song.. I have listened to every song Todd has written. Such beautiful songs, 100 times better.. no one ever gave him a real Chance to Express these songs in Public. I once called a Radio Station, and requested a song from the then NEW Album " No World Order" they played "Hello It's Me" Format Dead.. No FM Freedom..down the Tubes
Gosh! Todd's voice sounds incredible! Very rare. so many singers burn out their voices and become a shell of their former genious. Not the case here, so glad to see!
Thanks for posting this.....Todd is gonna be on Letterman Dec.22nd 2008. I have to DVR it as I'll be seeing him live in Sellersville, PA that night and New Year's Eve in Philly!!!! Tune into Letterman on 12/22/08 folks!!!
Todd let's go back to the 70s / I was only 3 when this song was performed by you / To be honest with you I really didn't know you until you appeared singing this on my cell phone /It was 1973 and you were major great looking (attractive ) Eye Candy / Which made this song so much more better / Now I cant stop watching your awesome video of you in that amazing costume with butterfly lashes / Todd your so talented and I feel like I know you now /Then I saw the video of you in a concert in 1974 singing (Hello It's Me ) in some chaps 0MG Super Fantastic ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Join the crowd --- I discovered it like 35 years ago and I've been hooked on it also. Add "Love In Action", "You Cried Wolf", and a few other of his gems to that list.
I know Todd hates this song, but I really love it !! The Paul Shaffer Band rocks, they can do about anything ! They really sound good behind him. I got to admit he would look better with more color in his hair and his suits. Love the comment Dave share at end, is it fun now Todd, great!
I really like this song- pity that he doesn't seem to like to play it now. There's a reason that it was popular whay back when....'cause it's great! Good job, Todd!
I love this song. It was popular when I was kid just starting to like rock music in the early 70's. I've always thought that it was a very tender and heartfelt breakup song. Funny thing is I just realized that in the 3rd verse he is basically saying "Yeah, we're breaking up, but what do you think about being Friends with Benefits and the occasional booty call?" Some things are just timeless.
I can't blame him for avoiding this song as much as possible. To be stuck singing the first song you ever wrote for the rest of your career seems like a good definition of Hell to me.
It's not that Todd really HATES this song, or any given song/album in his catalog (well, TEPTAE being maybe an exception in his eyes) but he has said in interviews that he knows the audience expects to hear certain songs but he, Todd, can't do it all the time if he doesn't enjoy doing it. That is why we like Todd. He is wanting to go beyond the norm into new territory!!
Gosh! I haven't heard this song for a long long time! ;) Anyways, this is one of my favorites from the past. My first job in high school back in the early 70's was at a steak and pancake house and someone would come in or maybe lots of people would drop a quarter in the Juke Box and this song would be played all the time. It was in a time when I was feeling good about my life. I get that feeling every time I hear it just like now. It's a FEEL GOOD SONG. *Smooch to Todd* for that.
It's not that he dislikes performing this, or any of his songs, it's just that he has said in effect that he has to enjoy performing a song for him to sing it and after he had played Hello It's Me for like 1,000 times plus, he has said he needed to give it a rest for awhile live so he can come back to it with fresh eyes so to speak
If you'd been singing the same song over and over for 35 years you might be bored with it too. Also, It's a song about the angst of young love, recorded when Todd was an age-appropriate 24. He sang it on Letterman at age 60, and presumably has outgrown the song's message. In contrast, Sinatra recorded the life-retrospective song "My Way" at age 54. "Hello It's Me" is nostalgic but it just doesn't fit a 60-year-old Todd Rundgren. At least he got his teeth fixed since 1973.
As any fan knows, since 1989 Todd's performed an upbeat shuffle version of "Hello, It's Me." He wanted to do that version on this broadcast, but was over-ruled by Paul Schaeffer (probably at Letterman's behest), who wanted to hear it performed in its hit recorded style. Schaeffer listened to the Something/Anything? recording and copied the Todd/Moogy-charted arrangement (including exact horn licks and vocal harmonies). Maybe that's why Todd complains to Letterman about the performance.
Sure I'll be at the Painted Bride on NYE!!! I've only been bugging the powers that be to bring him home to Philly so I can take a break and not have to travel so far to see him for a change. The last NYE show I saw was when Deface the Music came out with Todd and Utopia in 1980 at the Tower Theater in Upper Darby,PA. I gave up going to watch Bowie do the Elephant Man on Broadway to go see Todd. Tix were only $10 back then!!! How will I know you on NYE???
