My hero! That shirt, I am proud to say, touts my big band, The Ed Palermo Big Band. My band plays a ton of Zappa and Rundgren. I was thrilled the night Todd and Greg Bisonette came to see my show at Iridium in NYC on a night he had off from Ringo's tour. He not only owns and wears that shirt but he also owns and wears Ed Palermo Big Band socks. I love his music to death!
@@flickwtchr I used to be a fan of Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention and I quit listening to him for about three decades and then I listen to him I don't know 6 or 8 months ago and I couldn't stand Frank Zappa it was disgusting!
Todd is an American musical icon and deserves the absolute best honors possible. As a young teen in the Philadelphia area- I grew up with Todd's influence- and have followed his fantastic career and incredible production skills.
'84 I believe... The Tortured Artist Effect. I had friends through a fanzine and we flew into Baltimore and met up with another fan. We all drove to Philly and then to Upper Darby. Met Todd's Mom and Dad. They have since both passed but at this time they still lived in the same small house that Todd and his siblings grew up in. I am 24 at the time. Todd's Mom, Ruth Rundgren and I became friends. Ruth showed me Todd's old bedroom where he wrote, "Hello It's Me". He was 17. To make a long story short. Todd played at a venue in Wilkes-Barre and we sat at the table with Ruth and Todd's brother Harry. I got up on stage for "Bang the Drum" Got blisters from the instrument. Seriously. Still, have the polaroid photo of me with Ruth Rundgren.
I was watching the videos of "Hello It's Me" and "I Saw The Light" and marveled how time has flown by. Much too fast. You have grown gracefully! Thanks for those fabulous songs and wonderful memories of the early 70's when your songs burned up the charts!
Some children are drawn to the excitement of producing sounds from instruments before they know anything about music. It inspires creativity at an early age. This is why music programs in elementary school are extremely important. This window into Todd's past is no surprise to me.
Although Todd has been termed ,. The male Carole King,which he takes exception to I can't help but express, just how much I love his singing voice which is tinged with soul; the type of voice that I would want toentice/ serenade femmes fatales with. From Jasper Habitat
I've seen Todd numerous times as he was a local way back and even though he doesn't know us, we know he's "from here", Delco. haha Every show is different, every show is amazing. You never know what he's gonna do. Rock, Techno, New Wave, Blues, combo....When he's in Philly area, we're there!!!! He's brilliant! Thanks Todd for the last 50 years of your talents!!!
Just saw Todd and his musician friends play The White album at the Arcada Theater in St. Charles, Illinois. The musicianship was superb and a fun show. I go way back with Todd’s music and absorbed Utopia in it’s many forms. Genius fellow.
I’m so happy to have listened to this just now. I had the delight of seeing him perform on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023 at The Mountain Winery venue in Saratoga CA along with Daryl Hall and Daryl’s House band! Todd was fantastic. First time I’d ever seen him in concert! I kept thinking I was dreaming. Love him!
This is what a prodigy looks like...the difference between he and I is he sees the world differently and not afraid to experiment...I just played the notes and couldn’t see the notes between...thank u Todd.
I saw Todd only once, it was on the RA tour, I believe 1977. Fantastic show, at the old Ellis Auditorium (long gone by the wrecking ball) in Memphis, which was an awesome concert venue. I had an old 90 min TDK cassette of mixed Todd that I absolutely wore out back in the ‘80’s. Todd is another one of those artist who came up right in the drug culture but seemingly managed to weave his way through it unscathed.
Tim Mckown- Todd's dry sense of humor is great, yeah? Saw him play last July at Four Winds, New Buffalo, MI. I've enjoyed many of Todd's shows over the years.. 🙂
Michelle R Jackson yeah low key friendly and funny. I met him before the show. I was wearing a black polo sweater and he asked me my name. I said “Tim” and he came back with “Tim Cook!” of Apple fame (Tim Cool wears a lot of black polos). I got a kick out of that. His wife Michelle is another down to earth super nice person. The show was excellent.
Underaged, and only knowing Hello It's Me from the radio, I borrowed a friend's I.D. to see the early show of Back to the Bars tour in D.C. I was so blown away, that I bought a ticket on the sidewalk and went back in to catch the late show. Twice in one night, big fan ever since.
@2JOHNNYT - Musta been '78, at The Bayou, in Georgetown. This was a Todd tour, but he happened to be backed by Roger, Kasim and Willie at this stop, so it was basically a Utopia gig.
