad (won't name drop) was in the rock business and knew alot of people. He and todd both had their arms crossed and were just talking. It was a beautiful day! Sun was out. Todd is genuine. He's quirky. Very creative.
From what I have heard from other artists not an easy man to work with, the body of work he produces speaks for itself. A sonic genius and a wizard in the studio (no pun intended) his work as a producer is amazing. Listen to XTC "SkyLarking"- a masterpiece; Rundgren's studio work and arrangements spicing up Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding's brilliant song-writing. The experience of working with Todd was so bad XTC didn't want to work with him again which was a shame.
Loved the Nazz, Under the Ice remains one of my favorite songs ever. Girl's parents telling them not to date me usually helped. Think I am seeing him soon w Daryl Hall
1969 I was born & Loved Hello it Me. I thought The Radio Sang Hello It's Me. Till my Mom let me watch Todd Rundgren Sing on Tv.! I'll always Love Hello its Me.! 💝😊👍🇺🇲
I wound up in the DJ seat for a small informal gathering, and so I conducted an experiment. I stacked up some fave Rundgren rock albums; Wizard, Todd, Another Live, No World Order, Liars... I played through this stuff, and every so often I was asked, "Who is this?" It got to the point where when asked that question again, when I said, "Todd Rundgren", and the man said, "What's wrong with him? Why haven't I heard of him?" Needless to say, a couple hours of music went by without any complaints.
Still LOVE the second Nazz album. Nazz Nazz is awesome. Nazz 3 was gonna be a 2 record set, but when Todd left the band, the rest of the band took out all his songs and made it a single disc (at least that's how I understand it).
I like some of his stuff! I liked his 1970 song " _We Got To Get You A Woman_ " he went under the band name *RUNT.* But he plays all the instruments and does all the vocals. He is a good producer. Just listen to *Badfingers* " _Straight Up"_ Album from 1971. *Todd Rundgren* produced almost the entire album. *George Harrison* produced a few songs as well and did a great job as well.
In my opinion, Todd,s music was ahead of its time. I remember those days well. I remember thinking, wow! Now that's different from anything out there. And I like the hell out of it.
My favorite Rundgren album was RA. I saw him do the concert tour for this at NORTH HALL AUDITORIUM in Memphis,TN around '77-ish?...can't recall exactly when it came out. I think MANFRED MANN was the warm up band. I was in total awe.
I always adored him. He was way ahead of his time. He remains an enigmatic , fascinating and esoteric soul. A born erudite. From Sara Saintclair- Westbrook
I am surprised by how much I enjoyed this video. "Hello, It's Me" was one of the songs that typified my generation. I always thought him a cool guy. Thank you.
went to buy a Joni mithchell LP "Blue".. got to the till to pay, the boy at the record store said you can get this one, but I highly suggest you will like this one forever. It was A wizard a true star. bought it, . although I was already a todd fan, I continued to buy every recording he ever made. Genius guy. saw him live 3 times. One of the concerts he was experimenting with live connection to the internet. Virtual streaming. every song, every album, no matter how long ago.....Todd is Godd. That's what the guy at the record store said. BTW, I did also buy the Joni "Blue" album. and every other recording she ever made.
Total Underated Genius! The same guy who gave us the best song of all time "Bang The Drum All Day" also bubblegum "Hello It's Me", "We Gotta Get You A Woman", progressive rock like "Something /Anything", "A Wizard", "Utopia", plus Beach Boys Good Vibrations cover, Beatles Sgt Pepper cover. On and on. I have a theory he cranked out bubblegum hits as per the studio directive but his real.motive was using that money to finance his progressive stuff. Genius!
@@jackwezesa1081 not meant as an insult. Consider decaf bro. Rundgren is a genius, he could do anything he wanted to. Have you listened to "Hello it's me"? Do you call that hard rock? Progressive rock? In your words, please describe the genre.
I met Todd's son Keoni and a cousin while hiking around Kauai. I was alone and they were some of the friendliest people I've ever met!! It was getting late and the path up was super muddy, so they helped me up a shortcut with a rope up the hill. They even brought me over to their place for a bit, gave me some good food and showed me a video on "fierce vulnerability." Keoni said he appreciated my vulnerability, having been exploring as I was on my own and sharing about my divorce, at the time. He is quite a musician and writer. Meeting them and visiting at their place was one of the most amazing and flattering experiences I've had. They even gave me a ride back where I was staying. I was mostly clueless about Todd Rundgren at the time, but I genuinely appreciate him after having met some of his family and seeing their home. It was gorgeous!!!
