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!??

[@richardbayne7566]

Todd is in his seventies. Amazing.

[@jamesallanburruto]

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

[@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. ❤

[@kevztunz]

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

[@RobertPignotti]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@davidkamensky2780]

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

[@JonPickles]

Todd, Utopia absolutely amazing.

[@jeffdawson2786]

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

[@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!!

[@JohnMasino]

Epic historical show... UTOPIA

[@BenjaminKanarek]

I am gob struck!!! Brilliant as always!

[@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!

[@timothyburns815]

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

[@birdynumnum3473]

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

[@Ceejay52]

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

[@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!

[@melissadambro8873]

Can’t stop love in action!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@garethleitner9547]

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

[@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...)

[@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.

[@jhamptonjr]

There's a reason we used to have posters that said Todd is God!

[@hippydippy]

GODD.

[@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!

[@billmiller9145]

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

[@vietopian]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@leifhoffman6533]

Phenomenal after all these years.

[@Vincent-fo7xp]

I love the album Ra.

[@goranbergvall4883]

Me too👍

[@Paul-qo1hb]

Todd is the consummate professional.

[@melissadambro8873]

Kasim! ❤

[@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.

[@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 😊!

[@jeffbass4]

That was just great!!! Makes me happy.

[@twtwtw1]

So good to hear that guitar again

[@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.

[@victoriagrove5344]

This is fantastic! Thank you for sharing 😊

[@killmenow6663]

I saw Utopia in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in the early 70s. I'd been awake for 34 hours studying for and taking exams in college. And I did a hit of acid. It was quite an experience.

[@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!

[@user-oh3uh3ol1x]

Todd...!

[@jonathanstoutenburg8634]

I like the cover of Jeff Lynn and The Electric Light Orchestra.

[@markcraven8386]

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 !

[@cramster3495]

Very good performance. Complex music and beautiful close harmonies.

[@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.

[@JFB-Haninge]

Yeah! What a opener.. love it..

[@dbunce10]

Thank you. A fan since Runt.

[@mickf3787]

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

[@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 🇨🇦🥶❤️🎼🎵🎶

[@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.

[@michaelhaniotes36]

Willie is back from Gainesville, Florida

[@SuperQdaddy]

Fantastic reunion

[@frankpiotrowski1070]

The Chicago Theater, perfect acoustic's.

[@postinfinity]

Just AWESOME.

[@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!

[@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.

[@woohoomike]

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

[@williamweiss6128]

Wonderful, man.

[@kc0lif]

still sound great.

[@orogenicman]

Love you, Todd.

[@deetgeluid]

I miss Roger. But this is still great.

[@hansriemens3125]

Stunning absolute!!!

[@TRACELHENTZ]

love IS the answer

[@pommiegranite464]

Brilliant!

[@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.

[@dlsamson]

Great concert, However KZbin's commercials have become so obnoxious - long form songs interrupted every two minutes by two 30 second commercials! Seriously KZbin! Your level of abuse is inclining me to revert back to listening to CDs! Absolutely 🐂💩

[@unclefrank4274]

Use the Brave browser. No ads

[@kevinmcgiffin10]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@johnyoung4529]

exquisite!

[@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).

[@kenhaynes942]

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

[@276parpir]

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

[@kevinmcgiffin10]

SING IT WILLIE !!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@jamescurley2657]

Awesome

[@LoyalOpposition]

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

[@lindamattioli7943]

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

[@jackcieslak604]

All is one - communion with the sun!

[@jianmorris1]

Lo amo 😍

[@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.

[@bobsbarnworkshop]

“Oooops! Wrong planet” great album!

[@francisbradley1027]

Todd rungdren and his band should get together with the Alan Parsons Project. YAY.

[@danlutjemeier4183]

The older the violin the sweeter the music.

[@briangoodspeed8807]

Never introduce your date to a rockstar backstage. Willie Wilcox married mine.

[@LoyalOpposition]

Which goes to show how much perception is. Had he been Willie The Janitor... Reminds me of one of the highest paid violinists in the world who got chump change busking in the NYC subway. No one stopped and said, "This guy sounds so 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

[@montemccraw1384]

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

[@rickway461]

This was his best album in this genre

[@TeodoroDiaz]

wow yea

[@aeneas237]

It’s amazing how underrated he is

[@ruloh01]

Not by me, and many other people. He is a musicians’ idol

[@helethead]

“Underrated “? By who?

[@stephenmoss2554]

British radio for a start! When they play him, it is only ever 'I Saw the Light'. Even more overplayed now since it is used in an ad for online bingo of all things.

[@aeneas237]

He was ubiquitous in the 1970s for a couple of his own records, but those in the know recognize his work as a producer is equally integral to understanding his talent. As stated so well above, a musician’s idol. Plenty of artists are good producers but mostly of their own work. If you look at the bands he produced it’s nothing short of astonishing.

[@aeneas237]

@@stephenmoss2554 I would love to know the rationale for its use. Apparently winning at bingo is akin to seeing the light in a beloved’s eyes? Quite the claim

[@stephenmountford8225]

Thanks!

[@francisbradley1027]

Todd had a little bit of jazz fusion going on, like ( return to forever )

[@userphlglvc]

i say todd rungren newlike and strange! but its' good point.Ｉ feeling. utopiasound were nwely and strange. today here end /japan/morikawa over-❤

[@loucat2779]

Caravan was one of the best live songs I've ever seen, 62 yr old saw some amazing shows over the years, but Roger Powell with that stand-up synthesizer? Four part harmony? give me a break!

[@jameswarner5809]

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

[@markcraven8386]

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 ?