After hearing AWATS I was so impressed I never let a new release get by until GLOBAL. TR’s guitar playing is underrated. I love it. STATE blew me away. 🙏🏼
Saw Todd @ the Malibu dance club in Lido Beach In the late 70's or early 80s. One of his Roadies let us in, the Bouncers were pissed, but they were told we were " essential personal " LOL
Todd, I hope your stories make a Hollywood movie! I would be the first in line, I don't know you but I wish I did. Just to say thank you for being born and making the music you did.
I like how Todd drops names of musicians and music. It shows his respect for music in general. He is humble and thoughtful. Which is the reason I am such a fan. He truly is a guiding force for people who just plain love music.
Todd is still one of my favorites. Todd is a genius. Do you believe me because I'm a black man? Check his history. One of the most intense songs I remember from my teen years was; Heavy Metal kid. Brilliant!
I went with friends and saw Todd in London Dec 1994 at The Forum on the TRi tour. He was quite excellent. We met him after the show and he was a such a gent. A true genius and so friendly to us. Hi Todd... Peace.
@@Phoebedumplings My very first live show! He had on a skirt...or whatever guys call them. Sleeveless flannel...I got to dance in the pod with him! It was AMAZING!
Wish Todd had mentioned the Woody's Truck Stop by name. He was Tim Moore who went on to write the songs "Second Avenue" and "Rock and Roll Love Letter"
5:46 oh yea been there...... here's a cool tip to start writing your musical notes down. start with the drums they are just what you see on paper snare bass snare bass.. breaks and everything thing just falls into place it really shows you how it works....it is like filling in the blanks
He says he can't read or write music, but when Andy Partridge was being interviewed about Skylarking, he asked Todd to create an arrangement for The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul. He wanted something that would be a John Barry/spy movie sort of thing, Todd came in the next with it all perfectly arranged. I don't know if Todd recorded a demo in his home studio, or if he just played the parts for the band. But I'm told Todd is one of those people who can have a complete arrangement in his head, which comes in very handy when recording complex background vocal harmonies.
as a preschool teacher we played with instrument s ….. I have a piano that my grandkids banged on.... drove my whistling husband crazy...… but hi s mother did play the harmonica ..... as they learned to dance to classical music... in Germany ….. as children …. I took piano lesions but hated it and never learned to read music either.... but felt it..... as that move music takes you to...…. you feel it...… never learn it.... a dapple we all where …. in music ...….. that made us feel...… that move it is ...… sang in choirs just followed the scale not ever sure if I hit the right key..... but learned to move until I thought I hit the right key.....just a show up that trie s..... get it... in any club..... who cares …. as long as you sing and move........
Music with a message and purpose unlike the drivel turntable scratching hate rapping that passes as music to BAD this generation will NEVER experience the feelings of the 60s and 70s sharing caring and unity
Hey Todd, love you man, and your work. Work out the songs on piano or keyboard, but stick with guitar on the performances. I'm just giving you fun crap for screwing up when you play piano live. Rundgren, do what ya do. Because it always turns out to be great work.
I was born 1969. 1973 Hello it's Me (The Radio Sang). TV Showed (Todd Rundgren singing) NOT the RADIO Hello it's Me. Mom he's singing what the Radio Sang.? Learned people sing Not The Radio. 😃
I am aware that Todd couldn't give less of a s#!t about the R&R Hall of Fame 😉, but if he is to be inducted and given the proper "props" , it should be both for his work as a musician and producer
His honesty is so refreshing. This man is as real and genuine as he has always been. Very happy to run across this. Thanks for posting this legend.
My hero! That shirt, I am proud to say, touts my big band, The Ed Palermo Big Band. My band plays a ton of Zappa and Rundgren. I was thrilled the night Todd and Greg Bisonette came to see my show at Iridium in NYC on a night he had off from Ringo's tour. He not only owns and wears that shirt but he also owns and wears Ed Palermo Big Band socks. I love his music to death!
Noted. Zappa and Todd have been at the top of my listening and concert-going list since the early 70s, I'm sure your show would be fan-fucking-tastic.
I was fortunate enough to see him do hello it's me when he first wrote it and he played it on a piano and I was on purple microdot LSD, it was intense
👏👏👏👏👍
@@flickwtchr I used to be a fan of Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention and I quit listening to him for about three decades and then I listen to him I don't know 6 or 8 months ago and I couldn't stand Frank Zappa it was disgusting!
socks
Todd is an American musical icon and deserves the absolute best honors possible. As a young teen in the Philadelphia area- I grew up with Todd's influence- and have followed his fantastic career and incredible production skills.
