BURNING MAN

Todd Rundgren Challenged by the "Exhibitionism That Comes With Performance"

By Lee Zimmerman Wed., Mar. 19 2014 at 10:35 AM        

 

Village Voice

When Todd Rundgren dubbed an early album A Wizard, a True Star it might have seemed somewhat presumptuous at the time, given that his recording career was practically in its infancy. Four decades later, that title has come to sum up one of the most remarkably prolific careers in rock's vast lexicon. In fact, there's little Rundgren hasn't done, whether as a performer, producer, engineer, or video pioneer.
Indeed, since making his bow with his first band, Woody's Truck Stop, in his native Philadelphia and then creeping into the national spotlight with the Nazz, Rundgren has freely delved into a dizzying array of musical pursuits -- from pop to prog, rock to retro, and almost everything in between. He scored hits on his own and produced them for others: Badfinger, Meat Loaf, and Patti Smith, to name only a few. He also helmed the experimental outfit Utopia while occasionally taking the opposite tack as part of Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band.
"The more music you write, the more likely you are to repeat yourself, and that's the actuality for most artists," Rundgren insists. "But I didn't approach music as a performer, which is what lots of other people do. They figure out afterwards what kind of music they want to make."
See also: Todd Rundgren's Summer Camp in the Catskills

Still, at age 65, Rundgren's intents are as ambitious as ever. After a wildly diverse spate of recent releases, with last year's State, he revisited the synthesized setups and exotic experimentation that defined his work with Utopia and selected solo efforts like Individualist and Nearly Human. And yet, after establishing himself with the signature soft-rock style represented in early staples like "Hello It's Me," "I Saw the Light," and "Can We Still Be Friends," he could just as easily have forsaken any attempts at experimentation and reaped the rewards that pop superstardom offered.
"I wanted to do a bit of both and to satisfy myself," Rundgren reflects. "When I got comfortable enough with my so-called solo career, I was immediately wanting to put a band together so I could do the kind of music that bands do, that thing where the responsibility is spread around more, and I could simplify my role in a sense. I'd have that opportunity to perform and develop as a performer in the context where I wouldn't be judged alone for what I'd be doing."
That philosophy has led to the live performances Rundgren is well-known-for -- energetic, occasionally outlandish, and frequently explosive. "I found it was kind of easy for me to develop musical ideas and get them recorded and very difficult for me to take them out on the road and do them in front of people. That was the challenge of my career, because it didn't come naturally to me -- that sort of exhibitionism that comes with performance. If you wanted to do that, you couldn't just stand up there and sound like the Who. You had to be flailing and on the verge of falling over the edge of the stage -- daring behavior to essentially elevate the live experience beyond simply re-creation of the music."
Inevitably, Rundgren admits that there are those who come to hear certain songs, and if he doesn't do them, some may be disappointed. "I realize that I can't [satisfy everyone], and if I try to, it probably doesn't satisfy anyone fully," he maintains. "But I think also I've conditioned at least the hard core of my audience not to have particular expectations when they first see a tour. It doesn't mean I'm not going to change everything we do, but the nature of the show is not necessarily guaranteed, and the only thing I guarantee is that we will put our best effort into it."

Rundgren Hello it's me at Kerry Simon event

A Todd fan graffiti artist

"Todd Who" teaser

A quick look at an upcoming documentary on Todd Rundgren from an Aussie fans perspective.

RundgrenRadio SPECIAL GUEST TAJ MAHAL ON RUNDGRENRADIO.COM TONIGHT TUESDAY 3/11/14!

Be sure to visit www.SpiritOfHarmony.org

RUNDGREN RADIO AIRS TONIGHT 8:30PM ET! WITH SPECIAL GUEST TAJ MAHAL!

