Did a little overnighter to see Todd Rundgren last night, so I’m a little underprepared with posting.
The show was terrific. The setlist went deep. Todd was in very fine voice! It was also the first show in over 50 years and 125 plus concerts, where he did not speak a word to the audience. Very odd.
Regular posting will resume soon.
11 comments:
Glad you got out to a gig from one of your favorites. "he did not speak a word to the audience" - wow, even the often grumpy Van Morrison mumbles a few words to the audience.
I had tickets to see The Mavericks on Monday 6th and got a notice at 4pm the same day that the show was cancelled "due to logistical problems". Bus broke down? Gear stolen? Who knows. That was a first for me in nearly 50 years of gig attendance.
- Paul in DK
Is that Hackensack as in New Jersey?
It's called the Hackensack Meridian theatre, but it's in Red Bank, NJ.
Ah. I thank you.
It's spelled Hackensack, but it's pronounced Throat Warbler Mangrove.
Todd next Tues night here in DC! Sounds like it's gonna be GOOD. Thanks for preview, Sal.
Tomorrow night, The Horse...at Jiffy Lube Arena. Hope to get an oil change while I'm there.
Tonight, I drink to my daughter, a college grad at last. She got through the party-til-you-puke phase very quickly and buckled down to a 3.6 GPA (American University). Off-topic but hey, proud dad. Just watched her walk across stage and get that paper. Great day.
Noam,
First...congratulations to you and daughter! That's a nice story.
Next, please let me know what you think of the Todd show. I would love to go again, but it ain't looking too convenient.
Finally, HAHAHAHA!
I will never tire of Throat Warbler Mangrove, and neither will my old Sheepshead Bay pal who comments occasionally as Throat Warbler Mangrove.
Thanks Sal. Will do. She had a hell of a finals week...her first stop after the ceremony was the weed store. I told her I understood.
Congrats Noam! Successful parenting!
And now for something completely different....
Sal, he didn't say a word? Well, did you say hello when he came out? :) Awesome to make the trek.
He did introduce the (very excellent) band...but yeah, that was it. Conserving his energy?
How many artists are left who will go out year after year with different shows, songs, stage designs (also very excellent this time around), musicians...and how long can TR keep it up?
This guy is a gift. The setlist was really, really deep, 2 "Individualist" cuts, a record I haven't played in eons for no particular reason. Glad he give me a reason to revisit it. The "Arena" cut threw me for a minute, too...
Lots of great guitar playing, the harmony singing by 5 of the 6 players was impeccable.
The songs chosen were largely downbeat, so some energy was missing maybe. But it all flowed together so beautifully, I surely didn't care. I did have a momentary fear that we were going to get Bag Lady, but it passed.
Fantastic show by a guy who totally trusts his audience. Highlights for me were the opener - didn't see that coming - Hawking and Last Ride. Beautiful night.
Noam,
I am really happy you enjoyed the show. I have been thinking about it since. And thanks for confirming that he did not speak. I was thinking it could have just been that one night. But there is something to it. Check this out.
The tour is called "ME/WE." He doesn't just give tours random names. It means something.
I've seen Todd/Utopia over 100 times. I have never seen a show where Todd was silent. There is always at least one or two political jokes, one or two digs at the Pop Star du Jour, a few jabs at Kas and Prairie. He said nothing! Not a word all night. Why?
Also, right before the tour, he said he wanted to dig deep to play songs that fans have been wanting to hear live. Now, I loved most of this set list, but are fans really clamoring for "Hit Me Like A Train," "Kindness," "Beloved Infidel," "Wouldn't You Like To Know," "Woman's World?" I think not.
I have a theory.
Fans complained about his politics, which are very left leaning. He hates Trump and religion and some fans said they would stop going to his shows. He replied with something like, "You know who I am. Not gonna change now. If you don't like it, don't show up."
Well...here comes the theory.
Look closely at the set list and see if you can make out a theme.
He kept quiet. He said nothing. Not even, "Hello New Jersey." Nothing at all. But...
I Think You Know
Secret Society
Weakness
Lost Horizon
Buffalo Grass
Beloved Infidel
Hit Me Like A Train
(The Truth Is) Sweet
Kindness (!)
Woman's World (!!)
Down With The Ship (!!)
Honest Work (!!!)
God Said
FASCIST Christ
Worldwide EPIPHANY
THE LAST RIDE
That's not everything, but enough to illustrate my point.
This is a political show. Fans want Todd to shut and play the hits? Too bad. He's too smart.
Here. Take this instead.
Maybe I'm nuts, but that's my theory.
ME = Todd
WE= The World
This is very interesting. I didn't think to work it out like that, but you are definitely on to something.
I'm making a playlist of the set list and am going to give it a few listens.
This is VERY interesting. Thank you Sal. Damn. I think you're spot-on. Wow.
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