I found his emotive sensitivity that comes out in his songs so compelling. Unique.
'84 I believe... The Tortured Artist Effect. I had friends through a fanzine and we flew into Baltimore and met up with another fan. We all drove to Philly and then to Upper Darby. Met Todd's Mom and Dad. They have since both passed but at this time they still lived in the same small house that Todd and his siblings grew up in. I am 24 at the time. Todd's Mom, Ruth Rundgren and I became friends. Ruth showed me Todd's old bedroom where he wrote, "Hello It's Me". He was 17. To make a long story short. Todd played at a venue in Wilkes-Barre and we sat at the table with Ruth and Todd's brother Harry. I got up on stage for "Bang the Drum" Got blisters from the instrument. Seriously. Still, have the polaroid photo of me with Ruth Rundgren.
Cool story! It seems Ruth was always happy to share their life with Todd's fans.
Very cool! Sorry I never met Ruth, but she did live to a ripe old age, which is very good news for our hero.
@@RockinSG Wow, just very cool ! Thanks for sharing..
I enjoyed your story- sounds like he came from a nice/ down to earth family! Cool, and class act☺
I was watching the videos of "Hello It's Me" and "I Saw The Light" and marveled how time has flown by. Much too fast. You have grown gracefully! Thanks for those fabulous songs and wonderful memories of the early 70's when your songs burned up the charts!
I've only just discovered this lovely man. How the heck did I not know about him?
Hello It's Me is my favorite song .
Some children are drawn to the excitement of producing sounds from instruments before they know anything about music. It inspires creativity at an early age. This is why music programs in elementary school are extremely important. This window into Todd's past is no surprise to me.
No one has had a career like Todd has the past 50 years.
Oh yes the Beatles sucked more than Queen but Todd was the best. Check there wallets!!! Get real. He would not be the the best in a thousand.
@@jarofants1868 Todd's all around career still unmatched, imo.
Although Todd has been termed ,. The male Carole King,which he takes exception to I can't help but express, just how much I love his singing voice which is tinged with soul; the type of voice that I would want toentice/ serenade femmes fatales with. From Jasper Habitat
I've seen Todd numerous times as he was a local way back and even though he doesn't know us, we know he's "from here", Delco. haha Every show is different, every show is amazing. You never know what he's gonna do. Rock, Techno, New Wave, Blues, combo....When he's in Philly area, we're there!!!! He's brilliant! Thanks Todd for the last 50 years of your talents!!!
Just saw Todd and his musician friends play The White album at the Arcada Theater in St. Charles, Illinois. The musicianship was superb and a fun show. I go way back with Todd’s music and absorbed Utopia in it’s many forms. Genius fellow.
Myself as well Christopher!!
I'm Jealous ! What a fab time that must have been - hat's off to you both...
I’m so happy to have listened to this just now. I had the delight of seeing him perform on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023 at The Mountain Winery venue in Saratoga CA along with Daryl Hall and Daryl’s House band! Todd was fantastic. First time I’d ever seen him in concert! I kept thinking I was dreaming. Love him!
This is what a prodigy looks like...the difference between he and I is he sees the world differently and not afraid to experiment...I just played the notes and couldn’t see the notes between...thank u Todd.
Todd's genius guitar work opens up Meatloaf's Bat Out Of Hell LP, a mind-blowing tour de force of talent and ultimate rocktitude.
One of the greatest ever!
I first heard Todd on Philadelphia's legendary radio station WMMR in 1972 . Wow , what a talent .
I saw Todd at Lupos in Providence. It was a great show. I just voted for him on the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame ballot list.
Saw Samhain at lupos. Was the living room in RI ?
@@jaecrowther7869 yes!
I saw Todd only once, it was on the RA tour, I believe 1977. Fantastic show, at the old Ellis Auditorium (long gone by the wrecking ball) in Memphis, which was an awesome concert venue.
I had an old 90 min TDK cassette of mixed Todd that I absolutely wore out back in the ‘80’s.
Todd is another one of those artist who came up right in the drug culture but seemingly managed to weave his way through it unscathed.
“Stunned by the accuracy of the pelting...”
Got to meet Todd in 2017. What a cool dude and awesome artist.
