The "almost" official blog for everything Todd Rundgren Related........................................................................................................................................................................... Please visit the sister facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Ma4utopia?ref=hl
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Utopia's Todd Rundgren Comes Home to Upper Darby
http://www.mainlinetoday.com/Blogs/StageSide/November-2011/Utopias-Todd-Rundgren-Comes-Home-to-Upper-Darby/index.php?cparticle=1&siarticle=0#artanc
When hometown boy Todd Rundgren returns to his old stomping grounds in Upper Darby to play the Tower Theater on Nov. 19, he will not bring his usual bag of tricks. In fact, Rundgren doesn’t do anything “usual.” Ever.
This show will definitely be for the hardcore Todd-heads and Utopians. No “Bang the Drum All Day.” (Don’t dare yell it out, either, or you will be mocked!) No “Hello It’s Me.” No “Love Is the Answer.” No most of the songs you know. Instead, this two-hour performance is a re-creation of the first two Utopia albums from the early to mid-’70s.
This tour is decidedly not for the uninitiated, but it's a true treat for those who have followed the “Todd Is God” philosophy since the early days. With the formation of Utopia, Rundgren took his pop leanings and made a progressive turn. Equipped with three keyboardists, he pushed the limits of song length, rivaling Yes. And so, Utopia's 1974 album stretched the seams of how much music can fit on vinyl.
This project came about as a benefit concert in New York for original Utopia electronic keyboardist “Moogy” Klingman (as in Moog synthesizer). Earlier this year, other original Utopia members like drummer Kevin Ellman got together—for the first time in more than 30 years—to raise money for Moogy’s cancer treatments. They had such a good time that they decided to take it on the road. The plan was for Moogy to join them, but, unfortunately, he’s been too ill to perform.
I recently spoke to longtime Utopia bassist, vocalist and keyboardist Kasim Sulton. Although he wasn’t a member of Utopia until 1976, he joins this tour. His description of the music: “Rush meets the Beatles.” In addition to Todd Rundgren's Utopia, the album Another Live will be performed, plus a touch of West Side Story and a cover of “Do Ya,” which was originally done by the pre-ELO band, the Move. (Listen to my interview with Sulton at wmgk.com.)
The rehearsals are done, the music is challenging, and the band is having lots of fun. It promises to be magnificent for those tried-and-true Rundgren fans, and it will be especially sweet since it's both the last show of this tour and in Rundgren’s home burg.
But remember! Don’t go if you expect to hear anything else but these two albums. You won’t.
SHOW INFO
Where: Tower Theater, 69th and Ludlow streets, Upper Darby.
When: Nov. 19, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $112-$374. Visit livenation.com.
When hometown boy Todd Rundgren returns to his old stomping grounds in Upper Darby to play the Tower Theater on Nov. 19, he will not bring his usual bag of tricks. In fact, Rundgren doesn’t do anything “usual.” Ever.
This show will definitely be for the hardcore Todd-heads and Utopians. No “Bang the Drum All Day.” (Don’t dare yell it out, either, or you will be mocked!) No “Hello It’s Me.” No “Love Is the Answer.” No most of the songs you know. Instead, this two-hour performance is a re-creation of the first two Utopia albums from the early to mid-’70s.
This tour is decidedly not for the uninitiated, but it's a true treat for those who have followed the “Todd Is God” philosophy since the early days. With the formation of Utopia, Rundgren took his pop leanings and made a progressive turn. Equipped with three keyboardists, he pushed the limits of song length, rivaling Yes. And so, Utopia's 1974 album stretched the seams of how much music can fit on vinyl.
This project came about as a benefit concert in New York for original Utopia electronic keyboardist “Moogy” Klingman (as in Moog synthesizer). Earlier this year, other original Utopia members like drummer Kevin Ellman got together—for the first time in more than 30 years—to raise money for Moogy’s cancer treatments. They had such a good time that they decided to take it on the road. The plan was for Moogy to join them, but, unfortunately, he’s been too ill to perform.
