Live At Chicago Theater | Reviving the Magic: Utopia's Epic Reunion of 32 Years! | Amplified

After a hiatus of 32 years, the iconic prog-rock and power-pop ensemble, Utopia, led by the legendary Todd Rundgren, makes a triumphant return to the stage.
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[@DAVEBLISS2007]

I am a life long fan of Todd. I don’t think most people realise the musical perfection in his compositions. A true genius. Replicates the early 70’s Utopia sound perfectly. 10/10

[@suzannehackett-morgan5051]

Todd is God. (We all are, but that rhymes)

[@leonakita]

WTF is Roger Powell on keys?????! WTH is this guy!??

[@jonhirshman6416]

@@leonakita Gil Assayas, an Israeli musician living in Oregan who was suggested by Todd's son Rebop. Roger Powell has health issues.

[@jonhirshman6416]

@@leonakita It was supposed to be Ralph Schuckett but he had to pull out because his health was failing and he died in 2021.

[@ittybitty6474]

Exactly. And funny AF

[@donnabrittain210]

My all-time favorite band, since the 1970s. Great show!

[@davidkamensky2780]

I was there. Good show. Last show I saw in Chicago before I retired and moved.

[@richardbayne7566]

Todd is in his seventies. Amazing.

[@zappanaut]

Holy hell is this great. It's great to a bunch of geezers that can play this well, And they call all still sing their asses off.

[@thisislogout]

70's bands and audiences are the best! You won't see the audience trying to get up on stage and disrupting the performance trying to hug or dance with the band. Respect. Great show, guys! You deserve all the accolades in the world.

[@kevztunz]

I saw the show in Portland and was blown away. Whoever mixed this recording did a great job.

[@jeffdawson2786]

This show ---- EXCELLENT! Never thought I’d ever hear the early Utopia songs again. A dream really does go on forever. ☮️

[@timothyburns815]

This is very well made and an absolute treasure! Thank you for uploading.

[@53dbliss]

I was lucky enough to see the original line up of Willie Wilcox and Roger Powell with Todd & Kasim at Arcosonti north of Phoenix in the 70s....this takes me right back there....OMG!!! This is Todd/god stuff. Moogy RIP

[@davidnilles3117]

Been a Todd fan since 1970. Without a doubt, he is one of the most talented singer/songwriter/guitarists in the business. Truly A Wizard/A True Star. ❤

[@biglove1941]

Same here bruh..but my favorite albums are Something Anything and Ra

[@jamesallanburruto]

Boy Willie is playing his butt off!! So good.

[@BenjaminKanarek]

I am gob struck!!! Brilliant as always!

[@thisislogout]

I haven't seen a band using Sequential Circuits Prophet 5 (6?) keyboard synthesizer since the 70's and 80's. Never thought I'd see it in 2023. I love it's unique sounds. ❤

[@millercgr]

Saw this show in New York at Town Hall. An emotional and thrilling night to finally see these guys back together again on stage. Saw them several times in the 80s.

[@pdgaelitstrat]

Wow! Okay, I'm 57 years & been a serious musician for 40 years. Thought I'd heard most of the best quality progressive rock that was out there. Then I find this in my KZbin suggestions. This music is REALLY IMPRESSIVE. Could somebody that's been into Mr. Rundgrens/Utopias music since the beginning suggest what albums to get please? This music is inspired & I'd like to get more familiar with the older stuff if it's anything like this. Thanks in advance for any help some of you long time fans can provide. ✌

[@bobsbarnworkshop]

“Ooooops! Wrong planet!” “Something Anything”

[@ByronWerner-qw5sh]

Utopia: the first two. Todd: A Wizard A True Star, Initiation

[@LorenOneal]

Oops wrong planet, Ra, .... there a few live albums , and I

[@astros1962]

I like “Adventures in Utopia” and have the original vinyl.

[@stealthfilm007]

‘76 Another Live enjoy!!

[@melissadambro8873]

Can’t stop love in action!

[@JonPickles]

Todd, Utopia absolutely amazing.

[@garethleitner9547]

What a pleasure to happen upon this treasure this evening! Thanks to Amplified. Long time fan.

[@jshutcherson]

THE prog masterpiece. CITY IN MY HEAD. At the Fox Theater. ATL! Showed all the guys in King Crimson, and Yes, and Emerson Lake and Palmer that we could do a thing or two here in the good old US of A. Todd Rundgren - vocals, electric guitar Mark "Moogy" Klingman - keyboards, Hammond B-3 organ Ralph Schuckett - keyboards Jean Yves "M. Frog" Labat - synthesizer John Siegler - bass guitar, cello And The IKON!