Tim Mckown- Todd's dry sense of humor is great, yeah? Saw him play last July at Four Winds, New Buffalo, MI. I've enjoyed many of Todd's shows over the years.. 🙂
Michelle R Jackson yeah low key friendly and funny. I met him before the show. I was wearing a black polo sweater and he asked me my name. I said “Tim” and he came back with “Tim Cook!” of Apple fame (Tim Cool wears a lot of black polos). I got a kick out of that. His wife Michelle is another down to earth super nice person. The show was excellent.
Love you Todd...you’ve been my favorite for oh so many years!
💖 Yes!!
The "balled up napkin" is freaking hilarious!
All of the sudden I wanna catch The Adventures of Zodd Zundgren!
It's a terrific album by The Ed Palermo Big Band.
Love ya Todd seen you in 1979 or1980 tour in Cleveland Ohio ps I'm from Canton raised in alliance thank you 🎼🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
That was amazing interview.
He needs recognition in Cleveland other than that he has a good life great family
An interesting and intelligent man.
Great musician ,great music,.Those are all the good things I can say about Todd Rungren
Underaged, and only knowing Hello It's Me from the radio, I borrowed a friend's I.D. to see the early show of Back to the Bars tour in D.C. I was so blown away, that I bought a ticket on the sidewalk and went back in to catch the late show. Twice in one night, big fan ever since.
@2JOHNNYT - Musta been '78, at The Bayou, in Georgetown. This was a Todd tour, but he happened to be backed by Roger, Kasim and Willie at this stop, so it was basically a Utopia gig.
"The Adventures of Zodd Zundgren" is a fantastic album by The Ed Palermo Big Band. The more you know.
Hit records, produced Grand Funk and Bat Outof Hell, wrote a sports anthem, played with the Cars and a Beatle. Not too bad for a kid from Philly.
After hearing AWATS I was so impressed I never let a new release get by until GLOBAL.
TR’s guitar playing is underrated. I love it. STATE blew me away. 🙏🏼
Very interesting interview. I was totally unaware of all the history related to Todd’s career and success.
Wow! What a fun interview. Ha! My first guitar was a Marco Polo with nylon strings lol.
Todd should be in the R&R Hall of Fame!!
He will not accept it if he is inducted. Said so many many times
Patrick Thometz I know, but it doesn’t mean the offer shouldn’t be extended. His catalog deserves the recognition.
TODD IS GODD. And now a SUPERHERO...He is amazing and continues to AMAZE !!!
Saw Todd @ the Malibu dance club in Lido Beach
In the late 70's or early 80s.
One of his Roadies let us in, the Bouncers were pissed, but they were told we were " essential personal " LOL
Love these stories. We generally only see the band and music, however the back stories of the bands and meaning of the songs are intriguing !
Insightful interview.
Todd, I hope your stories make a Hollywood movie! I would be the first in line, I don't know you but I wish I did. Just to say thank you for being born and making the music you did.
I like how Todd drops names of musicians and music. It shows his respect for music in general. He is humble and thoughtful. Which is the reason I am such a fan. He truly is a guiding force for people who just plain love music.
Todd Rudgren should be in the Rock and roll hall of fame his music is outstanding a great voice and talent I hope he gets in soon
What an artist!!!!!
The ultimate stone-faced comedian. And a genius, of course.
Kids.... THIS IS HOW YOU ROCK !!!!!
Todd is still one of my favorites. Todd is a genius. Do you believe me because I'm a black man? Check his history. One of the most intense songs I remember from my teen years was; Heavy Metal kid. Brilliant!
I was a sweet little thing once, but now I’m a full grown crank...
gifted musical genius
The son of a gun is so talented, calm and pretty darn funny. Ty TODD
Although I was much younger!
I definitely knew Todd Rungren by name and his Music • Producing etc. • I like to hear of his stories • Still Relevant🎙️
Genius....Our Hero......we love you Todd.
Such a modest and unassuming genius.
TR rocks!!
I want the shirt Todd is wearing! Love it
Check out the Ed Palermo Big Band! It is pure brilliance!
Checked out Ed Palermo's website and can't find the shirt!
Time for another spin of Initiation. Thanks forever Todd.
I went with friends and saw Todd in London Dec 1994 at The Forum on the TRi tour. He was quite excellent. We met him after the show and he was a such a gent. A true genius and so friendly to us. Hi Todd... Peace.
Michael Mouse I was there too!,! He wore a dress if I remember
@@Phoebedumplings My very first live show! He had on a skirt...or whatever guys call them. Sleeveless flannel...I got to dance in the pod with him! It was AMAZING!
