"It's important to me, that you know you are free....cause I never want to make you change for me..." It was only when I got older that I realized the truth/wisdom in these words. thanks for the post Todd., take care, Liz
I played this song TO DEATH in 1973-4...Awesome, this was THE Song of 1973 (Believe me I was there for it) The Radio played this like every hour it seems and it NEVER got old!
I was about 5-6 years old and I felt the same way. Even today, I can listen to this song on repeat and not tire of it. Same for the other hit he wrote, Love Is The Answer, made popular by England Dan & John Ford Coley. This song is just amazing and timeleess!
I've gotten to know Todd more as a neighbor than the artist, and it's somewhat strange now to look back at these videos. I remember most of the songs, how he was and how he still carries some of the traits to this day. Reflecting back on all his music, it seems to me that his talent was the centerpiece. Yes, he was "showy" but notice he almost always seems incredibly humble? Almost shy? He still seems so even now. He's a true artist.
Any band on earth would've wanted him as a lead vocalist. A songwriter's dream. He even works the falsetto. He works the piano and sings. He places his consonants and vowels inside of the piano key-work....genius happening. Unreal song.
This song is such a brilliant composition! I never appreciated it until I learned to play it. It takes turns that I'd never expect in a song that sounds so together. It's complex but it sounds straightforward and beautiful. Musical elegance!
i was up late, late, late one night. the rest of the house was quiet and i saw this very episode---i was very young and knew then that this guy was awesome--very talented and different ---genius.
I took this song "for granted" when it came out. Because I was just a kid, and there was tons of great music back in '73! But now when I hear this song, I realize how great it is. Plus, now it evokes nostalgia. All good.
This song has stood the test of time. It was surrounded by so many other great songs back in the day, I kinda "took for granted he was always there." But hearing it now--yup. He created a great song. Well done, Todd!
to all the people who can only judge instead of appreciating what immense talent we see before us. todd rundgren is not only a married man with kids but he raised steven tyler s daughter, liv, as his own when her real pop took a powder..in more ways than one.....a true and real man and human....
Wow what year? 71 or 72..., I don't know much about him except about 6 or 7 songs that played on the radio late 60's or 70's and still these songs bring back good feelings and thoughts, that is great music. I am 52 and now as I get older the great music grew with me. Todd R. - Great...
TR wrote some true classics that seem impervious to time and just glow with melodic brilliance.The "Something/Anything" sessions represent the artist at the peak of his creativity. Thank you for taking the time on this.
Bud Keyes Not only as a gifted musician and songwriter but as a producer as well. He produced Bat Out Of Hell for Meatloaf & Jim Steinman (one of the top selling albums of the twentieth century) and that's only one of many he brought to life.
Totally remember summer days listening to radio and this is such a great song!! (Some people just don't get what the 70's were about..freedom..peace and love..
Oh what a gorgeous man! He has got it all in the way of talent. Close your eyes and open your ears. Then open your eyes and enjoy the performance he has prepared for you.
+Phos.... FourDots Todd Rundgren was so far ahead of his time it is unfathomable for anyone who didn’t grow up with him to even comprehend. And, NO, he neither is nor was ever gay. Born in my hometown, Todd had me at “Hello” when he used to play local, including Jersey Shore, with his band, Nazz. Last time I saw him he was featured on Daryl’s House; however, Daryl thinks so much of him, he flew the whole production crew to Todd’s awesome home in Hawaii, and the show was fabulous. Thank you and God bless you, Phos, for awesome memories of a favorite song, time and place that cannot be understood from the perspective of this era. ~iCiC
Good stuff! Makes me miss being young...lol. Not really, I'm happy with the memories! Just miss hearing his music. Loved seeing this video. I didn't realize he was so into the "Glam".
i love his music and he can sing live without auto tune and play instruments himself---now that's a gift and the voice of a classic rock star....thank u for some beautiful music and songs that make one think......keep on singing
Great vocal on this track. Nice to know Todd can still ruffle some feathers with the way he dressed back then even though it was 40 years ago. Go 70's! Go Todd!
Listen to the song again and watch his facial expressions and the hurt he appears to be having while he's singing. There's a lot there, its genuine. And the costume, well it is back in the day, when it was known as glamour rock. The song almost wants me to call my ex, it that great.
