Kasim Sulton: OVERCOMING A DEVASTATING PERSONAL TRAGEDY

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Thanks for listening! Subscribe & check out the rest of our interviews here: kzbin.info 🎶 💥 🎸

[@MsToddfan]

This is why we all love Kas. A hard working, talented,, funny, genuine and thoughtful guy. A total sweetheart, and thanks for the great interview.

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Thanks Carolyn, really glad you enjoyed it so much and appreciate the feedback :-)

[@patrickthometz6365]

Known Kaz for twenty plus years. Sweetheart of a guy and one of the worlds great bassists!

[@pontiaccrest]

I was always a Fan of Kasim since I'm a Utopia fan. All I can say is he's truly a great person!!

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Yes, it was a real pleasure meeting him Chet. Thanks for your email :-)

[@tsomething8441]

inspirational individual on many humanitarian levels....a quarter century of sobriety is a paramont achievement...congratulations.

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Absolutely. Glad you enjoyed the interview and thx.

[@yetivanmarshall1473]

We used to get hammered at the same high school as Kasim, he was a few years older than me but always had that look of success. You just knew he was going to make it.

[@RobertPignotti]

Kasim is a class act!

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Yes, I agree @RobertPignotti - thanks for listening 💥 🎶 🎸 !

[@beccielovelady5040]

Kasim gets my pat on the back for what it's worth, I'm just a long time fan.. He's a warm and fuzzy guy, as well as a great musician! This is a great interview!😍

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Beccie, glad you enjoyed it and yes, a BIG pat on the back to Kasim. Thx, CG

[@beccielovelady5040]

I would also like to say how proud I am of his sobriety. Kas is truly a wonderful man...he always makes time for his fans, always! And believe it or not he knows most by name... which is incredible! He is loved by many and I think he knows it!😉

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

YOU, young lady... are a very kind soul :-)

[@DAVEBLISS2007]

Great interview, Kasim seems to be a very balanced and dedicated human being. Very articulate, and clever. What a great life he has made for himself and his children. A very impressive individual. Thanks for a great posting.

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Glad you enjoyed it & Thank you for listening 🔥 🎶 🎸

[@vampyros1]

Another great interview with probing Q's, and sans all the typical, clichéd pablum. And kudos to Kaz for so candidly opening up about some rough patches he's endured. Wonderful musician, Kasim.

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Thanks a bunch, yeah I enjoyed this interview very much, he's great - and thanks for your kind words 😀🎸🎼

[@cryptocaddie]

Kasim !! Thanks for the good words . Fortunate to see you play with Todd in 2024 . Monterey and San Luis Obispo . Resounding ideas everywhere on stage and off . Thanks

[@scottclute7443]

Thank you Kasim, your sobriety is very inspiring!!!!

[@siskokidd]

Love all the back stories, Kasim. Thanks for sharing.

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Thanks and glad you enjoyed the interview, Sisko :-) CG

[@valerievanetten3183]

Thanks so much for this great interview with Kasim. My knowledge of him before this interview was basically his involvement as a member of Utopia. I've been a huge Todd fan since my mid teens back in the 70s and have seen Todd in concert about a half dozen times with and without Utopia. I never really learned much about the other members of Utopia. This interview was an interesting and fascinating look at Kasim who has weathered many storms and come out the other side scarred but able to live his best life. He seems like someone I'd really like. I wish him the best as he continues his life journey.

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Glad you enjoyed the interview @valerievanetten3183, and thanks for listening 💥 🎶 🎸 !

[@winstonsizemore2385]

Kasim Has been one of my musical heroes since way back. Definitely an influence on my vocals and bass Playing. I have met him and spoken to him. He's one of the kindest people you'll ever meet. I've been to a lot of the same things he's been through. How brave of him to open himself up and share all this with everyone. It's difficult to talk about our darkest times. What's not to love about him? He sings his a** off. Plays great rights. Great music and has a positive outlook he's a great influence. A great example of a life well lived.❤ Thank you Kasim

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Very cool, thanks for sharing that, @winstonsizemore2385 🙌🏻 💥 🎉 & thank you for listening!