@mojorisen74 Todd made a remark about this song during a concert some years ago. Someone kept shouting "Todd...Hello It's Me' during breaks in his performance. He said, "do you know how many ppl come up to me & say "hey Todd, hello, it's me...haha...get it...hello it's me...get it Runt"? He ALWAYS does this song, whether he likes to do it or not. Fans come first for him...a wizard, a true star, that's what Todd Rundgren is:)
Whatever his many flaws and successes, Rundrgren was put on this earth to write/sing "Hello It's Me." It is his most heartfelt song. Have the LP AND the NAZZ version.
@smotnick - Oh yeah, definitely! My point though is that of the two songs, "Friends" seems to capture a specific emotional melancholy, present at the time of his breakup with Bebe Buell in 1978. I see however, that he's been having some creative fun on "Live From Daryl's House", those collaborations (especially the one from Kauai!) are filled with positive vibes all around...
@journeymusic Mostly, although I believe side four of Something/Anything (in which this song resides) is a live in the studio session, or at least made to sound like one.
He must be very trusting of the guys backing him up; I wouldn't be able to handle not playing an instrument on a song that I wrote. lol very cool though!
@slipstick99 Of course I have. But I retract what I said about "LIght," a very good song but it is not quite the stature of "Hello, It's Me." "Can We still be Friends?" is great too, coming at the tail-end of his firts and best creative phase in the 70s before he founded Utopia. However, Rundrgren hit his peak in 1972. It was a tough act to follow.
He does it on purpose, lol!!!! Haven't you ever seen Todd on Letterman before. They banter and joke like this all the time........ I've been to three of his shows this year so far, and his new CD, ARENA, kicks ass. Not bad for someone who's 60 years old!!! He's still HOT as SHIT!!!!
He was a sort of child genius...(played all the instruments) and had the LIGHT back then in the 70s. It is obvious he is straining in 2005...with the voice and gestures....he doesnt seem to OWN the song, anymore...
@smotnick I found this song but with a band intro where they start it and stop it then go into the song and even ends with the band stopping instead of fading out. Was that on the NAZZ album? Its really cool because this is a wonderful timeless song that almost sounds ethereal but is actually recorded as a full band performance!
@smotnick - I respectfully disagree. Have you listened to "Can We Still Be Friends"? Sure, this is a fantastic Rundgren track, but "Friends" makes this one pale in comparison...
This is embarassing, compared to the original video. What's with the jestures? Is he singing to deaf people? It would be so much better if he acted sad...no? Love the instrumentals, tho.
What a shitty version of a great song. Schaefer''s piano misses the point -there is no emotion or subtlety in Todd's singing here. The whole thing is jazzed up -rather than R&Bish.
One of the Greatest Rock Ballads ever recorded. Period. Never gets old.
song.. I have listened to every song Todd has written. Such beautiful songs, 100 times better.. no one ever gave him a real Chance to Express these songs in Public. I once called a Radio Station, and requested a song from the then NEW Album " No World Order" they played "Hello It's Me" Format Dead.. No FM Freedom..down the Tubes
wow his voice is better than ever he is a god
Still one of the greatest songs ever! Todd gives another great performance. Thank you for posting.
Gosh! Todd's voice sounds incredible! Very rare. so many singers burn out their voices and become a shell of their former genious. Not the case here, so glad to see!
Love love love this song. This and "I Saw the Light" are two of the best songs ever.
I love todd rundgren...so talented, who do I have to pay to be his backup singer????
Good Lord...Todd you used to own this song...you lost it son...still love you baby...
Gemma
Thanks for posting this.....Todd is gonna be on Letterman Dec.22nd 2008. I have to DVR it as I'll be seeing him live in Sellersville, PA that night and New Year's Eve in Philly!!!!
Tune into Letterman on 12/22/08 folks!!!
Todd let's go back to the 70s / I was only 3 when this song was performed by you / To be honest with you I really didn't know you until you appeared singing this on my cell phone /It was 1973 and you were major great looking (attractive ) Eye Candy / Which made this song so much more better / Now I cant stop watching your awesome video of you in that amazing costume with butterfly lashes / Todd your so talented and I feel like I know you now /Then I saw the video of you in a concert in 1974 singing (Hello It's Me ) in some chaps 0MG Super Fantastic ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Man o Man what a version. Todd lets it all out again. What a performer. Thanks Dave for bringing the best music to late night.
I love your music so much, I haven't heard a song I didn't love! Amazing voice!
Join the crowd --- I discovered it like 35 years ago and I've been hooked on it also. Add "Love In Action", "You Cried Wolf", and a few other of his gems to that list.
I know Todd hates this song, but I really love it !! The Paul Shaffer Band rocks, they can do about anything ! They really sound good behind him. I got to admit he would look better with more color in his hair and his suits. Love the comment Dave share at end, is it fun now Todd, great!
Beautiful. My fav voice in the world, so natural. (It's important to me).
I really like this song- pity that he doesn't seem to like to play it now. There's a reason that it was popular whay back when....'cause it's great! Good job, Todd!
todd rocks the world!