SPECIAL GUEST TAJ MAHAL ON RUNDGRENRADIO.COM TONIGHT TUESDAY 3/11/14! We're still on a roll! Tonight, Tuesday 3/11/14 at 8:30pm ET at www.blogtalkradio.com/runt. Henry Saint Clair Fredericks, who goes by the stage name Taj Mahal, is an internationally recognized blues musician who folds various forms of world music into his offerings. A self-taught singer-songwriter who plays the guitar, banjo and harmonica (among many other instruments), Mahal has done much to reshape the definition and scope of blues music during his 40+ year career by fusing it with nontraditional forms, including sounds from the Caribbean, Africa and the South Pacific. You may recall one of Todd's many epic appearances on television when he performed with Taj Mahal and Michele Gray in 1989 on the show Night Music hosted by David Sanborn?  The song was "Never Mind the Why and Wherefore" from the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, H.M.S. Pinafore and they were accompanied by other musicians including Pat Metheny (guitar), Philippe Saisse (keyboards), Christian Marclay (turntables), and host David Sanborn (saxophone).  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m33BXNHIHM Todd also joined Taj onstage on the same show for a rendition of Mahal's "She Caught The Katy". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC1a5UAWIus RUNDGREN RADIO RETURNS NEXT WEEK WITH ANOTHER SHOW! The current plan is to play one of the "The Difference" radio shows Todd used to host back in the 90's but that's subject to change if we get a guest. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM! Check out what RR team member Lyn Veggiegirl Kalnitz has been doing with Todd/Utopia photos! http://instagram.com/rundgrenradio#  SPIRIT OF HARMONY FOUNDATION AUCTION! You can get some COOL Todd/Utopia goods and help Todd's Foundation at the same time!  www.SpiritOfHarmony.org AWATS DVD AVAILABLE FROM Toddstore.com A Wizard, A True Star Live available on DVD and CD!   The DVD/CD coverage is from the first show in Akron, OH.  Doug and Cruisermel give it a TWO THUMBS UP! That's not all you will find either at the Toddstore - they have insane low prices on some great stuff on the sale items page including $4.99 t-shirts from the TR orchestra shows in Rockford that were presented by you know who!  And going retro will be current when you get one of their $5.99 Todd in Cleveland Unpredictable concert shirts from the 2012 shows presented by RR.  They also have some newer AWATS and Todd To The Max shirts available.  Go see it all at www.Toddstore.com   TODD RUNDGREN'S "UNPREDICTABLE" TOUR STARTS THIS MONTH.  TICKETS ON SALE FOR ALL SHOWS ... http://www.rundgrenradio.com/todd-on-tour.html This time Prairie Prince will be joining the band that will also feature Jesse Gress and Kasim Sulton. TOUR DATES/CITIES NOW AVAILABLE FOR RINGO'S ALL-STARR BAND TOUR with TODD RUNDGREN.  TICKETS FOR THE CLEVELAND SHOW GO ON SALE THIS THURSDAY (presale) and FRIDAY (public)! http://www.rundgrenradio.com/todd-on-tour.html GREAT FAN REVIEWS FROM THE KASIM SULTON CONCERT IN CLEVELAND THIS PAST SUNDAY!  NEXT UP:  EVANSTON (Chicago area) TOMORROW NIGHT AT SPACE! The tables have all been sold but there are some limited seating and standing areas still available!  http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3958294 LOOKING FOR OR SELLING TICKETS TO A TODD CONCERT? Let us help if you need some assistance.  We have a nice fan network of buyers and sellers for each show.  We can't guarantee finding you tickets for the sold out shows but we've had much success helping fans with sold out shows in the past.  There is no fee or anything, we just like to help fans connect and help each other.

Rundgren Radio airs TONIGHT. Special guest Gregg Rolie.

Rundgren Radio airs TONIGHT so don't forget . Special guest Gregg Rolie. Show starts at 8:30pm ET at www.blogtalkradio.com/runt

 Gregg Rolie is responsible for co-founding two phenomenally popular, multi-platinum many times over super groups that indeed are, SANTANA and JOURNEY. In 1998, the world class keyboardist-vocalist-producer was inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall Of Fame as part of the original Santana band. In addition to launching- along with Carlos Santana - the

now legendary act, Rolie also co-produced their first four groundbreaking albums.

What’s more, his singing talents will forever be immortalized by his unforgettable lead vocals on classic Santana greatest hits including “Black Magic Woman” “Evil Ways” and the Tito Puente composition “Oye Como Va”.

Au Revoir Simone – “Boiling Point (Todd Rundgren Remix)” (Stereogum Premiere)

Au Revoir Simone – “Boiling Point (Todd Rundgren Remix)” (Stereogum Premiere)

2014/0       

  

Studio wizard Todd Rundgren has made a nice habit of remixing other artists in the last couple of years. Following a surprise Lindstrøm rework, his take on “Elephant” by Tame Impala was the best of the many remixes the band did. Now the psych-pop legend has taken on Au Revoir Simone’s “Boiling Point.” It will appear on the band’s upcoming remix EP, brightness/contrast, along with takes by Étienne Daho and David Lynch, among others. The original was a spacious and pillowy track, but Rundgren rebuilds it into a shimmering and dramatic counterpoint. Listen below and check out the dates for Au Revoir Simone’s tour with Broken Bells.

