Todd Rundgren's Utopia - Seven Rays (Midnight Special 2-75)

[@TheBoffomundoShow]

Brilliant version. Live prog on 1975 commercial television. I remember seeing Genesis for the first time also on this show or maybe Don Kirshner's Rock concert. All these shows mixed rock, soul, prog, folk and the lot. Better music, better times.

[@morbidmanmusic]

That's what all old people say about their times...

[@williamleather500]

43 years ago and it is still great . . . Todd Rules. . . . . .

[@danstudebaker7927]

Almost everyone had no idea what Todd was singing about in this song. Powerful imagery and idealism when Todd was seeking and exploring and expanding consciousness.

[@morbidmanmusic]

You mean YOU had no idea. Don't speak for "almost everyone", you twit

[@Mr.Mann1971]

I've never heard this song played the same way twice. That's one of the reasons I love it!

[@barkybarkbarkbark]

Now THAT is a Utopia lineup. Never better.

[@jameshinchman5889]

Hell yes! Taking me right back to when I discovered Another Live in the mid 70s. After seeing Todd live in '76, there was no turning back!

[@richw5073]

Historic! Love his youthful leadership, vision and energy. It's also remarkable how network TV once gave so much space to performances like this. R&R HOF please.

[@jeffflinn2053]

@Rich: Yes, precisely. And to think, his Born To Synthesize clip was on Midnight Special. No way that ever gets near the viewing audience today!

[@morbidmanmusic]

Todd has no interest in the HOF and has said as much. I'm 100% with him as this isn't what belongs there. It's too original. Unlike most things in it

[@SanderAnderon]

saw this lineup a couple times that year but had no idea I'd missed this MS Special earlier that year!! thanks

[@semjohnbiggs5946]

A wizard a true super star ⭐

[@ChristianHegele]

I absolutely agree with you. The arrangement is so much fuller and richer, and every line just sparkles. Kevin's marimba parts during the bridge are crucial for setting up the fadeout.

[@superorangeish]

Shades of Nazz on some of those guitar riffs

[@Ghoopty]

Love the trippy '70s background!

[@Rj-jm8vm]

I've been into 70s prog for many years . I knew of this band but never bothered to listen . Better late than never I guess

[@michaellawrencemaag7480]

You have a lot to catch up on

[@tsomething8441]

fabulous find

[@rumblestrip66]

Excellent performance, thanks for posting!

[@jazzynet1]

Man does this bring back wonderful memories :D

[@SuperNolaguy]

The best...period dot!

[@melissaschroeter161]

If love could only be about thought...... would we survive? and carry on..... does love need to be more...... than minds thinking alike... for some only a mind is necessary.... to love.... who are you....? a thinker ... or a needer....?

[@marialedab.t.1198]

❤

[@motorpsych0]

All I need! =D

[@mooskybob5921]

ahhh.....the times before angry politics..... the kind of todd i love..

[@mrJimCharles]

Can't fault Todd for being angry with racist right wing totalitarians....

[@michaellawrencemaag7480]

I do believe he's feeling the pain now...

[@mrmatko7243]

Looks like some of them had a judo class after the performance

[@donalddavidson1216]

sigh....

[@onepunch9203]

Who is the bassist? Is Kaz playing xylophone?

[@francescofabbrifonti8833]

John Siegler on bass, Kevin Ellman playing xylophone

[@andybaumbrooklyn]

And three keyboardists: Mark "Moogy" Klingman, Ralph Schuckett and Roger Powell (who had recently replaced Jean-Ives Labat, aka "M. Frog")

[@SuperNolaguy]

John inspired me to play Bass after seeing Utopia record Another live in Central Park ;) He was and still is a Bass Beast!!!

[@barkybarkbarkbark]

Todd hadn’t heard of Kasim Sulton yet, because he still had John Siegler on bass. Besides, Kasim was probably still in high school. . . .

[@andybaumbrooklyn]

February of 1975 Kasim was 19 and gigging around Staten Island and the rest of the city. (We're the same age) He joined Utopia just a bit before his 21st birthday, in the latter half of 1976.

[@jamesmartin6709]

Why did the networks always have to add those horrible video effects back then?