[@stardaddyo9]

Adventures in Utopia was a masterpiece

[@williambrady382]

Great interview. His recollection of the rocky start with Todd seems particularly ironic considering the fact that once they got rolling, Todd rarely did anything without him. A great illustration that it's not how it starts that counts. It's how it finishes. And Kaz is a looooong way from finished. He is obviously a huge talent and apparently a major dude.

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Thank you for listening @williambrady382! 🎉🔥😇

[@davidbusby2550]

What a great guy. Great interview. Keep them coming

[@Rachaellang]

❤thank you so much what a lovely interview..kasim is such a lovely guy..really good chat ❤

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Glad you enjoyed the interview @Rachaellang, and thanks for listening 💥 🎶 🎸 !

[@ChefClary60]

Kas. Great guy. I’ve seen Todd probably 12 times. Only guy I ever got a pic with is Kasim. Super nice guy!

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Very cool! Thanks for listening James

[@brucefournier2391]

This is a wonderfully 'human' interview of a man who is walking a journey I think many of us would've wanted the opportunity to go down and have paid to do it. And we can see from his journey that there are different forms of 'payment'. Like Kaz said," sometimes we get what we ask for ".That being said, Kasim's story is proof that, regardless of 'position', no one is untouchable to the burrs and thistles of simply living. There is the matter of being an overcomer and seeing life through. We are where we are for a reason. To quote Todd and Utopia, 'But I'm only human, trying to get by And praying to heaven I might find out Why am I human, mere flesh and blood Afraid to go on without someone to hold me up'. Thanks for doing a real interview with a talented musician who's been there (everywhere), great job!

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Thanks for listening & for your kind words @brucefournier2391 - glad you enjoyed this 👍🏻🎸♫

[@MrRunt128]

Kasim seems like a humble and honest guy. He sure is talented!

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Yes, I agree @MrRunt128 - thanks for listening 💥 🎶 🎸 !

[@manuelwatts1864]

Playing in bands in my younger years, I'd often pick up the bass during breaks at rehearsals and play a few measures of Kas' solo from "Singring". With the exception of the outro arpeggios, the phrases gave a gratifying pleasure & sense of accomplishment ... And whenever asked about them, it was an honor to cite Kas as the composer. Thankyou Maestro Sulton!

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Glad you enjoyed the interview @manuelwatts1864, and thanks for listening 💥 🎶 🎸 !

[@manuelwatts1864]

@@EveryoneLovesGuitar - And thx to yourself for a most enjoyable interview. Saved it to favs! ... 😄!

[@rosey82833]

Always humble... always kind - great all around rock (especially base) guitarist 🤟 and a really nice guy.

[@retrobaseballjunkwax5302]

What a great talent! One of my all time favorites

[@loubator6200]

I was at both Led Zep shows at Knebworth in 1979 and remember seeing Utopia. Very cool.

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Cool @loubator6200 Glad you liked this and thanks for listening! 👂 🎶 🎸

[@DAVEBLISS2007]

@@EveryoneLovesGuitar I also remember Todd and Utopia at Knebworth Zeppelin 1979 shows, great music, very memorable. This interview with Kashmir is excellent. What a lovely man he is. Dave.

[@laurawells9770]

Amazing, thoughtful interview and Kasim's candid responses. Respect.

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Hey thanks, Laura. Glad you enjoyed it! CG

[@tonycross5801]

What a great human being and excellent musician.

[@edwardmanley6312]

Really informative convo. Just never hear Kasim talk much before.

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Glad you enjoyed the interview @edwardmanley6312, and thanks for listening 💥 🎶 🎸 !

[@polska1958]

This is one awesome interview. Can't wait to see them perform in Chicago in May !!!

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Glad you enjoyed it, and yes, he was great to talk with. Thanks for your comments!

[@tommccarron324]

It's so funny that you mentioned Harvey's Bristol Cream. Just the other day I looked in a liquor store to see if they still made it. It's a Sherry.

[@suzieswenson268]

Kasim is such a class act! Super friendly as you can tell from the interview!

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Thanks Suzie, glad you are digging it! 🎸🎼

[@scottclute7443]

Fabulous interview!!!

[@hiptrip99]

Happy to hear Kasim’s voices. ”Hi, Kaz, from Japan!!"

[@Theweeze100]

Great guy, Great Musical talent. Wonderful interview. Love Kasim!