![Jack Harlow - Hello Miss Johnson [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Q86_nlRoIGw/mqdefault.jpg)
What do you think about Todd Rundgren?
Produced many classic albums: New York Dolls debut, ML Bat Out Of Hell, etc. Lotsa ignorance in comments sections
The guy just keeps going, does his own thing, never conforms to trends. Whats not to like about the guy?
His 60s band the Nazz was very good. "Open My Eyes" is as good as any Beatles song.
Haven't heard every single thing he's done. Even missed periods of his long career. He's got tons of material, if you didnt know or care, but hands down, he and his work, what comes through him is some of my favorite. Heck, he IS my favorite.
I like later stuff, too. I must admit Utopia didn't flip my switch. Wanted to see him this summer but he's not coming to my state.
In San Francisco, either 1990 or 1991, Todd Rudgren and his wife served me and my girl freeThanksgiving dinner in the Haight-Ashbury area. He was serving dinner to us homeless hippies and had not announced himself by name. He was very humble. I recognized him and he confirmed his identity but asked me not to tell anybody as he wanted to kindly serve the neighborhood, he wasn't seeking recognition. HUMBLE! He was kind and he was humble. THANK YOU TODD and MS. Rudgren!!! Much love back to you! David
How awesome!!!
That's touching. I'm getting teary eyed. I love when people really give of themselves.
Now THATS a REAL act of charity.
Not those musicians that love ringing Bells and Blowing whistles whenever they did "charity"!
Met him at a book signing. Yes very humble and had time for everyone. He doesn't need the recognition from "the establishment",
Unbelievably beautiful story and u r still here and hope that things got better and that you payed the kindness forward…👍☮️🙏🕉
I just listen to “I saw the light” my heart is aching. Takes me back to the 70s. Dang we were so lucky to live thru those days. That music. Driving in the summer with windows down. Living in the moment no freaking cell phone. LPs were spinning. Thank you Todd Rundgren what a gift you are to so many. Xo
"Living in the moment no freaking cellphone." Your comment is like Todd: underrated...
Are you an Outlander fan?
@@donnabittner69 nailed me Donna lol
Literally the Best and most beautiful memories.
@Elizabeth Martin 🥰put the song on, close your eyes and imagine. Music is time travel🥳....you’ll see the light ❤️
Todd was probably the most diverse and dynamic songwriter and artist I've ever been exposed to. Just a brilliant musician.
Indeed...Never given the credit he deserved
His album "Something, Anything" is one of the greatest albums ever. Todd is a genius.
LOL
I like a wizard a true star even more
Todd rundgren is too underrated
T R is way over rated! Enough said!
@@ElectricHellfire i doubt you have any more in your vocabulary...AND, your comment shows how limited your knowledge of his work is...MORE than enough said...
All praises due to Todd. Was visiting my parents in a small town in PA and took a walk by a theatre that Todd was playing that night. The tickets were sold out but someone had an extra ticket they were going to give me for free. I gave him face value anyway I was so stoked. Todd and his band were fantastic. He is one of a kind. The kind of human that makes this experience on earth worthwhile. Really nice to hear about his acts of kindness. Love you Mr. Rundgren.
Tower theater,in Upper Darby, I saw Todd, and Utopia, Peter Gabriel , Jackson Browne, Tubes, so many great shows there in late 70's,early 80's
The "untold truth" is that Rundgren is underrated & was ahead of his time. "International Feel" off _A Wizard_ predicts Radiohead by 25 years.
Radiohead doesn't even come close
to comparing to Rundgren.
@@laustcawz2089 radiohead and todd are both legends
@kevin barker well, they are. unless you wanna be a close minded contrarian who thinks the lesser known and older one is better
So very underrated.
Agree
Have been a fan since the early 70s. He writes all his own lyrics, composes all the music, plays every instrument and records and produces. Simply genius and sublime.
i'm thinking you know that he didn't do that on EVERY album...although, yes, he is definitely a genius...even when he WASn't playing all the instruments/doing all the vocals...