Lorraine Rutherford he is always so far ahead of his time, and ridiculous talent into the bargain, and fantastic songs too!!
He was great when he was touring with The Cars!
Todd you make awesome music.
Todd is just the best!!!!
Once saw Todd on the NY subway during the 70s dressed in full psychedelic regalia!
Love the backstories.
Great inspiration for me to figure out different instruments and record them all.
Zodd said buy my t & you know what,I will,over & over & over...LUV!
Good insight!
Wish Todd had mentioned the Woody's Truck Stop by name. He was Tim Moore who went on to write the songs "Second Avenue" and "Rock and Roll Love Letter"
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW
At his best, he could do it all because he understood it all from playing to writing to engineering to producing.
Hey I saw Zodd Zundgren, in Marlboro NY!
Nice tale
very interesting roots tale.
This video was posted on Todd's birthday..Anyone catch that??
Yup 71st to be exact!
After a few Toddstocks birthday parties, my answer is yes!
5:46 oh yea been there...... here's a cool tip to start writing your musical notes down. start with the drums they are just what you see on paper snare bass snare bass.. breaks and everything thing just falls into place it really shows you how it works....it is like filling in the blanks
😍
Emperor of the Highway! Classic. 🚗
Verrry interesting!
Is there more to this interview ? I would like to hear more if there is.
I had that same “record player.
Me too, red and black spindle.
Todd ... lookin' good ......
Todd is coming across as a systems analyst of music
Todd wearing his Ed Palmero Big Band Tee Shirt!
Impressed by the number of famous musicians who can't/don't read music.
@David Harrell Glen Campbell.
He says he can't read or write music, but when Andy Partridge was being interviewed about Skylarking, he asked Todd to create an arrangement for The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul. He wanted something that would be a John Barry/spy movie sort of thing, Todd came in the next with it all perfectly arranged. I don't know if Todd recorded a demo in his home studio, or if he just played the parts for the band.
But I'm told Todd is one of those people who can have a complete arrangement in his head, which comes in very handy when recording complex background vocal harmonies.
George Harrison is also in that group.
Great shit
as a preschool teacher we played with instrument s ….. I have a piano that my grandkids banged on.... drove my whistling husband crazy...… but hi s mother did play the harmonica ..... as they learned to dance to classical music... in Germany ….. as children …. I took piano lesions but hated it and never learned to read music either.... but felt it..... as that move music takes you to...…. you feel it...… never learn it.... a dapple we all where …. in music ...….. that made us feel...… that move it is ...… sang in choirs just followed the scale not ever sure if I hit the right key..... but learned to move until I thought I hit the right key.....just a show up that trie s..... get it... in any club..... who cares …. as long as you sing and move........
UTOPIA BABY!!!! LOVE YOUR STUFF TODD!!
And, of course, the Nazz released that red vinyl...now we know why.
hay come play in grass valey i can set it up around aug thanks robert
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜❤️
Where's Part II?
Hello it's Me
The New Cars bad ass under rated band
Interesting what you say about the flute. In the Tarot, the Fool plays the flute. I'm wondering now.
Is that the same coach Max Hardcore uses in his movies
if i had a secret society
He's spellbinding
His musical genius is similar To Ariel Pink... A Modern day Mozart..🎶 Hes very Human.
All for the want of a guitar
Good that Todd had the wisdom as a teen to not go the drug route that the others took.
mrlafayette1964 yeah, but he dropped a ton of acid and did a bunch of peyote in his 20’s!
Music with a message and purpose unlike the drivel turntable scratching hate rapping that passes as music to BAD this generation will NEVER experience the feelings of the 60s and 70s sharing caring and unity
Hey Todd. Why the long face?
Hey Todd, love you man, and your work. Work out the songs on piano or keyboard, but stick with guitar on the performances. I'm just giving you fun crap for screwing up when you play piano live. Rundgren, do what ya do. Because it always turns out to be great work.
I was born 1969. 1973 Hello it's Me (The Radio Sang). TV Showed (Todd Rundgren singing) NOT the RADIO Hello it's Me. Mom he's singing what the Radio Sang.? Learned people sing Not The Radio. 😃
I am aware that Todd couldn't give less of a s#!t about the R&R Hall of Fame 😉, but if he is to be inducted and given the proper "props" , it should be both for his work as a musician and producer
Gotta love the interviewer letting Todd talk without interruption. Thank goodness It’s not Howard Stern
A surprisingly ordinary-sounding childhood. His t-shirt is more interesting.