This a fan blog for all things Todd Rundgren. We hope you enjoy it. Much of the material is contributed or inspired by our facebook friends. Please visit our group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Toddities/ for more great Todd Rundgren music, stories, news, and oddities.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Todd Rundgren to Participate in Bat Out of Hell Show
Rundgren produced Meat Loaf's seminal 1977 rock album, and songwriter Jim Steinman, who composed the original tracks, is currently working on a stage show based on the record for a West End theatre.
Now Rundgren has revealed he is helping Steinman put the project together, telling Uncut magazine, "Jim's enlisted some ridiculously big choral section, so I've effectively signed on as the choirmaster."
From Contactmusic.com
Read the original article here:
http://hub.contactmusic.com/todd-rundgren/news/todd-rundgren-signs-up-for-bat-out-of-hell-stage-show_4649519?track=mail_news
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Ringo and the All Starr Band Announce North American Tour
Ringo Starr has announced a North American tour for the fall. The former Beatles drummer and his All-Starr Band will get started in San Francisco on October 1 before making their way across the U.S. and Canada over the course of the month. Starr, who is gearing for his solo induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this April, will also be releasing his 18th solo album Postcards From Paradise on March 31. His new book Photograph, which features images from throughout his life and career, will then be available on September 21.
Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band Fall Tour Dates
October 1 San Francisco, CA—The Masonic
October 2 Paso Robles, CA—Vina Robles Amphitheatre
October 3 Sonoma, CA—Field of Dreams
October 6 Boise, ID—Century Link Arena
October 8 Victoria, BC—Save-On-Food Memorial Centre
October 9 Vancouver, BC—Queen Elizabeth Theatre
October 10 Penticton, BC—South Okanagan Events Centre
October 12 Edmonton, AL—Jubilee Auditorium
October 13 Calgary, AL—Jubilee Auditorium
October 14 Regina, SA—Brandt Centre
October 16 Minneapolis, MN—State Theater
October 17 Milwaukee, WI—Riverside Theater
October 18 Detroit, MI—Fox Theater
October 20 Toronto, ON—Massey Hall
October 21 Montreal, QU—Théâtre Saint-Denis
October 23 Boston, MA—Wang Theater
October 24 Mashantucket, CT—Foxwood Theater
October 25 New Brunswick, NJ—State Theater
October 27 Pittsburgh, PA—Heinz Hall
October 28 Baltimore, MD—Lyric Opera House
October 30 Philadelphia, PA—Tower Theater
October 31 Brooklyn, NY—Kings Theater
Saturday, March 14, 2015
With Time Tickin’ Away, Rundgren Goes Global…And Parties Like It’s 2015
By Jack Criss, Bamsouth.com
http://bamsouth.com/with-time-tickin-away-rundgren-goes-global-and-parties-like-its-2015/
(Esoteric Antennae/Cherry Red Records. U.S. release date April 7, 2015. All vocals and instruments by Todd Rundgren unless otherwise noted in review.)
rungren_cover“Global”, the illustrious and brilliant (and woefully underappreciated) Todd Rundgren’s 25th solo album is a pleasantly odd bag: alternating between themes of partying and dancing lies a more ominous sense of foreboding apocalypse. It would seem Todd is taking a page from one of his early protégés, Prince, and just enjoying himself while Rome burns.
As a result, the listeners of “Global” are still presented with a true aural treat. Rundgren’s voice has not sounded this good in years and the music, while certainly not quite of the caliber to rank with the many brilliant recordings TR has produced throughout his career, is soulful, danceable and…dare I say it…sometimes even downright fun—this in spite of the impending doom awaiting our fate that Todd must believe is inevitable.
Not up to the level of 2004′s excellent “Liars” or even 2008′s surprising guitar god, riff-ridden “Arena”, “Global” nevertheless finds Todd much more accessible and warm than he appeared on his last CD, 2013′s somewhat sterile “State” and the several other strange, contractual-obligated recordings he has released in the past few years.