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Thank you for listening Frank Huizar! 🎉🔥😇

[@MrCherryJuice]

This is great. I've always liked and admired Kasim's work with Utopia and Todd - he has such an undeniable presence...but knew absolutely nothing about this chap with the exotic name. He's from Staten Island?! Todd didn't want him in the band? He had substance issues? He's worked with all those other bands yet still feels the need for confirmation? What?! He is such a brilliant talent and someone who seems to be straight up and sincere. Also very sad to hear about his wife. I too lost mine - a fabulous woman and mother - and know how deep that loss cuts into one's life. I think the biggest shortcoming is that Kasim's career has largely been restricted to bands within his neighbourhood...friends and friends of friends. For example, why didn't Toto grab him after the passing of Mike Porcaro? And how great he would be in Ringo's All Star Band. Or if McCartney ever needs someone for a project. Kasim could certainly handle any of those and many more. And he would bring much more to the game than most. Thank you again, this was pretty much all news to me, so it is much appreciated. And I have a much greater appreciation for Mr. Sulton.

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Thanks so much for sharing this, and SO sorry for your loss man. I'm very glad you got so much out of this and were able to connect with Kasim's story. All the best, always... CG

[@figgybass]

Great interview!! Thanks!! Love this guy!!!

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Hey thanks for the feedback, figgy... glad you liked it, and yes Kasim's great!

[@pilljr.3331]

Hello Kasim…I saw Utopia sometime in the 70’s in Dayton, Ohio…(totally in my cups 😉)…and then again in 1984(?) just after getting sober…I recently hit the 40 year mark…so I appreciate the work it takes to get, and then stay sober…I have enjoyed your music for all the years so thanks and keep “Trudging”.

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Thank you for listening @pilljr.3331! 🎉🔥😇

[@doetakemeetuseriously2810]

cool dude. nice guy, great musician, Todd's most trusted sideman.

[@nonsuch]

Cool interview! I love Kasim's work in Utopia and in Meatloaf. It's awesome to hear about the rest of his career and the bands/artists he played with. An ex-friend turned me on to Todd and subsequently, Utopia in the early 90's. A little late in the game I know but, I've been a fan ever since. And thanks to KZbin, I've been able to watch/listen to some classic shows and interviews. Cheers!

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Thank you for listening @nonsuch! 🎉🔥😇

[@billshowers1775]

Great interview with Kasim I'm even a bigger fan than before he seems to be great guy

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Thanks Bill, yes he is a great guy and I really enjoyed talking with him. Appreciate your kind words, CG

[@LoyalOpposition]

I love the interviews. You always allow them to talk! So many interrupt would-be great stories!

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Thanks for your kind words @LoyalOpposition and glad you enjoyed this 👍🏻🎸♫ And tThanks for listening!

[@marcikaplan7381]

Love Kasim and this great interview

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Thanks Marci Kaplan, Rock on! 🎸🙌🏻🔥🎶 subscribe: elg.fun/subscribe

[@Kiwi-in5nw]

Great Interview, made me laugh and cry. Love how open and honest Kasim is and you asked some great questions!

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Hey Dyan! So happy you enjoyed the interview. Thanks for letting me know, and thank you for listening!

[@noheamike5036]

Funny, I tell people I started singing by default, too. Never got to Kasim's level, but still have fun

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Thank you for listening @noheamike5036! 🎉🔥😇

[@robertmuller3736]

Another great interview. The Keith Richards tour you were talking about...I think it may have been New Barbarians?

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Thanks Robbie, and yes, New Barbarians makes total sense. Glad you liked the show!

[@enriqueormenovillafuerte5791]

Robbie King Hi,i think the same,in that Keith & Ronnie's group played Stanley Clarke!

[@robertoponce8077]

Honest music from an honest man, thanks for this lovely video!

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Glad you enjoyed the interview Roberto Ponce, and thanks for listening 💥 🎶 🎸 !

[@richardnewell7202]

Didn't know that about him leaving Utopia early on. I was at that Knebworth show. They were fantastic that day. Also saw them on the RA tour in London. Funny the things you remember. I was at the front and I have this vivid memory of making eye contact with Kas during Couldn't I Just Tell You. Oh, and it was The New Barbarians, Keith's jam band at Knebworth. Thanks for the interview.