 

SPECIAL GUEST PAT TRAVERS ON RUNDGRENRADIO.COM TONIGHT TUESDAY 2/25/14!

Be sure to visit www.SpiritOfHarmony.org

RUNDGREN RADIO AIRS TONIGHT 8:30PM ET! WITH SPECIAL GUEST PAT TRAVERS!

SPECIAL GUEST PAT TRAVERS ON RUNDGRENRADIO.COM TONIGHT TUESDAY 2/25/14! We're on a roll! Tonight, Tuesday 2/25/14 at 8:30pm ET at www.blogtalkradio.com/runt. Thinking back to his first concert experience, seeing none other than Jimi Hendrix live in Ottawa, Canada back in ’66, it’s no wonder that guitarist Pat Travers took the musical path that he did. Taking inspiration from some of the top players of the day, including said left-handed genius, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck, Travers had already made a name for himself in his teens before joining ’50s rocker Ronnie Hawkins’ band and hitting the road. While this may have been enough for many guitarists, Travers left Hawkins’ band after only a year, ventured out into the unknown and created twenty-five plus years of memorable music along the way. (Dr. Matt Warnock, Guitar International) Pat first performed with Todd on Saturday Night Live for the songs Healer and Time Heals. He recently performed with Todd again during the RR NYE 2013 event after starting the night with Pat Travers Band as support and then joining Todd onstage for a while. RUNDGREN RADIO RETURNS NEXT WEEK WITH ANOTHER ROCK STAR GUEST! Gregg Rolie is scheduled to be on Rundgren Radio next week March 4th!  Gregg Rolie is an American keyboardist, organist, and singer, who is one of the founding members of the bands Santana, The Storm, Abraxas Pool, and Journey, for whom he was the original lead singer.   He is touring again as a member of Ringo's All-Starr Band this year that includes Todd Rundgren. AWATS DVD AVAILABLE FROM Toddstore.com The long awaited A Wizard, A True Star DVD is finally here!   The video coverage is from the first show in Akron, OH.  Doug and Cruisermel give it a TWO THUMBS UP! TODD RUNDGREN'S "UNPREDICTABLE" TOUR ANNOUNCED WITH DATES/CITIES.  TICKETS ON SALE ALREADY FOR MOST SHOWS ... http://www.rundgrenradio.com/todd-on-tour.html This time Prairie Prince will be joining the band that will also feature Jesse Gress and Kasim Sulton. TOUR DATES/CITIES NOW AVAILABLE FOR RINGO'S ALL-STARR BAND TOUR with TODD RUNDGREN http://www.rundgrenradio.com/todd-on-tour.html

Mega concert

http://www.rttnews.com/2273256/alice-cooper-sammy-hagar-and-slash-to-play-all-star-benefit-concert.aspx?type=ent

RA era video ..Kasim: LOVE REUNION

 This is one of the videos that were shown before the start of the RA shows. There were 3 others, One that features Willie called Sweet little Susie(Or something like that), Roger's Pipeline tune and another synthesizer piece. I'm not sure if these were burnt up in the warehouse fire in 1986, but if they were I'll bet Todd would love to get hold of these!

old footage from 1973

Short promo clip, Todd Rundgren live at
Irvine Auditorium, Philadelphia. Super 8 film.
Video copyright George Manney.

RR With Special Guest TODD RUNDGREN 02/18 by Rundgren Radio | Music Podcasts

RR With Special Guest TODD RUNDGREN 02/18 by Rundgren Radio | Music Podcasts

Online Music Radio at Blog Talk Radio with Rundgren Radio on BlogTalkRadio

Rundgrenradio presents Todd Rundgren Feb 18

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

RundgrenRadio.com

8:30pm ET on Tuesday 2/18/14 at www.blogtalkradio.com/runt or RundgrenRadio.com (click on LISTEN LIVE/ARCHIVES on the left menu). Plenty of topics to discuss, Les Paul Award, Vegas charity event, Unpredictable Tour, Ringo's All-Starr Band Tour, LIndstrom, Spirit of Harmony Foundation, AWATS DVD, possibility of more STATE shows, and Mythic Retreat to name a few!