Like that last official solo record, “State”, which tried to reach the house/club market, “Global” remains techno-laden with nary a guitar riff to be heard. However, the warmth that Rundgren is known for is back and the partying is more fun (unlike the somewhat disturbing “Party Liquor” from “State” for example.)
“Global” kicks off with the rousing “Evrybody” which sounds like what would happen if Todd’s old mates, the New York Dolls, went techno. It’s bound to be a show opener and has an infectious groove—call it punkish funk. While the lyrics aren’t the introspective and philosophical reflections TR fans often yearn for and expect, the dancing we experience on this track will no doubt effectively shift our focus from mind to body.
The album’s second cut, “Flesh And Blood”, continues the party theme so prevalent on “Global”; not offensive at all, and a good track, but more of a “State” outtake to these ears.
Highpoints on the record include the urgent and ominous “Rise” (“There ain’t no future in this place” while “time keeps tickin’ away”). The human race will fall, Rundgren deeply sings, unless we rise.
The ephemeral “Blind” may be the standout track on “Global.” With a blistering sax solo by occasional TR sideman Bobby Strickland, we are rungrenadmonished somewhat and advised not to turn our eyes away from the world’s problems which Todd accentuates with a loud “Wake up!” just before Strickland’s stellar solo.
“Holyland”, which begins sounding more like a jingle for a Carribean cruise, gradually morphs into a beautiful, more introspective Rundgren lyric. “ALL is the Holyland,” he sings—the “drop of rain, blade of grass and grain of sand”. This is classic Zen/metaphysical Todd which has recurred throughout his career: forget the man-made geographic boundaries, he is saying; ALL Earth is the “Holyland.”
Todd’s latest tribute to womankind (remember “It’s A Woman’s World”?) is a true funk-infested jam featuring guest background vocals from Todd’s wife Michele, singer Jill Sobule, wunderkind bassist Tal Wilkenfeld, Rachel Haden and Janet Kirker. Todd pleads for a little “R-E-S-P-E-C-T for my ladies” and a little less testosterone on the song (“Earth Mother”) which, one must believe, will be another new tour favorite.
“Soothe” is one of those special Rundgren songs that only an artist of his caliber could write. Not traditional love song, or even sentimental reflection a la “Can We Still Be Friends” or “Past”; rather, this new ballad is a sincere offer of empathy to a loved one that finds TR in familiar—but much more mature—musical territory. It’s a true gem of song, the type that, honestly, I could only hear Rundgren sing. “I love you, baby” is all well and good: but Todd, admitting that only so much can be done to alleviate a loved one’s pain, offers to provide consolation and “soothe” them in this warm and touching song.
One of this critic’s own personal favorites is the excellent track “Fate.” More cynical than the majority of the other songs on “Global”, the classic Rundgren harmonies run counter to the ominous message behind the music: “Our fate is sealed, we bankrupt ourselves,” he sings, “Our future is no longer ours—our fate is sealed—all bets are down.” “Just One Victory” this ain’t, but Rundgren always has called it like he sees it. Let us just hope he is wrong.
The most radio-friendly songs on “Global” (if that antiquated term is even used anymore) are “Global Nation” and “Skyscraper”, the latter featuring a guest background vocal by old TR stalwart and Utopia bandmate, Kasim Sulton. Here again, the party is ongoing; strange counterpoints to such serious tracks as “Fate.” Nevertheless, these tracks find Todd much more forceful in voice and more fun in approach and, again, should be concert staples and favorites.
“Global” closes with “This Island Earth”, an updated version of “Gaya’s Eyes” which sounds as if it could have also been included on “Initiation” This gorgeous song, which features a very odd slow/fast time change signature, has Todd bemoaning what he sees as the neglect of the planet. The same planet, which on an earlier track, “Terra Firma”, Todd sings he finds his faith “whenever I feel afraid.”