Todd's sexuality has never crossed my mind. Been listening for 40 years and never once thought about it until i read these posts. It just does not matter. The music is timeless.
Ha ha, I remember this performance from when I was a kid. I had saved up my allowance and bought the "Hello It's Me" 45RPM single from Grant's department store. I had know idea who TR was or what he looked like (the cover of "Something/Anything" was no help). It was just a cool song that was on the radio. When I found out that Todd was going to be on Midnight Special, I stayed up to watch the show, and then...this! Boy, was I scared. I was so shocked to learn that this wonderful, melodic song was written by one of those rock and roll freaks that my parents had warned me about. It was probably another ten years before I could go near a Todd Rundgren album again!
Definitely a unique individual a la David Bowie genre, but there's no mistaking his musical craftsmanship. Many know so little about the huge amount of work he did with so many great musicians of that era and even after. (such as MeatLoaf on the Bat Out of Hell album) Hugely underrated, Todd is an all-round great musician. This video is a "lay your head back and relax" smooth tune.
I love what you did with this soundtrack. You have so much experience with this tune that I don't know how I could even compete with you or your brother on a cover.
For those of you interested in what Todd is doing today, check out his sets with Daryl Hall on Yuotube Live at Daryls House. Some great classics brought back to now.
Wardrobe malfunction aside this is a good video of a great song by a talented musician. Brings back lots of great memories of that warm LP sound and real music. They still had the manufactured sound back then but not as prevalent as todays music business.
Thanks...I remember when the studio version was recorded at Agency Recording in Cleveland, took about 20 takes. Back in those times a lot of these guys were eccentric as hell and wore a lot of make up and crazy clothes (Bowie, Lou Reed, Elton John, Freddie and more)
I sometimes perform live to prerecorded tracks as Todd is doing here. I often wondered if others did it and here I see one of the all time greats. Todd is definitely one of the greatest musical influences of mine. I thought the sound quality was a bit brittle. A parametric EQ could pull some of the offensive high end out without muddying up the track. I use cubase 4. Its a great program. Even the inexpensive LE version comes with a lot of plug ins. Thanks for posting.
Todd has taken for granted that you just don't care... Who gives a flyin' flip if he's straight or gay? This song effen ROCKS! He's amazing! THAT'S all that matters.
Todd always wore things that were different,he's NOT gay.Today feathers worn in the hair is the thing! He was just ahead of his time.He is one of the most talented artsts in the industry.Up front and behind the scenes.Go look up his biography,he's awesome! Then and now.
Awesome talent! I always wondered why he didn't tour more... he's been on my bucket list since I was a kid! And regarding aaaredskin's comment.. he is man enough to raise Liv Tyler-who thought he was her dad until her mid-teens!
An awesome song. Reminds me of the 70's too. Some of the greatest rock' n roll made. I miss those days. They were great. Regardless, I think Todd looks hot!
But of course! Todd held a week-long camp-out/fan fest in 2008 at his estate in Hawaii called Toddstock to celebrate his 60th b-day. Did a series of shows which replicated the entire "A Wizard, A True Star" album last fall. He's currently touring with a stripped down 4-piece band behind an album of Robert Johnson cover songs, and will be doing another small tour playing the "Todd" & "Healing" albums later this year. Yeah, he's thriving!
Todd is amazing..A one man band Incredible..To top it off this song is a classic,..and you didnt see talent like this...for all of you that have mixed feelings about him ...try and Respect him as an artist and a talented artist at that...Love this song the words speak to my heart ...Love It !!!!
Great job on the audio-fix!! Was just a kid during this era of music, but brings back alot of memories for me... Agree with the Lady Gaga comment, in that yep in the 70's there were alot of outrageous costumes/artists that have been forgotten about. Also agree with 'Bashing' not cool,, if U dont like -- dont look OR listen... simply Leave the page.
Any way you prefer to put it ..this Man is multi talented .. great writer .. Great musician .. and an all around fantastic humanitarian .. god bless Todd !
Wow, his voice is just stellar in this rendition. Fascinated by this song, even all these decades later.
"It's important to me, that you know you are free....cause I never want to make you change for me..." It was only when I got older that I realized the truth/wisdom in these words. thanks for the post Todd., take care, Liz
I played this song TO DEATH in 1973-4...Awesome, this was THE Song of 1973 (Believe me I was there for it) The Radio played this like every hour it seems and it NEVER got old!
I COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER!!! PLUS, IT WAS MY FIRST YR IN JR. HS. THE 70'S WERE AN AMAZING TIME!
Totally agree Joseph. One of those songs that you never tire hearing, and worth sitting in the car until it's over.
I was in the military,great song,sad memories
True
I was about 5-6 years old and I felt the same way. Even today, I can listen to this song on repeat and not tire of it.
Same for the other hit he wrote, Love Is The Answer, made popular by England Dan & John Ford Coley.
This song is just amazing and timeleess!
Songs don't get much more perfect than this.
I've gotten to know Todd more as a neighbor than the artist, and it's somewhat strange now to look back at these videos. I remember most of the songs, how he was and how he still carries some of the traits to this day. Reflecting back on all his music, it seems to me that his talent was the centerpiece. Yes, he was "showy" but notice he almost always seems incredibly humble? Almost shy? He still seems so even now. He's a true artist.
Any band on earth would've wanted him as a lead vocalist. A songwriter's dream. He even works the falsetto. He works the piano and sings. He places his consonants and vowels inside of the piano key-work....genius happening.
Unreal song.
This song is such a brilliant composition! I never appreciated it until I learned to play it. It takes turns that I'd never expect in a song that sounds so together. It's complex but it sounds straightforward and beautiful. Musical elegance!
i was up late, late, late one night. the rest of the house was quiet and i saw this very episode---i was very young and knew then that this guy was awesome--very talented and different ---genius.
I took this song "for granted" when it came out. Because I was just a kid, and there was tons of great music back in '73! But now when I hear this song, I realize how great it is. Plus, now it evokes nostalgia. All good.
This song has stood the test of time. It was surrounded by so many other great songs back in the day, I kinda "took for granted he was always there." But hearing it now--yup. He created a great song. Well done, Todd!
Love it! 42 years old, and remember liking this since I was 10
to all the people who can only judge instead of appreciating what immense talent we see before us. todd rundgren is not only a married man with kids but he raised steven tyler s daughter, liv, as his own when her real pop took a powder..in more ways than one.....a true and real man and human....
I love this man. I saw him in 1979 with cheap trick eddie money and the cars. I think there was also a group called Roadmaster.... great concert.
He produced several songs on Roadmaster's debut LP in 1976
Simplemente espectacular,,se adelantó a la época de la música y hasta ahora sigue sonando.
Wow what year? 71 or 72..., I don't know much about him except about 6 or 7 songs that played on the radio late 60's or 70's and still these songs bring back good feelings and thoughts, that is great music. I am 52 and now as I get older the great music grew with me. Todd R. - Great...
TR wrote some true classics that seem impervious to time and just glow with melodic brilliance.The "Something/Anything" sessions represent the artist at the peak of his creativity.
Thank you for taking the time on this.
Great Voice Perfect Costume ,Awesome N Talented TODD RUNDGREN 🎹🎤🎬❤
This tune seemed to play the entire last year of my military duty, never tired of hearing it
One of the loveliest songs of the decade, period.
Fearless and brilliant. That alone makes him beautiful.
Rundgren should be in the hall of fame
+O.L. Pritchett Absolutely!
Bud Keyes
Not only as a gifted musician and songwriter but as a producer as well.
He produced Bat Out Of Hell for Meatloaf & Jim Steinman (one of the top selling albums of the twentieth century) and that's only one of many he brought to life.
+O.L. Pritchett So talented he barely had any hits!
+O.L. Pritchett He'l probably get inthere eventually - give it time.
There should be a pattern of stars in the sky called Rundgrenstars named after him.
One of my musical heroes.
Totally remember summer days listening to radio and this is such a great song!! (Some people just don't get what the 70's were about..freedom..peace and love..
Sweet melody. Another song we used to dance by early 70's in garage dance and clubs, paired to the sweetheart girl.
incredibly talented artist
great artist of ALL TIME.
Talent... like beauty is in the eye of the beholder/listener....Nuff Said....
Oh what a gorgeous man! He has got it all in the way of talent. Close your eyes and open your ears. Then open your eyes and enjoy the performance he has prepared for you.
One of the greatest Rock Ballads ever recorded- absolutely great!! Todd is still the man!!
