Todd Rundgren and Utopia perform at Sunrise Theatre in Fort Pierce Nov. 3

Todd Rundgren and Utopia perform at Sunrise Theatre in Fort Pierce Nov. 3
By Curt Devine Special to Treasure Coast Newspapers
TCPalm
Posted October 26, 2011 at 8:23 p.m.

http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2011/oct/26/todd-rundgren-and-utopia-perform-at-sunrise-in-3/

Todd Rundgren and the original members of the 70s rock band Utopia will perform at the Sunrise Theatre in Fort Pierce on Nov. 3, reuniting on tour after more than three decades apart.

The show begins at 7 p.m. and tickets cost $39 or $49 for front section seating.

Blending elements of rock, funk, jazz and electronica, Utopia released two diverse albums in 1973 and 1975, helping to define the progressive-rock genre. The members gradually disbanded in 1975.

Frontman Todd Rundgren, known for solo hits "I Saw The Light" and "Hello It's Me," said he had considered for years doing a reunion tour with Utopia, but the five members could not align their schedules.

When original keys-player Mark "Moogy" Klingman was diagnosed with cancer last year, Rundgren and the others decided to cancel their projects and support their friend with a reunion tour.

"The rock gods really brought us back together," Rundgren said.

He said this tour should offer fans something unique because the songs will be played in their original form, but two special guests will add to the sound.

The band will use some vintage equipment and some modern, digital amps and effects pedals, making Utopia's sound crisper than before, Rundgren said.

"We have a few kinks to work out after not playing together for 35 years, so we still need some practice," he said, "but fans should be excited."

Utopia performed two reunion shows in January at the Highline Ballroom in New York.

Rundgren said that when tickets sold out both nights, he knew Utopia needed to do a full U.S. tour.

"This is really just friends having fun together," he said. "We're glad we get to do it one more time."

Utopia will play 12 dates on this tour, beginning in Hollywood, Fla. on Nov. 2 and then moving up the East Coast.

As a musician, songwriter, producer and computer software developer, Rundgren has worked with such musicians as Patti Smith, Cheap Trick, Psychedelic Furs, Meatloaf, XTC, Grand Funk Railroad and Hall And Oates.

On many of his solo albums, such as "Something/Anything," Rundgren wrote, recorded, produced and distributed the music by himself, often using new technology and innovative approaches.

Despite his rock-star persona, Rundgren, 63, now views himself as a family man, prioritizing relationships over his music.

"I've had a long career with success here and there, but now I focus on spending time with the people that matter most to me," he said.