AND YES...................I REMEMBER HIM JUMPING ALL OVER THE STAGE/MIAMI BEACH AUDITORIUM JUST AFTER PUTTING OUT HIS FIRST UTOPIA LP, JUST A MAD GENIUS
I went to the same junior high school, that Todd did, though years after him. And, my uncle was in the same classes, with Todd's sister in high school. Todd Rundgren is the pride of Upper Darby, Pa.
I went to Lehigh University, in Bethlehem. I got to see him several times. He was great, and ahead of his time.
Sadly The upper Darby school district was pretty pissed at the Rundgren family over the length of Todd’s hair which went all the way to the supreme court in the 1960s that was a lot of 🍞. I had a friend who taught high school at upper Darby I went out with very popular in the 1980s he volunteered to play at the senior prom in the upper Darby school district said thanks but no thanks Mr. Rundgren even though Todd has done so much through his spirit of harmony foundation and donated musical instruments to his local elementary and high school rock on Mr. Todd Rundgren you’re my 🧙♂️ and true star 🌟
Cheltenham Panthers in the house! We played UD in sports and I dated a girl who went there. Shouts to Todd, UD and the Tower Theatre.
My mom met her future lifelong best friend, in the Tower Theater. That friend introduced her to my dad. So, if it wasn't for the Tower Theater I might not even exist. Lol.
I went to Upper Darby HS in 10th grade and remember him with his, at that time, long hair (touching his ears)
My mom used to play "Something/Anything?" for me as a child, and I've been a fan ever since.
Great L P for sure.
He is authentic in every way. I saw him twice in the 70s during the Ra years and can say there was never a dull moment.
I saw him on that tour in Kansas City, MO. Incredible show of course.
After a concert in 75 ( utopia) I walked up to the stage to say hello. Todd came up to the front of the stage and shook my hand. Down to earth, nice guy was my impression. Great show too
Between stepping up to raise Liv and making an insanely accurate comment about John Lennon....I have new levels of respect for Mr Rundgren besides being an actual artist who is true to his music....
His comment about John Lennon was mad out of jealousy for someone whom the world loved. With Todd, not so much.
@@stevenelson1840 yes indeed the masses of the world typically do have more love for arrogant pricks don't they?
@@stevenelson1840 Todd is absolutely right about John Lennon he rode the coattails of Paul McCartney to fame on his own he's a mediocre composer musician
@@markvegas7152 I am 68 yrs old. I've seen Todd many times and even knew his Bassist, Kasim Sultan. I am a musician of 45 yrs touring. For Todd to say something stupid about Lennon simply attests to his ignorance and jealousy. All of the Beatles song are legally written by Lennon/McCartney. Obviously, some songs are distinctly the work of one or the other. But Lennon was every bit as valuable to Beatles songwriting as Paul. It's actually quite silly to say Lennon couldn't stand on his own work. I don't think you know much about The Beatles to say you agree with another person that doesn't know much about the Beatles. Especially a dude that barely went beyond being a one-hit wonder and never came anywhere close to being the influence on the music world as John Lennon.
@@stevenelson1840 bulshit to the max he was a loser and terrible in the music and women departments
As a fan of Todd's, I say thank you so much for this video!
Todd Rundgren also wrote the song "Love Is The Answer "/ England Dan and John Ford Coley
great Song
His version is on "Oops, Wrong Planet"
One of my favorites!
no mention of my favorite Tod Rundgren song "I Saw the Light." best, most beautiful Rundgren song of all, in my opinion.
....same here...
''The Verb to Love'' is by far the most beautiful song he ever did. The lyrics are so heartfelt and real and the vocal performance is one of his best ever plus when I saw him perform it he was in tears before the end ! (He was in tears singing ''Bag Lady'' as well so it just says something about the mans empathy and sensitivity) Pure genius.
Love ''I saw the Light'' as well obviously !
Todd has quite an impact in my musical and personal inspirations...throughout my music career. Genius beyond words can express on a multitude of various levels (music, production, video, computers. etc.). Cheers.
I can so relate!
Todd's Wiki is just mind blowing.
Hail Todd Rundgren! A brilliant musician who deserves much recognition. Underrated and undervalued.