I love this song. It was popular when I was kid just starting to like rock music in the early 70's. I've always thought that it was a very tender and heartfelt breakup song. Funny thing is I just realized that in the 3rd verse he is basically saying "Yeah, we're breaking up, but what do you think about being Friends with Benefits and the occasional booty call?" Some things are just timeless.
I can't blame him for avoiding this song as much as possible. To be stuck singing the first song you ever wrote for the rest of your career seems like a good definition of Hell to me.
greatest singer of all time, i love you TODD
Yeah, I love this performance, all with the band's New York vibe. So nice.
It's not that Todd really HATES this song, or any given song/album in his catalog (well, TEPTAE being maybe an exception in his eyes) but he has said in interviews that he knows the audience expects to hear certain songs but he, Todd, can't do it all the time if he doesn't enjoy doing it. That is why we like Todd. He is wanting to go beyond the norm into new territory!!
ahhhhh one humble kind talented sexy man... was in Greenville sSC and sure enough without this phenomenal tune of all ages!
This is one of the great pop songs in human history. Though, I wish this version would have been just Todd and a piano and a microphone.
Gosh! I haven't heard this song for a long long time! ;) Anyways, this is one of my favorites from the past. My first job in high school back in the early 70's was at a steak and pancake house and someone would come in or maybe lots of people would drop a quarter in the Juke Box and this song would be played all the time. It was in a time when I was feeling good about my life. I get that feeling every time I hear it just like now. It's a FEEL GOOD SONG. *Smooch to Todd* for that.
Todd also mixed,produced & engineered Meatloaf's "Bat out of Hell" album, which is one of my favorites.
Listen to this with no video picture... how could one fault this performance ? It ROCKS.
The first Utopia album (with the eyeball on the cover) rocked.
todd, i saw you last week-you rock my world!
Truly one of the best songs ever written.
Todd is starting to look like Ozzy ! lol That was my first impression when I saw this. His voice still sounds great. luv u Todd
Todd Rundgren: An aging queen
You can tell Paul Schaffer is having a blast preforming this.
It's not that he dislikes performing this, or any of his songs, it's just that he has said in effect that he has to enjoy performing a song for him to sing it and after he had played Hello It's Me for like 1,000 times plus, he has said he needed to give it a rest for awhile live so he can come back to it with fresh eyes so to speak
What a Song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don't forget, kids!!! Todd on Letterman Monday, Dec. 22nd 2008!!!!
I love a lot of his songs in the same way hard to pick just one
Love this song and He still can sing it.. What a talented man. And I am not much on Liberal Letterman either.
As great a love song as has ever been written. Thank you for posting the clip!
If you'd been singing the same song over and over for 35 years you might be bored with it too.
Also, It's a song about the angst of young love, recorded when Todd was an age-appropriate 24. He sang it on Letterman at age 60, and presumably has outgrown the song's message. In contrast, Sinatra recorded the life-retrospective song "My Way" at age 54.
"Hello It's Me" is nostalgic but it just doesn't fit a 60-year-old Todd Rundgren.
At least he got his teeth fixed since 1973.
As any fan knows, since 1989 Todd's performed an upbeat shuffle version of "Hello, It's Me." He wanted to do that version on this broadcast, but was over-ruled by Paul Schaeffer (probably at Letterman's behest), who wanted to hear it performed in its hit recorded style. Schaeffer listened to the Something/Anything? recording and copied the Todd/Moogy-charted arrangement (including exact horn licks and vocal harmonies). Maybe that's why Todd complains to Letterman about the performance.
I believe he played all the instruments on his albums too.
Todd has written 500 songs, he doesn't want to just be known by this one!
Sure I'll be at the Painted Bride on NYE!!! I've only been bugging the powers that be to bring him home to Philly so I can take a break and not have to travel so far to see him for a change. The last NYE show I saw was when Deface the Music came out with Todd and Utopia in 1980 at the Tower Theater in Upper Darby,PA. I gave up going to watch Bowie do the Elephant Man on Broadway to go see Todd. Tix were only $10 back then!!!
How will I know you on NYE???
@mojorisen74 Todd made a remark about this song during a concert some years ago. Someone kept shouting "Todd...Hello It's Me' during breaks in his performance. He said, "do you know how many ppl come up to me & say "hey Todd, hello, it's me...haha...get it...hello it's me...get it Runt"? He ALWAYS does this song, whether he likes to do it or not. Fans come first for him...a wizard, a true star, that's what Todd Rundgren is:)
Whatever his many flaws and successes, Rundrgren was put on this earth to write/sing "Hello It's Me." It is his most heartfelt song. Have the LP AND the NAZZ version.
pushing it here Todd...