It's a soul record.
Beautuful melody--this song was so big in 1973--he's a great artist!!!
+Phos.... FourDots
Todd Rundgren was so far ahead of his time it is unfathomable for anyone who didn’t grow up with him to even comprehend. And, NO, he neither is nor was ever gay. Born in my hometown, Todd had me at “Hello” when he used to play local, including Jersey Shore, with his band, Nazz. Last time I saw him he was featured on Daryl’s House; however, Daryl thinks so much of him, he flew the whole production crew to Todd’s awesome home in Hawaii, and the show was fabulous. Thank you and God bless you, Phos, for awesome memories of a favorite song, time and place that cannot be understood from the perspective of this era. ~iCiC
This brings tears to my eyes. Even though this song came out a year before I was born, I remember when it was played on the radio constantly.
Good stuff! Makes me miss being young...lol. Not really, I'm happy with the memories! Just miss hearing his music. Loved seeing this video. I didn't realize he was so into the "Glam".
GREAT VOICE!
Still love this song! Awesome!!
Cool, masterful, in time and ahead of his time. Rare performer in music history. Truly unique!
This is my favourite you tube video ever and i love Todd Rundgren.
Thanks so much for posting :)
what a beautiful song, performed by a wonderful and extraordinary musician whom obviously loved to make us feel special. Jon
amazing talent...thanks for sharing
i love his music and he can sing live without auto tune and play instruments himself---now that's a gift and the voice of a classic rock star....thank u for some beautiful music and songs that make one think......keep on singing
this is a bad ass tune.. haunting, reflective
Love it!!❤
Great vocal on this track. Nice to know Todd can still ruffle some feathers with the way he dressed back then even though it was 40 years ago. Go 70's! Go Todd!
Good voice...I also like the lyrics.
Incredible! This is a great tune!! This guy was Elton John before Elton was Elton John. Look at the guy!!
Listen to the song again and watch his facial expressions and the hurt he appears to be having while he's singing. There's a lot there, its genuine. And the costume, well it is back in the day, when it was known as glamour rock. The song almost wants me to call my ex, it that great.
That is real talent right there. Love him.
This is so Awesome! The audio quality is intense for live performances back then. Thank you!
Great talent! Deep feller.
Todd Rundgren is one of the greatest musical talents in American music history!
Todd's sexuality has never crossed my mind. Been listening for 40 years and never once thought about it until i read these posts. It just does not matter. The music is timeless.
What a dynamic time. This should have millions of views.
evocative as hell. this is an amazing piece of work it is so POWERFUL! Thank you Todd!
One of the best songs ever!
Multiplicityme2too yes, it is! Love Todd
This is perfectly beautiful, thank-you Todd. Thanks for the post!
Great voice! Great song! Love the costumes!
Very good song writer and musician been around for alot of years keep going todd!!
Ha ha, I remember this performance from when I was a kid. I had saved up my allowance and bought the "Hello It's Me" 45RPM single from Grant's department store. I had know idea who TR was or what he looked like (the cover of "Something/Anything" was no help). It was just a cool song that was on the radio. When I found out that Todd was going to be on Midnight Special, I stayed up to watch the show, and then...this! Boy, was I scared. I was so shocked to learn that this wonderful, melodic song was written by one of those rock and roll freaks that my parents had warned me about. It was probably another ten years before I could go near a Todd Rundgren album again!
GreenManalishiUSA I remember Grant's!
You cleaned this up great! I had a party that night because I was so excited Todd was on TeeVee.
Todd Rudgren got the band meatloaf started. He should be in the hall of fame.
You've always been one of my favorites Todd..You have the kind of talent that blows away most of the shit we have today A great inspirational talent!!
I remember this song but this is the first time I"ve seen the guy. I'm 42 and still like this song. Cool Video. Thanks.
Definitely a unique individual a la David Bowie genre, but there's no mistaking his musical craftsmanship. Many know so little about the huge amount of work he did with so many great musicians of that era and even after. (such as MeatLoaf on the Bat Out of Hell album) Hugely underrated, Todd is an all-round great musician. This video is a "lay your head back and relax" smooth tune.
Still love this song after all these years.
What a talent he is!
Love his stuff.
Shows that the gawky, geeky guy can win through in the end (if he's got enough talent!)