I recently spoke to longtime Utopia bassist, vocalist and keyboardist Kasim Sulton. Although he wasn’t a member of Utopia until 1976, he joins this tour. His description of the music: “Rush meets the Beatles.” In addition to Todd Rundgren's Utopia, the album Another Live will be performed, plus a touch of West Side Story and a cover of “Do Ya,” which was originally done by the pre-ELO band, the Move. (Listen to my interview with Sulton at wmgk.com.)
The rehearsals are done, the music is challenging, and the band is having lots of fun. It promises to be magnificent for those tried-and-true Rundgren fans, and it will be especially sweet since it's both the last show of this tour and in Rundgren’s home burg.
But remember! Don’t go if you expect to hear anything else but these two albums. You won’t.
SHOW INFO
Where: Tower Theater, 69th and Ludlow streets, Upper Darby.
When: Nov. 19, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $112-$374. Visit livenation.com.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
NEWS FLASH ...TR's Utopia tour changes.. Moogy's Health
"There has been a change to the line up of the for the Todd Rundgren's Utopia tour that is about to start. Due to Moogy Klingman 's health concerns he will not be playing the entire tour, as the travel may take too much of a toll on his well being. He will be playing the 3 NYC area shows- Westbury, Peekskill & Englewood. We will miss Moogy on the road but understand that his health must be his first priority."
Monday, October 31, 2011
Interview: TR Talks Utopia reunion
Exclusive Interview: TODD RUNDGREN talks UTOPIA reunion with Examiner Ray Shasho
Ray Shasho, Bradenton Classic Rock Music Examiner
Posted: 10/30/2011 10:31 PM
http://m.examiner.com/exStPetersburg/db_/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=nxpRPFiT&full=true#display
Ray Shasho, Bradenton Classic Rock Music Examiner
Posted: 10/30/2011 10:31 PM
http://m.examiner.com/exStPetersburg/db_/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=nxpRPFiT&full=true#display
Sunday, October 30, 2011
PPV : TR'S UTOPIA show in Peekskill NY
The Todd Rundgren's Utopia concert in Peekskill NY will be available as a VIDEO ON DEMAND via Nevessa Productions! Details coming soon!
winner is ..............
the person lives in or around MILFORD PENN. and IP address starts with 24.102 i have some other information that can be answered pretty easy . just email me at ma4utopia@gmail.com to confirm if your the winner.
please make sure to send me the complete IP address by using the web site i have supplied previously. CONGRATS..
please make sure to send me the complete IP address by using the web site i have supplied previously. CONGRATS..
We should have a winner today ... 200,000th visitor
Looks like today I will have the 200,000 visitor to the TR Arena blog. That person will win a T-Shirt and button from http://www.toddstore.com/ I will post part of IP address and the town of the 200,000 person to visit the site. Then please email me at ma4utopia@gmail.com with your full ip address and your name and i will contact you then. ( this can be attained by visiting this site http://www.find-ip-address.org/) GOOD LUCK !!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
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.
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.
1 good Ticket available for Bergen PAC, Englewood, NJ Nov 16
i have a friend that has this ticket available
E107, orchestra center, $72 face value
contact Roy at guitarpeople@verizon.net
E107, orchestra center, $72 face value
contact Roy at guitarpeople@verizon.net
Thursday, October 27, 2011
who will be the 200,000 visitor to www.toddrundgrenarena.blogspot.com
with an average of 300+ visitors a day it will probably be only 3 -4 days till someone becomes the 200,000 visitor to this blog. That fortunate person will win a Todd Rundgren tshirt and button for www.toddstore.com
Cool cover version of the Nazz's ... Back of Your Mind and Open my Eyes
Spanish neo-psych band STAY rip into a Nazz/Todd Rundgren track in a one-take studio rehearsal.
One-man band Jay Tausig rips into a Todd Rundgren original from the sixties, taken from Todd's early days with The Nazz - powerful stuff!
One-man band Jay Tausig rips into a Todd Rundgren original from the sixties, taken from Todd's early days with The Nazz - powerful stuff!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Concert Poster Available for purchase
11x17 color matt print with 1/4 inch white border. Will customize to your show location if desired. $25 + $5 s/h in U.S. via paypal to 4moogy@toddata.com
RundgrenRadio replay of Moogy interview
Listen to internet radio with Rundgren Radio on Blog Talk Radio
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
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