Final verdict: “Global” is a strange, but vital, mix of party anthems, dance tracks and foreboding warnings. I believe this particular record has a very good chance of being one of Rundgren’s most successful in years because it is accessible while simultaneously retaining the quirky and brilliant individuality which is the modus operandi of all Todd Rundgren work.
Longtime fans like this writer (35 years) should be very happy indeed while new, possibly younger fans, will get to hear what a 66 year-old musical genius sounds like. And he sounds pretty damned good on “Global.”
See the original article here:
http://bamsouth.com/with-time-tickin-away-rundgren-goes-global-and-parties-like-its-2015/
Join Todd fans on the new social network:
https://www.tsu.co/TodditiesTom
http://bamsouth.com/with-time-tickin-away-rundgren-goes-global-and-parties-like-its-2015/
(Esoteric Antennae/Cherry Red Records. U.S. release date April 7, 2015. All vocals and instruments by Todd Rundgren unless otherwise noted in review.)
rungren_cover“Global”, the illustrious and brilliant (and woefully underappreciated) Todd Rundgren’s 25th solo album is a pleasantly odd bag: alternating between themes of partying and dancing lies a more ominous sense of foreboding apocalypse. It would seem Todd is taking a page from one of his early protégés, Prince, and just enjoying himself while Rome burns.
As a result, the listeners of “Global” are still presented with a true aural treat. Rundgren’s voice has not sounded this good in years and the music, while certainly not quite of the caliber to rank with the many brilliant recordings TR has produced throughout his career, is soulful, danceable and…dare I say it…sometimes even downright fun—this in spite of the impending doom awaiting our fate that Todd must believe is inevitable.
Not up to the level of 2004′s excellent “Liars” or even 2008′s surprising guitar god, riff-ridden “Arena”, “Global” nevertheless finds Todd much more accessible and warm than he appeared on his last CD, 2013′s somewhat sterile “State” and the several other strange, contractual-obligated recordings he has released in the past few years.
Like that last official solo record, “State”, which tried to reach the house/club market, “Global” remains techno-laden with nary a guitar riff to be heard. However, the warmth that Rundgren is known for is back and the partying is more fun (unlike the somewhat disturbing “Party Liquor” from “State” for example.)
“Global” kicks off with the rousing “Evrybody” which sounds like what would happen if Todd’s old mates, the New York Dolls, went techno. It’s bound to be a show opener and has an infectious groove—call it punkish funk. While the lyrics aren’t the introspective and philosophical reflections TR fans often yearn for and expect, the dancing we experience on this track will no doubt effectively shift our focus from mind to body.
The album’s second cut, “Flesh And Blood”, continues the party theme so prevalent on “Global”; not offensive at all, and a good track, but more of a “State” outtake to these ears.
Highpoints on the record include the urgent and ominous “Rise” (“There ain’t no future in this place” while “time keeps tickin’ away”). The human race will fall, Rundgren deeply sings, unless we rise.
The ephemeral “Blind” may be the standout track on “Global.” With a blistering sax solo by occasional TR sideman Bobby Strickland, we are rungrenadmonished somewhat and advised not to turn our eyes away from the world’s problems which Todd accentuates with a loud “Wake up!” just before Strickland’s stellar solo.
“Holyland”, which begins sounding more like a jingle for a Carribean cruise, gradually morphs into a beautiful, more introspective Rundgren lyric. “ALL is the Holyland,” he sings—the “drop of rain, blade of grass and grain of sand”. This is classic Zen/metaphysical Todd which has recurred throughout his career: forget the man-made geographic boundaries, he is saying; ALL Earth is the “Holyland.”
Todd’s latest tribute to womankind (remember “It’s A Woman’s World”?) is a true funk-infested jam featuring guest background vocals from Todd’s wife Michele, singer Jill Sobule, wunderkind bassist Tal Wilkenfeld, Rachel Haden and Janet Kirker. Todd pleads for a little “R-E-S-P-E-C-T for my ladies” and a little less testosterone on the song (“Earth Mother”) which, one must believe, will be another new tour favorite.