Woao! Me encanta desde años,,,,,
I love what you did with this soundtrack. You have so much experience with this tune that I don't know how I could even compete with you or your brother on a cover.
AMO LA MUSICA DE LOS 70s💕💞❣
Yeah. Upper Darby, PA. As of a few years ago, his parents still lived there. My husband saw them at a show he did at the Tower Theater.
When singularly creative was the norm. A great singer and musician of his or any time methinks.
I have listened to this song for days now. I'm totally stuck.
The 70's were a strange time...Great music and fashion-wise, anything goes I guess.
For those of you interested in what Todd is doing today, check out his sets with Daryl Hall on Yuotube Live at Daryls House. Some great classics brought back to now.
Wardrobe malfunction aside this is a good video of a great song by a talented musician. Brings back lots of great memories of that warm LP sound and real music. They still had the manufactured sound back then but not as prevalent as todays music business.
Tod payed a gig at my brotherlaws birthday partly. Missed it! Down home guy..
AWESOME! One of my very favorite songs...thanks so much for caring to improve this video.
he is so far above people's little minds
I was in high school. I remember seeing a pic of his girlfriend. Oh my.
//Terrific song. Emotive.
cant stop watching this video . the song is cool the chords are cool and so is he.
Beautiful song and fine singer.
Thanks...I remember when the studio version was recorded at Agency Recording in Cleveland, took about 20 takes. Back in those times a lot of these guys were eccentric as hell and wore a lot of make up and crazy clothes (Bowie, Lou Reed, Elton John, Freddie and more)
I sometimes perform live to prerecorded tracks as Todd is doing here. I often wondered if others did it and here I see one of the all time greats. Todd is definitely one of the greatest musical influences of mine. I thought the sound quality was a bit brittle. A parametric EQ could pull some of the offensive high end out without muddying up the track. I use cubase 4. Its a great program. Even the inexpensive LE version comes with a lot of plug ins. Thanks for posting.
Todd has taken for granted that you just don't care...
Who gives a flyin' flip if he's straight or gay? This song effen ROCKS! He's amazing! THAT'S all that matters.
fantastic performance - Rundgren was so good!
Todd always wore things that were different,he's NOT gay.Today feathers worn in the hair is the thing! He was just ahead of his time.He is one of the most talented artsts in the industry.Up front and behind the scenes.Go look up his biography,he's awesome! Then and now.
I can feel the heartbreak and reluctant acceptance of his words.
Great voice. I almost instantly liked this song.
Awesome talent! I always wondered why he didn't tour more... he's been on my bucket list since I was a kid! And regarding aaaredskin's comment.. he is man enough to raise Liv Tyler-who thought he was her dad until her mid-teens!
Thank you for putting forth the effort. Sounds good to me.
My alltime fav song since I was a kid!
An awesome song. Reminds me of the 70's too. Some of the greatest rock' n roll made. I miss those days. They were great.
Regardless, I think Todd looks hot!
But of course! Todd held a week-long camp-out/fan fest in 2008 at his estate in Hawaii called Toddstock to celebrate his 60th b-day. Did a series of shows which replicated the entire "A Wizard, A True Star" album last fall. He's currently touring with a stripped down 4-piece band behind an album of Robert Johnson cover songs, and will be doing another small tour playing the "Todd" & "Healing" albums later this year.
Yeah, he's thriving!
Todd is amazing..A one man band Incredible..To top it off this song is a classic,..and you didnt see talent like this...for all of you that have mixed feelings about him ...try and Respect him as an artist and a talented artist at that...Love this song the words speak to my heart ...Love It !!!!
Great job on the audio-fix!! Was just a kid during this era of music, but brings back alot of memories for me... Agree with the Lady Gaga comment, in that yep in the 70's there were alot of outrageous costumes/artists that have been forgotten about. Also agree with 'Bashing' not cool,, if U dont like -- dont look OR listen... simply Leave the page.
this guy is a genius I am glad to have seen him live in my lifetime.
Something/Anything? IMO is one of the greatest albums of all time.
Todd is a genius he has done so much for so many
MARAVILLOSA VOZ E INTERPRETACION
Any way you prefer to put it ..this Man is multi talented .. great writer .. Great musician .. and an all around fantastic humanitarian .. god bless Todd !
you did good.. it sounds great.. great song too..