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Thanks for listening!

[@edhenry5170]

Very cool guy. And great interview!

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Thanks Ed :-)

[@rolandgreystoke5601]

I bowed my head when he said 'Mick Ronson'.

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Thanks @rolandgreystoke5601, Rock on! 🎸🙌🏻🔥🎶

[@thetruthissweet2847]

Kasim is one of the nice guys in rock.

[@thetruthissweet2847]

In '09, Todd, Kasim and Roger Powell were at a signing at Rock Hall (I am from Cleveland). It was on eve of Wizard, True Star tour. They drew the largest crowd ever at Rock Hall for a band signing. Todd's wife and son Rebop also took part. One if the most fan friendly rock bands ever.

[@73rangerf350]

Awesome. Love Kas

[@dikless222]

One day at a time. Inspiring, Kasim. Thanks for paving the way on this recovery journey for those of us walking behind...17 years clean and sober here in New Zealand. Legend!

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Thank you for listening @dikless222! 🎉🔥😇 Congrats on your sobriety !

[@dikless222]

@@EveryoneLovesGuitar thank you! Great interview. I'm a big Kasim fan.

[@Kevin-kr5ok]

He was a Blackheart also my son !

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Right on @Kevin-kr5ok, thanks for listening! 🎸💥🙌🏻

[@masteryourmindminutes6268]

For any interested Todd fan's here's a rare shot from his 1977 Utopia tour in Dayton, Ohio. essentialartistsdayton.org/product/todd/

[@kimtonearts]

Gotta have that bass. 🙂

[@garypowell1540]

I was at the Knebworth gig with Led Zeppelin and became an instant fan. IMO they blew LZ off the stage especially as Page and Plant seemed to be having one of their bad days. Plant had a cold and page played like a drunk. Utopia on the other hand sounded so clear and tight that I half suspected the entire gig was a recording.

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Thanks for listening!

[@BlueSkies32]

Penne,with broccoli rab, and sausage, and eggplant parm? are you from Staten Island ?😂 I hasten to add, Really excellent interview. The Meatloaf album I, and Utopia, An Evening with Utopia on VHS, fuggettabouttit! . . . . Pete Fornatale , 102.7FM

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Thank you for listening @richardgagliano1618! 🎉🔥😇 WNEW Rocked!

[@davidkamensky2780]

I've always been a Rungren. I even went down to Schaumburg to watch Rex play ball, just because it was Todd's son. The only thing I didn't like was him riding the gimmicks. Too much glam and theatrics. So much talent. The Utopia nonsense really got silly. I'll have Todd songs running around in my head until the day I die.

[@h.m.7218]

Roger Powell had a stint with Queen ? How ? When ? Can't remember reading about that anywhere before.

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

I'll have to ask Kasim, next time I chat with him Helios. Glad you enjoyed the interview :-)

[@h.m.7218]

Hi ELG, in fact, he must have mistaken the Bowie gig for a "Queen stint". Sometimes, that's how it works with memory...

[@patrickthometz6365]

He auditioned to be Queens touring keyboard player before their 1984 The Works tour. They went with Spike Edney instead. He did not play any shows with the band.

[@patrickthometz6365]

@@h.m.7218 he tried out to be queens road keyboard player in 1984. Queen went with Spike Edney instead.

[@Dolores5000]

Kas rules!!!!

[@brucegomez936]

"Expensive Winos" (name of Keith Richards side project he alluded to)

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Thanks @brucegomez936, Rock on! 🎸🙌🏻🔥🎶

[@flynow5614]

God bless MEAT RIP. Jim as well.

[@delphinazizumbo8674]

he's very reluctant to talk about anything and he really didn't like that "drug of choice" question

[@DorrenBrennan]

The new barbarians. I was there. Chaz & Dave as well

[@s0ld4u]

The New Barbarians, Kas.

[@EveryoneLovesGuitar]

Right on @s0ld4u, thanks for listening! 🎸💥🙌🏻

[@PedroPetracco]

21:00 The New Barbarians?

[@tommccarron324]

The expensive Winos

[@creagan2003]

The New Barbarians

[@flynow5614]

I've been on the road to UTOPIA for 50 years. I took a wrong turn never got there.