I didn't learn anything new here, being a huge Todd fan, but I enjoyed this all the same
I was never a big fan of Todd's music, mostly because I never took the time to listen deeply into it. Then when my band opened for the 1992 Ringo All Starr Band Tour in St. Louis and Kansas City, we were just hanging out and eating with some of the legendary guys. I was able to spend a little time with a few of them and they were all very cool and willing to share a bit. But I had a real nice one-on-one with Todd, just killing time before the Kansas City show. Mostly just commenting on the venues and making light of the facilities - then a little about my band - and his band and how they were all real happy to cover each other's tunes, and what work was required because Ringo insisted that every show had different set lists and more songs to learn. It was like talking to another band guy on my low level. After that I listened deeply to his music and became a big fan. He's definitely one of a rare kind. And courageous in his innovation and willingness to step out on the edge to achieve something new.
Rundgren has the ability to step on stage and blow the audience away with the first sounds of his voice. It's an amazing thing to see happen. And no explaining it.
Agree 100%
Saw him play...never quite thought of him as a great guitar player...but Man that Dude can play! After the show and he was gracious enough to sign my Guitar, we were out on the street. Thanks Todd...
Todd signed my SG "Fool guitar" replica after a show - he joked that he'd better not see it up for sale on eBay afterward!
Almost 20 years later, you better believe that I still have that guitar!
The depth of Todd's music is simply astonishing- his mastery of studio and production standards are the absolute best.His songs are life set to music
I have always loved Todd Rundgren, I love his style and that he doesn't like to be compared to anyone. Btw, A Wizard A True Star is my absolute favorite album, it's genius.
Yes Katie, AWATS is number one on list for stranded on a desert island!
❤I have loved Rudgren since I was 14 years old and first heard his voice on the radio...
"Something/Anything" is a stone cold 10/10 classic. Not a bad moment on the double masterpiece. Todd was and still is one of a kind.
Rundgren a 'one-man show' from a multi-instrumentalist songwriter composer, is at the top of my favorites. I love his soulful voice, guitar magic, harmonies, melodies, and Rundgren's musical imagination. And, a word for his band Utopia- what great musicians preaching the same musical soul as Rundgren. As a package, I don't think they could be beat...but of course this is my personal musical taste.
I had no idea about liv Tyler, sounds like a good dude
I went to the same high school as him. Once a a Royal always a Royal.
I live on the same planet but not universe
Today I learned that Jay Z is in the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame. I find it absolutely crazy that you can be in the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame and not even write one rock ‘n’ roll song.
Anything is possible when you're in the new world order
Jay Z is not even talented.😮
RRHOF is not so much about music and artistic achievement.
A unique guy who has many sounds. He's no one trick pony. Everything he does sounds different. I like his voice enough to keep listening to him. The human voice is something that is a sort of a deal breaker. His voice fits his music and that's what counts. You could have the best band in the world but if the vocalist is not appealing to you, you will probably want to get away from it.
Agreed!❤
Produced The Tubes "Remote Control" very good
And their 1985 album. They toured together ( Utopia & The Tubes).
Produced IMHO the 2nd best Hall and Oates album: "War Babies".
Todd has no competition, he has a wonderful body of work.
Ever since I first heard Rundgren's music back in the 1970s I became a big fan. I saw him and Utopia do the RA tour, and also got to see him when he did the Back to the Bars tour. I listen to him less these days, but about twice a year I will put on some headphones, lie down, and listen to A Treatise on Cosmic Fire on the Initiation album. He is so so talented and has such a wide range of styles. I guess he could have kept doing stuff like Something/Anything, which I also really like, but I guess he was bored with that. We all benefited immensely from that boredom and his decision to radically branch out. Thanks Todd!
I've seen about 80 concerts. Saw Rundgren's Utopia prog band when I was a kid in about 1974. To this day, one of the top ten best concerts I've ever seen.
After listening to the horrific story of Steven Tyler from Julia Holcomb - Liv is lucky to have had an awesome Dad, because of Tyler would've known from early on them it's possible that Liv not her mother would even have survived it - so thank goodness for Liv's real Dad Todd Rundgren, the one who showed up, the one who cared & loved her as much as she clearly was. 🙏🏼
is your dad mickey mouse
@@AlreadyShort - Bugs Bunny actually, same genre only funnier.
@@AlreadyShort Mickey Muse
@@AlreadyShort Is your dad Pee Wee Herman?