The winner is .......

https://soundcloud.com/fernandoperdomomusic/collide-a-scope-dreaming-in?

Winner of this contest to be announced this tuesday.

http://toddrundgrenstate.com/RemixContest/

Toddstore updates.

Greetings Toddstore Friends ! We are pleased to let you know that Todd will be hitting the road again in March & April for another UNPREDICTABLE Tour ! Tour dates can be found above ! Todd will also be joining Ringo Starr again this summer for a few weeks ..be sure to catch a show ! Tour dates can be found here : Ringo Tour Dates Have you grabbed a LIVE AWATS DVD & CD yet ? We have them available now and are shipping daily ! We have a brand new shirt for you to add to your Todd shirt collection ..this one is really cool..and has that "International Feel " ;) We have them in Unisex short sleeve and Ladies 3/4 sleeve v-neck ! Grab one today so you dont miss out ! Remember to also visit the NEW Utopia Merch website ..bringing back some of your old Utopia faves with a new twist ! Utopia Merch The Toddstore Toddstore Facebook Page

TODD RUNDGREN SOMETHING ANYTHING DELUXE EDITION

TODD RUNDGREN SOMETHING ANYTHING DELUXE EDITION, SLATED FOR RELEASE IN OCTOBER OF 1999 BY RHINO/WARNER BROS, WAS PULLED AT THE LAST MINUTE AS THERE WERE ISSUES WITH COPYRIGHT RELEASE OF SEGMENTS OF THE TODD RUNDGREN RADIO SHOW THAT INCLUDED OTHER ARTISTS. GOT AS FAR AS A TEST PRESS, NOT SURE HOW MANY GOT OUT. FEATURES 7 SEGMENTS FROM RADIO ADS, A DEMO RECORDING OF IT WOULDN'T HAVE MADE ANY DIFFERENCE, THE SINGLE VERSION OF "WOLFMAN JACK" WITH THE WOLFMAN ON VOCALS, AND THE HOUR LONG SPECIAL PRODUCED AND HOSTED BY TODD GIVING A BRIEF HISTORY OF HIS CAREER FROM 1967-1972.
0:00 I SAW THE LIGHT
3:00 IT WOULDN'T HAVE MADE ANY DIFFERENCE
6:50 WOLFMAN JACK
9:46 COLD MORNING LIGHT
13:21 IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO (This is for the Girls)
16:03 SWEETER MEMORIES
19:41 SOUNDS OF THE STUDIO
20:53 BREATHLESS
24:08 THE NIGHT THE CAROUSEL BURNT DOWN
28:37 SAVING GRACE
32:50 MARLENE
36:44 SONG OF THE VIKING
39:19 I WENT TO THE MIRROR
43:25 BLACK MARIA
48:45 ONE MORE DAY (No Word)
52:28 COULDN'T I JUST TELL YOU
56:03 TORCH SONG
58:55 LITTLE RED LIGHTS
1:03:45 SOMETHING
1:04:02 SOMETHING - FAST
1:04:21 SOMETHING - SLOW
1:04:41 SOMETHING(Couldn't I Just Tell You)
1:05:00 SOMETHING (Dramatic)
1:05:15 ANYTHING - DOO WOP
1:05:45 TODD RUNDGREN - BACKWARDS
1:05:48 IT WOULDN'T HAVE MADE ANY DIFFERENCE DEMO
1:09:53 WOLFMAN JACK (Wolfman on Vocals)
1:12:41 OVERTURE - MY ROOTS MONEY, THAT'S WHAT I WANT/MESSIN' WITH THE KID
1:15:11 DUST IN THE WIND
1:19:00 PISS AARON
1:22:36 HELLO IT'S ME
1:27:04 SOME FOLKS IS EVEN WHITER THAN ME
1:31:04 YOU LEFT ME SORE
1:34:18 SLUT
1:38:21 THE TODD RUNDGREN RADIO SHOW

something very rare.

please dont share with the wrong people

Awats remastered vinyl available

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-179615-todd-rundgren-a-wizard-a-true-star-limited-edition-180g-2lp.aspx?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=01-27-14&utm_content&utm_campaign=soundbytes&utm_email_address=GerryNemeth%40comcast.net#.UubhK47vL9M.facebook