[@bei1016]

As an Elder Fan . I Listened to Another Live a Thousand Times. 3 Keyboard players, we Were Spoiled. Horns, and Luther Vandross on Background Vocals. We Can’t Live in the Past . Todd Delivered the Past and It was Wonderful.

[@dirkbag22]

Todd's brand of progressive rock was always one of my favorite headphone excursions. So many great evenings cranking up The Utopia album and "Another Live," spectacular music.

[@leonakita]

lol.... and I thought I was the only one that did that!! lol

[@JamieJoIacobucci]

I live in Chicago, in the city. I remember walking past the theater a couple of times, looking up at the sign, thinking it would be great to see Todd Rundgren. Thanks for this wonderful video. Next time, I’ll have to actually see him…live!

[@mythoughts-r6h]

So rare we are not gifted with a compiled set list with timeline. Hint hint. Saw Utopia in the late 70's Atlanta's Southeastern Music Hall. A. Cooley's executive secretary (thankyou Janet) blessed me with ten passes for my birthday. Nine people in my life with no idea until we arrived. You could touch the band if you tried. By the way...this is tooo f'n fantastic !

[@pixieheart9303]

I saw this show twice in Akron, Ohio! Fantastic!!

[@birdynumnum3473]

I like that Kasim got plenty of lead vocal time. Excellent concert.

[@Ceejay52]

And shows his skills on the guitar in "Rock Love"

[@heymike_49]

Saw this show in Portland so freaking awesome, Todd is God!

[@JohnMasino]

Epic historical show... UTOPIA

[@armandofente8774]

That was a great show. Wish I was there

[@michaelharkins4309]

Incredible band... Great tour... beautifully captured (for posterity) at the Chicago Theatre, during this historic reunion tour... most likely never to be repeated again. I was fortunate to be able catch the show on their tour stop in Phoenix, AZ thanks to my brother Sean.

[@Ceejay52]

Hi Michael, I was at this show that night. So fantastic!

[@marcsalonsky9257]

I saw this show and was blown away by the amount of energy that Todd expended to make this happen. Especially the first set with all the old Utopia tunes. So much guitar work on every tune. Truly amazing!

[@CosmicNed]

Saw Utopia supporting Led Zeppelin at Knebworth way back in '79... I was truly amazed at how big a sound just four guys made - they blew me away & never heard of 'em before... since bought virtually all Todd's solo work & Utopia - been a huge fan ever since...

[@kendallevans4079]

These are the types of artists that have a tight group of fans that come out for the concerts when they can. They know ALL the songs! Rush is another example.

[@jeffrydyson]

I was in the second row in Cleveland for the original tour in 1974. Can’t remember the theater but it was small. Blew me completely away! I had already bought the album which I still have 😊!

[@user-ph5li7ll7t]

The Agora Ballroom?

[@RobertPignotti]

what a band! not many that harmonize like these gentleman!

[@stevew7214]

This is fantastic! I've been a fan of Todd \ Kasim \ Utopia since me and my bandmates were driving to see Styx live in 1978 and the drummer had just bought "Oops! Wrong planet!" and we listened to it over and over (and over...)

[@theworldaccordingto4555]

That's about the same time I got into Todd, Utopia... This is one awesome gig! Wish I had seen the tour but alas (in fact I don't think the tour came to my neck of the woods, across the big pond to Good Old Blighty...)

[@dademack3544]

The summer before I started college Oblivion came out and I listened to that LP every night laying in bed before I went to sleep. Amazing album still.

[@leifhoffman6533]

Phenomenal after all these years.

[@vietopian]

What a great tour this was. Seems like yesterday. Thank you!

[@michaelwinston713]

70 years old this week. Still yet, I’m at college, taking advantage of ‘things’ as an 18 year old. I’m back there! Thank you. Marvellous!!!

[@AudioFileZ]

Somehow...Utopia Theme has my inner music lover standing at attention. It is uncanny. It's like all the sudden I was wholly capable of expressing the music I loved in my head being everything from King Crimson to The Ramones. In my dreams I was Todd in Utopia creating all of this blissful noise.

[@gcsathletics8575]

Wow...really at 70. Arguably one of the great singer song writers of our generation. Incredible performance.

[@bojangles713]

I just saw him last night 5/24 in Orlando /Plaza Live and at 76 , 77 next .month...he and his band literally sent me into the stratosphere ...I have not yet returned..🤯👍🤟💯

[@deemccray1487]

i did not relize i was listening to the start of fusion back in the 70s todd an utopia was just cool to be into, man i miss my teen yrs. peace

[@noogie1]

Love Todd, he's one of musical heroes, saw the Milwaukee date, thanks!

