Todd Is God!
Music legend Todd Rundgren has his fans – like me – in a frenzy right now, as he has released a new CD of music and embarked on a worldwide tour and series of personal appearances and signings – like these pics from a recent one!
A Wizard, A True Star!
New music, a new tour – and I came across a pair of books that capture – with incredible detail – Todd’s entire life story…more on that in a second, but first – all Todd fans know that he has released a new CD of music, called STATE.
The release of “State” has taken Todd on a worldwide tour to promote it, and even got him to do an official press event on google!
Todd Rundgren’s Official STATE Press Conference
And I also found a pair of fascinating books that tell Todd’s entire story, with input from Todd, his family and friends, and a slew of fellow musicians, including members of Nazz and Utopia!
“A Dream Goes on Forever: The Continuing Story of Todd Rundgren” by Billy James
“A Dream Goes On Forever – The Continuing Story Of Todd Rundgren (volume one)” examines the history of one of America’s true rock icons; from his early days of pop stardom with the Nazz; to the ‘whiz kid’ productions, which included the likes of Badfinger and Grand Funk; from the million seller hits; to his psychedelic explorations; from his idiosyncratic ideologies and philosophies; to the highly acclaimed conceptual ensemble Utopia.
And it is FULL of interviews with his Mom, band mates, and many other people who were there in the early years of Todd’s musical development.
The Author has compiled massive amount of articles, interviews and reviews of all of Todd’s work – including multiple reviews, articles and tons of photos. It’s a great read if you want to really dive into Todd’s creative process….
“A Dream Goes On Forever – The Continuing Story of Todd Rundgren Vol. 2: The Utopia Years” by Billy James
I haven’t gotten to volume 2 yet, but here is what the official promotion of the book says:
“There is no more consummate musician than Todd Rundgren. There is no more complete collected account of his sonic accomplishments than “A Dream Goes on Forever”. This second volume of the biographic series tracks his history from the triumphant mid-’70s atop the golden pyramid to the challenging mid-’80s when he faced the demise of Utopia. Follow the album-by-album coverage from Todd’s landmark 1977 production of Meat Loaf’s Bat Out of Hell through to the persistence of vision which allowed him to continue creating music after the end of his video studio, record label, and band. From Utopia to Oblivion…and beyond.”
I purchased both books through Amazon, and again, as a fan I found volume one to be terrific – and really honest, as it includes many interviews with people who are candid about aspects of Todd’s career – including record execs who felt that Todd was always Todd’s worst enemy – choosing to forego the pop hits that propelled him to stardom, for example…and you also hear from Todd – candidly about why he chose the road he did….
If you are a Todd fan, these are essential…honest, revealing, and at their heart a celebration of all of Todd’s music. Speaking of music: I’ll leave you with a bit of Todd music to enjoy.
Here is Todd performing with Daryl Hall on Hall’s classic show “Live From Daryl’s House” – the beautiful song “It Wouldn’t Have Made Any Difference”:
Hello, It’s “Tiki Iniki”!
And here is a quick look at the first stages of “Tiki Iniki” . . .Todd and Michele Rundgren’s new restaurant and bar in the heart of Princeville, Kauai.
That’s right, Todd and Michelle Rundgren have opened a restaurant/bar on the Hawaiian island of Kauai – and it’s now open! Check out their website to see the story behind the concept, plus menus and other fun stuff….
Congratulations to Todd and Michelle for their new endeavor – and Todd, thanks for “STATE!”
Todd’s Feud With John Lennon!
And if you want to read about all of Todd’s brilliant studio producing efforts, check out this post I did about a book devoted to Todd’s producing efforts – and I also chronicle his early 70’s feud with John Lennon!
https://johnrieber.com/2013/01/21/todd-is-god-todd-rundgrens-brilliant-music-and-john-lennon-feud/
Congrats to Todd for his new musical effort!
Categories: Books / Media, documentary films, Music, Recipes, Restaurants, Talent/Celebrities, Technology, TV Show, Uncategorized
johnrieber 
“Tiki Iniki Behind the Scenes” — Gotta love Michele’s Toddface guitar pick earrings. And her ‘tude. As always.
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nice post. i shared my thoughts on facebook, should you be interested to see them. peace!
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Saw your comments – love the “Time Heals” idea – keep any “Deface” music away from the rest of the album! Thanks for the note!
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Tiki Iniki is not open yet; July
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Thanks! I saw a pic of Todd performing and assumed it was at the opening!
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