The album was called No World Order, not New World Order. Watched a video of him talking about how he loved Major 7th chords, so I'm going to learn how to play piano and learn nothing but Major 7ths so I can play "A Dream Goes On Forever." Rock on, Todd.
Find his "Wailing Wall" on the Ballad of Todd Rundgren album and learn that one 1st. It's easy and it lays under the hands naturally, if you're playing the piano. You can literally see the M7 chords and suspensions, and the rest will come quickly. I heard Wailing Wall back in '70 or '71 and simply noodled it out until got it right. It dznt hurt that it's written in the key of C. There ARE Todd songbooks out there, btw. Bearsville publishing?
I saw Todd and Utopia at San Diego State in the early 80's. I was in the Navy at the time. They opened for the Tubes. What a show!!!
Prairie of the Tubes has been drummer for Todd for decades
Todd Rundgren killed Shaun Cassidy's music career. And for that I am ever grateful.
Hahaha
Was the complete high point of his career and the only thing he did I care to hear to this day...
How did he do that?
Todd was very unique for hollywood and or musicans in that he took responsibility for his or steven tyler's child. Plus his Something / Anything was amazing.
I always thought she looks more like him than Steven Tyler !!
@@karin9788AGREED!
"A WIZARD A TRUE STAR " is one of my favorite Todd Rundgren works. I loved his " sounds of the studio " off "Something Anything " Todd truly is "A WIZARD A TRUE STAR " .
I still have the albumn! Love it
One of his major accomplishments, not mentioned here, was producing "Bat out of Hell" for Meatloaf and Jim Steinman.
I think he sang background also.
Hot summer night
you think that's all he produced that wasn't mentioned here? how about Hall & Oates, the Tubes, and XTC's 'skylark'/they're highest selling album...and andy partridge pretty much HATED todd...but andy, while also a genius, is emotionally underdeveloped...i'm sure there's a long list of other people Todd's produced but i'm running out of virtual ink...
Just heard him last night in Lauderdale at the Hard Rock with Daryl Hall. Great show
I saw Todd @Wolman skating rink in Central Park Rica 1976. Festival seating. We sang on the cut off Todd, The Sons Of 1984. That was a great time!
Oh damn, I saw so many great concerts there. Great times
The Schaefer Music Festival. The tickets were $1.50 and $2.00 to see the best live music possible!!! What a great time to be a New Yorker.
That show was a blast! Such camaraderie in the audience. You left Wolman Rink feeling a vital part of a unified humanity.
@@bethleinicke9189 Every show was so much fun. Many times I didn’t buy a ticket and would just hang around and sit on the grass outside. A great time
I was there too, but I think it was 1974 or ‘75. Unforgettable. I also remember “Something’s Coming,” from West Side Story, that great cover he used to do.
i suppose everyone knows he produced the most '70's of rock albums- Bat Out Of Hell, and was later a member of the Cars while Ocasek was on sabbatical... i do believe his indifference to the rock hall is real, and love that he got in anyway. mind you, i always thought that's why King Crimson didn't get in- Fripp was indifferent... the idea that a new york animal like Rundgren is chilling Hawaiian style is awesome... the man earned it.
Not "The Cars" but "The NEW Cars"
Kasim Sulton is my hero.
That being said I remember a very popular song entitled "I'm an adult now" by "The Pursuit of Happiness". It was good but I didn't think much about it. A few weeks later I visited some friends and they put on the CD. As soon as the song "She's so young" came on I immediately asked if this was a new Todd Rundgren band? The next morning I was looking at the liner notes and found out he was the producer. This song in particular screams Todd Rundgren with his distinctive chord changes. Todd always had very distinctive chords...Kasim calls them Todd chords.
@Sentry Samith, thanks for the tip. i'm going to hear "She's so young" and figure out what "Todd chords" are
TPOH are great and they’re from Toronto so they opened for Todd on the Nearly Human show here when it came through town. It was at Roy Thomson Hall which is the home of the Toronto Symphony - not your typical rock venue. Really amazing show.
Loved Kasim’s singing voice and bass playing .
With no intended discredit to Todd Rundgren's other work I especially like his Utopia work-because I tend to favor music with a more progressive bent. The musicianship and songwriting are amazing.
I'm surprised that Todd Rundgren producing Grand Funk Railroad's _We're An American Band_ is unmentioned in the video.