[@kencribbs9344]

What a spectacular performance!! Now well into my eighth decade of life (and my 53rd year as a Todd devotee), I feel the electric thrill of this singularly talented musical genius even more than ever. I was especially ecstatic to see and hear Kasim's prodigious talents so prominently featured. (I remember commenting when he first joined Utopia, "That kid has some fabulous pipes!") . . . so great to hear his voice has held up so wonderfully.

[@TRACELHENTZ]

Right on Ken. You and I can still rock!

[@centralscrutinizer7127]

Saw them in 1977 with a large pyramid structure that Todd climbed and in Singring & The Glass Guitar, he threw the glass guitar to the ground and it smashed to pieces . They were dressed as ancient Egyptians. My teenage mind was blown.

[@Jerry-sr9kq]

I saw them in 1977 also. At the Calderon concert hall on Long Island. Fantastic show.

[@frankmarsh1159]

He dove off the top of the pyramid and was lowered to the stage by a wire.

[@TattKingMusicProductions]

Was in Dallas, with my kiddos. Wonderful show and venue. A Special Thanks to our Friend Mr. Kasim as always. See ya in Dallas in June. Thanks for the post!

[@billmiller9145]

Another life!!! Probably my favorite song from this era of Utopia.

[@lindsaymusic8450]

Saw Todd and the boys three times in 1982. In the basement of the Philly Civic Center, at Rutgers Camden, and at the Tower Theatre opening for the Tubes. All great shows that will live with me forever.

[@williamdraper1679]

I saw that show in Lansing, MI with the Tubes... it was a really good show. Cheers.

[@twtwtw1]

So good to hear that guitar again

[@woohoomike]

Saw Todd tonight in El Cajon, CA. Great show!

[@dbunce10]

Thank you. A fan since Runt.

[@jamesallanburruto]

I am a massive Todd/Utopia fan and have been so since 1974... This is lovely considering the original band was 6 members or something on Another Live. Miss Roger but the new guy is doing a wonderful job.

[@melodymakermark]

The new guy is awesome! Loved Roger though. If you’ve not seen it, search Kasim Sulton’s Utopia live at Daryl’s House club and go to about 36:30 for a killer version of The Ikon. That guitarist is fantastic.

[@jamesallanburruto]

I have that was great as well. Unfortunately Jesse Gress, the guitarist, passed Feb 2023 due to cancer. Very sad. He worked with Todd and Kasim and Tony Levin on and off for almost 30 years. Met him at the Chance with Todd many years ago. @@melodymakermark

[@briansolomon983]

My first Utopia show was at the Roxy theatre on Sunset Blvd in the '80s. Don't remember the date but they played with the Hello People Band. Played Sunset Blvd! 😁Iconic!! Diggin'the Good Music here in Northern Alberta Canada 🇨🇦🥶❤️🎼🎵🎶

[@kevinodell1502]

1983’s self-titled is my favorite. Less proggy and more poppy perhaps, but matter. Brilliant. Funny, too. Uniquely released. It’s like 1&1/2 albums. Met Todd. Gotta signed copy. Sweet guy.

[@lindamattioli7943]

Todd see you in AC! Hope to meet you. I'll have my Todd t-shirt on !!!!❤❤❤

[@Vincent-fo7xp]

I love the album Ra.

[@goranbergvall4883]

Me too👍

[@studiotecnicoassociatocerq9223]

I saw utopia at knebworth’ festival UK - 11 August 1979

[@beeonthyme5760]

I love Todd for his Musicianship. I don't entertain the thought of being in his circle. But I would like to see his studio.

[@stephenmountford8225]

Thanks!

[@wayneblanchard97]

Kasim and Todd are a perfect pairing. So are Todd and Kasim. Just a reminder that this is a Lennon & McCartney - or McCartney & Lennon - pairing where both are great indivividually but together there is a higher level regardless of who is in the lead.

[@williamweiss6128]

Wonderful, man.

[@mickf3787]

Great show.....only thing missing is Roger! Saw them twice in the late 70's. Met Kaz, Todd and Roger.

[@frankpiotrowski1070]

The Chicago Theater, perfect acoustic's.

[@SuperQdaddy]

Fantastic reunion

[@kc0lif]

still sound great.

[@jeffbass4]

That was just great!!! Makes me happy.

[@victoriagrove5344]

This is fantastic! Thank you for sharing 😊

[@cramster3495]

Very good performance. Complex music and beautiful close harmonies.