“Soothe” is one of those special Rundgren songs that only an artist of his caliber could write. Not traditional love song, or even sentimental reflection a la “Can We Still Be Friends” or “Past”; rather, this new ballad is a sincere offer of empathy to a loved one that finds TR in familiar—but much more mature—musical territory. It’s a true gem of song, the type that, honestly, I could only hear Rundgren sing. “I love you, baby” is all well and good: but Todd, admitting that only so much can be done to alleviate a loved one’s pain, offers to provide consolation and “soothe” them in this warm and touching song.
One of this critic’s own personal favorites is the excellent track “Fate.” More cynical than the majority of the other songs on “Global”, the classic Rundgren harmonies run counter to the ominous message behind the music: “Our fate is sealed, we bankrupt ourselves,” he sings, “Our future is no longer ours—our fate is sealed—all bets are down.” “Just One Victory” this ain’t, but Rundgren always has called it like he sees it. Let us just hope he is wrong.
The most radio-friendly songs on “Global” (if that antiquated term is even used anymore) are “Global Nation” and “Skyscraper”, the latter featuring a guest background vocal by old TR stalwart and Utopia bandmate, Kasim Sulton. Here again, the party is ongoing; strange counterpoints to such serious tracks as “Fate.” Nevertheless, these tracks find Todd much more forceful in voice and more fun in approach and, again, should be concert staples and favorites.
“Global” closes with “This Island Earth”, an updated version of “Gaya’s Eyes” which sounds as if it could have also been included on “Initiation” This gorgeous song, which features a very odd slow/fast time change signature, has Todd bemoaning what he sees as the neglect of the planet. The same planet, which on an earlier track, “Terra Firma”, Todd sings he finds his faith “whenever I feel afraid.”
Final verdict: “Global” is a strange, but vital, mix of party anthems, dance tracks and foreboding warnings. I believe this particular record has a very good chance of being one of Rundgren’s most successful in years because it is accessible while simultaneously retaining the quirky and brilliant individuality which is the modus operandi of all Todd Rundgren work.
Longtime fans like this writer (35 years) should be very happy indeed while new, possibly younger fans, will get to hear what a 66 year-old musical genius sounds like. And he sounds pretty damned good on “Global.”
See the original article here:
http://bamsouth.com/with-time-tickin-away-rundgren-goes-global-and-parties-like-its-2015/
Join Todd fans on the new social network:
https://www.tsu.co/TodditiesTom
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Todd to Co-Headline Fuji Rock Festival
Billboard Magazine
Rob Schwartz
Fuji Rock Festival, one of the two leading international rock gatherings in Japan, has announced the lineup for its 19th edition, which will run July 24-26 at Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata prefecture.
Foo Fighters, Muse, Motorhead, Ryan Adams, and Todd Rundgren, among others, will headline. Over 200 bands are expected to perform.
The Foo Fighters to Headline Glastonbury Festival
Billboard estimates 2014 ticket sales resulted in revenue of 1.91 billion yen ($18.6 million) for the three-day affair, which drew 102,000 people. It's one of the largest-earning single-venue fests in Japan.
Other announced acts for 2015 include Johnny Marr, Of Monsters and Men, Happy Mondays, The Bohicas, Galactic featuring Macy Gray, FKA twigs and Jenny Lewis, among others.
Firefly Festival: Kings of Leon, Morrissey, Snoop Dogg & More
The fest is held in the mountains of Naeba (not near Mt Fuji) which means rain is often part of the proceedings, but the stunning views make up for any hardship.
Tickets for the 2015 Fuji Rock Fest are going for 39,800 ($334 USD) for a 3-day pass and 16,800 yen per day ($141 USD).
Original Article:
http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6480319/fuji-rock-festival-lineup-2015-foo-fighters-ryan-adams-muse-motorhead
Join us and other Todd fans on the new social network
https://www.tsu.co/TodditiesTom
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