He produced a lot of bands not mentioned in the video.
How about Bat Out of Hell?
he practically rearranged and directed the songs that became the icons they are now
I didn 't know that
I’m surprised those two things, and any info on The Nazz wasn’t brought up either.
This man is one of the real few genius of rock! I follow him by 1976..he wrote a lot of fantastic songs.
Kind of strange that this bio didn't mention his band Utopia.
I think Utopia was the band he had when I saw him live in the early 70s. Great band!
@@gmatt200 There have been a couple of major versions of Utopia. The first album he made calling the band Utopia was in 1974, so if it was before that, the musicians were probably not the guys in Utopia. After that, very likely. He did a fair amount of concerts without Utopia over the years, too.
It's a pretty low rent, minimum research kind of video!
My favorite stage dancer. He’s so intriguing to watch. I can’t say enough about his musical genius talent so I won’t bother. No one can. It’s beyond comprehension ❤
I love everything about Todd Rundgren. I've been listening to him since the 70s. His songs are still good even for today.
Absolutely nothing about him producing Meat Loaf's "Bat out of Hell" album.
Nobody wants to be associated with that
Maybe people knew he did this is called untold truth of Todd Rundgren
@@thespicemelange.1 50 million copies & counting.
@Donde Merlin 50 million copies & counting.
Or producing Badfinger's "Straight Up" album including "Baby Blue."
Todd Rundgren has been a simple, humble man in his life. He has the most unique voice and he was/is the best at what he does. He deserves the respect and recognition he should have gotten from day one. His intelligence is undeniable. Thank you Todd. I love you. You gave/give me hope and Hello it’s Me. One of my favorites.
I had the pleasure of meeting Todd last year through a mutual friend. He's just as real as you and I and it was truly wonderful to be able to thank him for producing records for friends of mine. After all that's been said and done it's just a man and he knows it so he's very humble.
The First Utopia album is one of the greatest rock and roll albums ever made and Acapella is one of the most original and innovative. Mad respect for Todd.
Two of my favorites too! Lost Horizon OMG...
That Acapella tour was great!!! 🎶
@@bungalowmo Hey Mo! LOL
Regarding A Cappella, I recall an interview with Todd around the time of its release and tour, where he talked about the song Lost Horizon from that album having been written, lyrics and melody in a lucid dream. Trippy genius, Todd.
i'm really glad SOMEone mentioned Acapella...nice choice.
I love Lennon, and he was a musical genius, but not as much as Todd Rundgren. PERIOD.
Can't compare strawberries to oranges!
lennon sucks
I remember. Friend buying the First Nazz record
I remember him from the Nazz days in the 60's in Philly -- truly a wizard!
I didn't know that he raised Liv Tyler wow!!👍
Really?
Whoah i also never knew he raised Liv Tyler too...pretty kool..
@@Rikk_Klaww777 Hi Rikk I know cool but how did we miss that one right!!✌
@@lisakvieira9201 hi Lisa...exactly...just goes to show how much of a man Todd really is. He really stood up to the role and earned his accolade from Liv.!..👍🤘🤘🤘🤘
@@Rikk_Klaww777 Hi Rikk, she gas said, Liv that she's very close with him and of course Steven Tyler, so look at it like this she is blessed to have 2 dads in her life, that's cool!!✌
I wonder if they did a paternity test cause now I look at Todd I can see liv in him !
I always thought Liv looked like Todd instead of Steven
In the video of hello its me where he's in costume and sitting at the piano you can definitely see the resemblance
A Wizard, A True Star was one of the greatest albums I've ever heard. I like to listen to it from start to finish over and over again.
Me too!!❤❤❤
This is great. Fan since the early '70s.
The bit about The Fool SG was pretty awesome. I saw that Midnight Special offering where he's playing it for Black Mariah (then a piano for Hello Its Me). This was like '73 and viewed here since. Loved viewing this but while i loved Cream, i didn't know the guitar was originally EC's until later.
Story was the 'repair' involved grafting new wood from the neck to the headstock to replace wood that had rotted away.
Could be wrong but recall reading the guitar was sold to pay a debt to the IRS. Nice he had a spare :)
also, wasn't he and a girl friend robbed during the 'mink hollow' days ? Guys were looking for drugs, didn't find any so took jewelry and cash instead. Luckily, they weren't hurt.