He's really really good! ... When he actrally sings the song.
@smotnick - Oh yeah, definitely! My point though is that of the two songs, "Friends" seems to capture a specific emotional melancholy, present at the time of his breakup with Bebe Buell in 1978. I see however, that he's been having some creative fun on "Live From Daryl's House", those collaborations (especially the one from Kauai!) are filled with positive vibes all around...
Rundgren 2012!
I hate to say it, but I have to quickly change this so that my favorite song isn't ruined in my mind forever.
sorry to speculate, but he seems jacked up on something. and he's such a great artist. so amazingly great!
Is that The Hedgehog, Ron Jeremy in the back blowing the horn? He's good, I had no idea!
...True freak genius.
@journeymusic
Mostly, although I believe side four of Something/Anything (in which this song resides) is a live in the studio session, or at least made to sound like one.
He must be very trusting of the guys backing him up; I wouldn't be able to handle not playing an instrument on a song that I wrote. lol very cool though!
@slipstick99 Of course I have. But I retract what I said about "LIght," a very good song but it is not quite the stature of "Hello, It's Me." "Can We still be Friends?" is great too, coming at the tail-end of his firts and best creative phase in the 70s before he founded Utopia. However, Rundrgren hit his peak in 1972. It was a tough act to follow.
Oh, venusgrnys, I wouldn't miss it! I'll be there NYE. Will you? I would like to meet you because it's obvious you're such a fan!
Maybe they feel the same way about the music they like as the same way you feel about Todd Rundgren's music.
This guy can sing..............................
He does it on purpose, lol!!!! Haven't you ever seen Todd on Letterman before. They banter and joke like this all the time........
I've been to three of his shows this year so far, and his new CD, ARENA, kicks ass. Not bad for someone who's 60 years old!!! He's still HOT as SHIT!!!!
Great song and an awsome performer. His improvization is different though.
Well, er...yes... just close your eyes,....it seems to hold though. Once you watch it then its: sorry, Todd.......
He was a sort of child genius...(played all the instruments) and had the LIGHT back then in the 70s. It is obvious he is straining in 2005...with the voice and gestures....he doesnt seem to OWN the song, anymore...
❤️💛💜💙💚🎹💕💛❤💜💙🎹💕🎬🎸🎤⭐🧡🤎TODD RUNDGREN 📻
@smotnick I found this song but with a band intro where they start it and stop it then go into the song and even ends with the band stopping instead of fading out. Was that on the NAZZ album?
Its really cool because this is a wonderful timeless song that almost sounds ethereal but is actually recorded as a full band performance!
This will probably be pulled very soon :(
@innerhappiness Haha,so true!
@trilocan This is one of the more insightful and accurate comments I've seen on RUclips. Awesomely Hilarious!!!!!
check out his production work w grand funk rr.
HOLY SHIT IS THAT RON JEREMY ON TRUMPET AT 0:51>>>>??????????HAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAH
Is that a trumpet or are you just happy to see me :)
Dave asks if it's fun to sing that.
I totally agree. The performance seems off-handed. The gestures are silly.
@camgreer I was thinking the same! haha
trilocan....spoken like a true leno fan. didn't i see you on "jaywalking"?
Nazz are the best!
Todd's startin' to look like Ozzy.
@angelllite I was wondering the exact same thing!
499 sucked...
j/k of course!
Great upload- God Bless you all.
@sdime59 OMG..........LMFAO !!! Good One
@smotnick - I respectfully disagree. Have you listened to "Can We Still Be Friends"? Sure, this is a fantastic Rundgren track, but "Friends" makes this one pale in comparison...
AAfrias, try 1972 in SOMETHING/ANYTHING? AND 1968 with THE NAZZ.
@trilocan No, no, your mistaken, you mean Jay Leno, David Letterman's great.
Band is louder than the vocal
There is nothing wrong with this performance. Give Todd a break!
Indeed. Poor guy who did not age well!
Paul Schaffer throws down in this doesnt he? cool.
Todd HATES doing this song!
@sdime59 Tha'ts what I said! LOL
Whatever, it was unprofessional for him to do so. Any performer owes it to their audience to put forth their best effort.
pulled? why??
Great stuff. Love the song but hate the hair.
Umm, you do realize that he is straight.
Great artist and song but this tempo doesn't serve the song well. Too fast. The easy groove of the song is gone.
This is embarassing, compared to the original video. What's with the jestures? Is he singing to deaf people? It would be so much better if he acted sad...no? Love the instrumentals, tho.
it seems as he did not put his soul into...like his last performances...booo! terrible.
What a shitty version of a great song.
Schaefer''s piano misses the point
-there is no emotion or subtlety in Todd's singing here.
The whole thing is jazzed up
-rather than R&Bish.