[@kevinmcgiffin10]

😂😂This is hilarious😂 the crowd pounding down with there fists . These are hard wired Utopia fans for sure ❤❤❤❤

[@stevegirard-voiceaudiopodcasts]

A great show! I saw Utopia a few times back in the day - overall saw Todd about 40 times… and that’s pretty low for a super TR fan like me. One time I saw Utopia during the Oblivion tour - so around ‘84 - at a goofy club outside of Baltimore… one where was a dance floor in front of the stage, and a bunch of tiers with niteclub type tables. My 1st wife and I walked to the dance floor, and spent the show pretty much by ourselves, 6 feet in front of the guys! It was so cool, but weird at the same time.

[@2wayplebney]

Splendid! A lot of old favourite music. Kasim sings. Todd plays like a boss. The Batman theme (totally nicked from the Ra album. Faux Yes, Genesis. All Utopia. And West side Story. I wish I had been there.

[@kenhaynes942]

Wow! Utopia Theme then long intro to The Ikon, which is a true prog masterpiece -- 30+ mins of extremely cohesive, theme-swirling beauty.

[@JFB-Haninge]

Yeah! What a opener.. love it..

[@melodymakermark]

Great stuff! I gotta say though, I heard Kasim’s Utopia, which includes this keyboard player, and I like their upbeat tempo of The Ikon a lot more.

[@kevinmcgiffin10]

This tour was a blessing . Utopia has not lost a lick. WHAT AN AMAZING EVENING !!!❤❤❤❤

[@morbidmanmusic]

blessing>? lol. no. it is a rock show.

[@postinfinity]

Just AWESOME.

[@melissadambro8873]

Kasim! ❤

[@christiantaylor4027]

Must haves: adventures in Utopia, something anything, Ra, oops wrong Planet, Acapella, tortured artist effect,Back to the bars. Should get u started. Rock on

[@scotthunter9547]

I was at this, 8th row stage left with my Malinois Castro ....

[@TRACELHENTZ]

love IS the answer

[@hansriemens3125]

Stunning absolute!!!

[@ta3p-theannex3project84]

Wonderfull Gill blends in perfectly. No Gill no Utopia.

[@orogenicman]

Love you, Todd.

[@pommiegranite464]

Brilliant!

[@brucebrymer7306]

Get them all, especially the early ones. Actually from Utopia period back. Personally, his music seems to get angrier after that period and, being a lifelong fan his later stuff disappointed me a little. My opinion only, he is still one the greatest rockers ever. Incidentally, I'm a 77 year old rock and roll drummer. I've been playing for 66 years. I also sing and write. Todd is one of the greatest.

[@michaelhaniotes36]

Willie is back from Gainesville, Florida

[@GaryLund-d5y]

Todd...!

[@bobvermeulen491]

When discussing the best prog artists from the States, Kansas and Styx mostly come up first and second but I think Todd and Utopia deserve to be first (with Ambrosia a close 2nd; listen to their first 2 albums).

[@rakeshadhin]

Utopia (1974) is indeed the best US prog album ever made. My desert island disc together with Mahavishnu's Visions of the Emerald Beyond (1975).

[@deetgeluid]

I miss Roger. But this is still great.

[@tonycole6877]

Not a big lover of live concerts on record of video always feel you have to be there to get the atmosphere and usually the vocals are poor, but the vocals, musicianship and visuals are spot on with this show and shows Todd and the band are Wizzards and true stars But this is really good

[@Paul-qo1hb]

Todd is the consummate professional.

[@WinstonTexas829]

If only.

[@LoyalOpposition]

The credits were wrong. It said, "Music written by Todd Rundgren" - what about Kasim?

[@kevinmcgiffin10]

Oops Wrong Planet was sooo intensively Utopia. ❤❤❤👏👏🎶✌🙏

[@hippydippy]

I believe it was the best Utopia LP from that lineup. Everyone got show cased & it was very diverse.

[@johnyoung4529]

exquisite!

[@montemccraw1384]

Watched them record Utopia in the Fox. Blown away. RA Next, etc.

[@dcharlton5897]

So many great songs. Not sure about The Wheel, but everything else is spot on. Been a Todd fan since 1948 😆🎶

[@hippydippy]

"The Wheel" is brilliant. Come on!

[@thisislogout]

Set list please? Great show. I had the original LP "Todd Rundgren's Utopia" in 1978 that I bought used in excellent condition. I somehow lost many albums and traded many in for cds along the way. 😢

[@276parpir]

EPIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jameswarner5809]

The Backlund 100 is one of the coolest guitars around. It's a shame Eastwood have stopped making them.

[@mythoughts-r6h]

So he shows up with two of them just to rub salt in the wound. LOL Would the SG be a copy of Clapton's ?