A great composer, singer, guitarist with a personal touch, performer. A musical genius with a talent out of this world. I love him
I just always enjoyed the fact that Todd's creativity is based primarily on doing what he wanted to do without much real concern for commercial viability. That is the definition of an artist!
I grew up in Clifton heights..Upper Darby .. with Mr. Rundgren & His Family. I hope he is well.
There would never have been a first Meatloaf album had it not been for Todd Rundgren.
Hey you spelled Runderman wrong...
@@patriley5333 I know, you passed the quiz. Good eye.
Any Meatloaf album, most likely.
Don't mean to sound pedantic, but you miss spelled Todd Lundgren. It's amazing how Todd took responsibility for raising Jefferson Aeroplane's Stephen Taylor's 82 year old daughter, actress Liv Ullmann, as his own. Hopefully, after getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - alongside the likes of the Food Fighters, Jay-Y and Lana Turner - Todd can now concentrate on getting back into shape for The Expendables 4!!
@@zimzam1802 Don't mean to sound pedantic, but you misspelled misspelled.
Todd lived near Woodstock NY for dome time in the 80s. He spent s lot of time at Bearsville studio about 2 miles outside the village of Woodstock. I'm from that area. Todd cool in public. They had massive flea markets in the village back then. He liked them. He was skinny. Had a blonde streak in his long hair. Had Chuck Taylor sneakers on. Just rock and roll. I was a preteen. My dad (won't name drop) was in the rock business and knew alot of people. He and todd both had their arms crossed and were just talking. It was a beautiful day! Sun was out. Todd is genuine. He's quirky. Very creative.
From what I have heard from other artists not an easy man to work with, the body of work he produces speaks for itself. A sonic genius and a wizard in the studio (no pun intended) his work as a producer is amazing. Listen to XTC "SkyLarking"- a masterpiece; Rundgren's studio work and arrangements spicing up Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding's brilliant song-writing. The experience of working with Todd was so bad XTC didn't want to work with him again which was a shame.
It was only Andy Partridge who had problems with Todd. The rest of the band have never said anything negative about the experience.
I worked with him for years and he was wonderful to work with. I take umbridge
@@DonMacGillivray Even Partridge reluctantly admitted that Todd had done a brilliant job on Skylarking.
@@antoniosoul Yes he did
@@shandisinnamon4170 The work you did with him is both wonderful and timeless!
Loved the Nazz, Under the Ice remains one of my favorite songs ever. Girl's parents telling them not to date me usually helped. Think I am seeing him soon w Daryl Hall
That was a “B” side of a 45 . I think it was “Not wrong long” on the green & yellow SCG? Correct me if I’n wrong!
Liv looks just like Todd. I saw him in Denver at the Ogden Theater in 1994. His show was a blast.
I agree. She resembles him greatly.
"Thanks 4 THIS!" - Said the Old Man 1990 Graduate of The Berklee College of Music" - And HUGE Fan of A WIZARD! - A TRUE STAR !!! 🙂
I wish he had been the speaker the year I graduated! - We got George Benson, though! - So I can't complain! LOL
Todd's music has gotten me through some bad breakups. I love his music so much.
1969 I was born & Loved Hello it Me. I thought The Radio Sang Hello It's Me. Till my Mom let me watch Todd Rundgren Sing on Tv.! I'll always Love Hello its Me.! 💝😊👍🇺🇲
I wound up in the DJ seat for a small informal gathering, and so I conducted an experiment. I stacked up some fave Rundgren rock albums; Wizard, Todd, Another Live, No World Order, Liars... I played through this stuff, and every so often I was asked, "Who is this?" It got to the point where when asked that question again, when I said, "Todd Rundgren", and the man said, "What's wrong with him? Why haven't I heard of him?" Needless to say, a couple hours of music went by without any complaints.
Still LOVE the second Nazz album. Nazz Nazz is awesome. Nazz 3 was gonna be a 2 record set, but when Todd left the band, the rest of the band took out all his songs and made it a single disc (at least that's how I understand it).
Nazz Nazz on red vinyl!!
I like some of his stuff! I liked his 1970 song " _We Got To Get You A Woman_ " he went under the band name *RUNT.*
But he plays all the instruments and does all the vocals. He is a good producer. Just listen to *Badfingers* " _Straight Up"_ Album from 1971.
*Todd Rundgren* produced almost the entire album. *George Harrison* produced a few songs as well and did a great job as well.
Patti Smith gave him that nickname.
In 74' my friends and I saw Todd play at the University of Memphis.
University center ballroom.. I was there too. 👍
@@halbutler4059 back when it was Memphis State
Saw him at the Orpheum, in April '74!
Todd produced XTC’s album Skylarking, that alone makes hi a genius.
Gotta love Todd! I have a friend in college who used to babysit his kids when they lived in Woodstock NY. She spoke very highly of him and his family.
It's ironic that he was inducted into the Hall of Fame the same year as Carole King.
In my opinion, Todd,s music was ahead of its time. I remember those days well. I remember thinking, wow! Now that's different from anything out there. And I like the hell out of it.
My favorite Rundgren album was RA. I saw him do the concert tour for this at NORTH HALL AUDITORIUM in Memphis,TN around '77-ish?...can't recall exactly when it came out. I think MANFRED MANN was the warm up band. I was in total awe.
I always adored him. He was way
ahead of his time. He remains
an enigmatic , fascinating and
esoteric soul. A born erudite.
From Sara Saintclair- Westbrook
Loved him since the 70's in Cleveland where Back to the Bars was largely recorded. Just saw him again in Seattle with Daryl :)
He and Daryl sounded great!❤
I am surprised by how much I enjoyed this video. "Hello, It's Me" was one of the songs that typified my generation. I always thought him a cool guy. Thank you.
He’s a Wizard. A true star.
I couldn't have said it better!
Agree 100%
Todd's music has aged well. I appreciate it now even more after 40 years.
Todd and his wife own a restaurant in Hawaii and was featured on Guy Fieri's DDD.
Oh man I have to see that episode
Evidentially this guy is a genius with music and technology. Love his music.
One of the biggest reasons I love him is for being Liv Tyler's dad❤
went to buy a Joni mithchell LP "Blue".. got to the till to pay, the boy at the record store said you can get this one, but I highly suggest you will like this one forever.
It was A wizard a true star. bought it, . although I was already a todd fan, I continued to buy every recording he ever made. Genius guy. saw him live 3 times. One of the concerts he was experimenting with live connection to the internet. Virtual streaming. every song, every album, no matter how long ago.....Todd is Godd. That's what the guy at the record store said. BTW, I did also buy the Joni "Blue" album. and every other recording she ever made.
Now more than ever, turn it up!
I wonder what that girl who broke off with him thought when his music started playing on the radio, particularly “Hello, it’s me.”
Total Underated Genius! The same guy who gave us the best song of all time "Bang The Drum All Day" also bubblegum "Hello It's Me", "We Gotta Get You A Woman", progressive rock like "Something /Anything", "A Wizard", "Utopia", plus Beach Boys Good Vibrations cover, Beatles Sgt Pepper cover. On and on. I have a theory he cranked out bubblegum hits as per the studio directive but his real.motive was using that money to finance his progressive stuff. Genius!
Never thought him as “ bubble gum “. That’s insulting as hell.
@@jackwezesa1081 not meant as an insult. Consider decaf bro. Rundgren is a genius, he could do anything he wanted to. Have you listened to "Hello it's me"? Do you call that hard rock? Progressive rock? In your words, please describe the genre.
He's an amazing man!!! He has a really big hurt inside of him....we should all love everything this man has accomplished ❤️
Todd is the single greatest musician ever!
quite possibly
Agree 100%
Obviously, somebody here doesn't know anything about Todd.
yes probably the only person of a similar level is or rather was Prince
I met Todd's son Keoni and a cousin while hiking around Kauai. I was alone and they were some of the friendliest people I've ever met!! It was getting late and the path up was super muddy, so they helped me up a shortcut with a rope up the hill. They even brought me over to their place for a bit, gave me some good food and showed me a video on "fierce vulnerability." Keoni said he appreciated my vulnerability, having been exploring as I was on my own and sharing about my divorce, at the time. He is quite a musician and writer. Meeting them and visiting at their place was one of the most amazing and flattering experiences I've had. They even gave me a ride back where I was staying. I was mostly clueless about Todd Rundgren at the time, but I genuinely appreciate him after having met some of his family and seeing their home. It was gorgeous!!!