Todd Rundgren | Berklee Commencement Address 2017

Songwriter, producer, recording artist, and pioneer of multimedia and computer technology, Todd Rundgren addresses the class of 2017 at Berklee's graduation.
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As a songwriter, producer, recording artist, and pioneer of multimedia and computer technology, Todd Rundgren has made a lasting impact on both the form and content of popular music. His seminal 1972 double album, Something/Anything?, on which he played all the instruments, sang all the vocal parts, and acted as his own producer, is ranked on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. It was followed by landmark albums The Hermit of Mink Hollow and A Wizard, A True Star, as well as hit singles "I Saw the Light," "Hello It's Me," "Can We Still Be Friends," and "Bang the Drum All Day." In addition to his own recordings, Rundgren has produced notable albums for Patti Smith, Cheap Trick, Psychedelic Furs, Meat Loaf, XTC, Grand Funk Railroad, Hall & Oates, and others. Rundgren continues to tour with Ringo Starr and perform with symphony orchestras both in the U.S. and internationally. His newest studio album, White Knight, will be released on May 12.

[@stevemora7845]

I can't believe he has never been nominated for a Grammy which leads me to believe that the Grammy is more about commercialism and record sales than actual quality of the music.

[@yodservant]

My husband worked for Todd at his studio Bearsville Sound and Utopia video as his sound engineer back in the late 70s...what an incredible guy, so wonderful, we would run into Todd in the mid 90s at places like Mac World in SF...same old Todd...completely honest and forthright to the core...a true blessing to us all🦁🦁🦁🦁

[@hankwojo]

He really is a Wizard, A True Star . . . I'm going to be 65. I've been listening to Todd since I was in my teens. An awesome genius.

[@TheGnomeCity]

I can't believe he hasn't ever been nominated for a Grammy. He wipes the floor with most Grammy winners.

[@hughsummers2532]

I love this man. He wrote my all time favorite song. Love Is The Answer. Thank you Mr. Rundgren!

[@jon4913]

Thank You to Berklee College of Music for giving Todd Rundgren the recognition he so richly deserves.

[@stephenkane2464]

amazing

[@zapphoddbubbahbrox5681]

A wizard. A true gentleman of the highest order. In Britain, he'd be knighted.

[@SamHooperGroup]

Well, some things have changed: Todd Rundgren is now a 2021 Inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!! Though he didn't attend the ceremony here in Cleveland on Saturday, I'm so glad he accepted his accolades from Berklee and gave this honest and inspiring speech then that we have for posterity. Thanks Todd!!

[@lazarodominguez2748]

I came to my loving new adoptive land The United States of America in 1968 at 14 years old. A music lover and an amateur actor and musician, listening to all kinds of music from Chicago, The Beatles, The Doors and so on and on, but even without mastering the english language, there was some music on the radio which attracted me tremendously in the early seventies and the music of Todd Rundgren attracted me so much and connected with my hart, body and soul so much that still now at 70 years old does fantastic memories of those old days. Rundgren is a terrific musician and like me still don't know how to read music but because I was also gifted I was able to play professionally thanks from the gift of God. Thank you Todd Rundgren.

[@chrisamerriman]

It took him less than 15 minutes to dump a truckload of gold into the ears of those graduates. Probably will be the most valuable words they heard at Berklee.

[@dynjarren8355]

Todd Rundgren is a brilliant producer and he’s a great singer as well. He’s written some great songs like Hello it’s Me and I Dont want to Work! Wonderful musician! I’m pleased to see him get recognized for his great career. And I like how he’s self taught. He learned best on his own. Bravo 👏🏻 🎸

[@dolphe.chiarino6142]

Todd is an amazing person & the sincerity, humility & honesty of his speech shows what a true performer should be. He mentioned his short comings & laziness as a teenager, barely making it thru high school & turned his life around to be one of the most successful writers & performers over the past 50 years. I first met Todd in 1966 /67 with The Nazz & then again about 10 years ago with Ringo’s Allstar Band, both times in NYC. This speech can apply to anyone that graduates from any college because even though you may not be a grade A student, it doesn’t mean you won’t or can’t be successful. Many kudos to Todd....

[@alneal100]

Wow. Todd is a great public speaker.

[@offbeatnovelty]

I went to the same HS as Todd. Not at the same time but I did have a teacher who had him in class. He told us Todd used to cut his class and go sit in a tree in a park behind the school playing his guitar!!

[@mifnp8887]

An absolute LEGEND and upstanding gentleman. The Rock and Rock Hall of Fame deserves YOU, Todd.

[@RShea-lp9wk]

Some of the attributes I respect about T. Rundgren,1. compassion, generosity and empathy 2. creativity 3. work ethic 8.His word 9. Insight into the the human condition (4-7 got lost) - now I can'tr remember; 10.talent 11.perseverance (learning all those instruments), 12. commitment to family + 4-7

[@patricklee780]

It's amazing to me that Todd Rundgren has not gotten more accolades because his music is pure genius!!

[@floradora701]

The more I hear of this man the more I like him. Never knew he wrote Love is the Answer until way later. Now I want to become a student and check all this music out. What a thoughtful, humble, well-spoken man.

[@MrMarkstyles]

This man is a brilliant musician, who tirelessly has devoted his whole life to creating music.. He continues to grow and adapt..

[@Bodyknowledge77]

Todd Rundgren is a way a combination of David Bowie and Nile Rodgers but still obviously unique. His contributions to music are rather massive. An absolute legend..

[@robreck6082]

"The one thing I did know as I was growing up is that I was a musician." Some people never know the one thing. So thankful he figured it out.

[@KOSMICKEN09]

He's been a hero to me strangely since I discovered a wizard/a true star back in 1984 as a 14-year old kid.

[@hunterstack4096]

It amazes me that he can tell a story of amazing success and schooled musicans are still trying to wrap there head around what he really did,it's called passion and desire, can't you see the light in his eyes

[@TheDive25]

One of my all time favorite musicians telling it like it is. Such class.

[@birderybirdery]

A Wizard a True Star is a masterpiece!

[@savvycha]

To me, Todd is, and always will be, a healer.

[@msusanwhaley]

Congratulations! What a talented man - love your songs (you had me at "Hello It's Me in 1972) - you may not have all of those degrees, etc., but you definitely have what it takes Mr. Rundgren - thank you for all of your wonderful music

[@trilingual]

Very touching and authentic address. I saw Todd Rundgren on Sept. 7, 2017 (touring with Yes) and was completely blown away by the power and artistry of the music, arrangements, and performances of Todd and the band. It's great to see him honoured in this way!

[@BillKing3456]

I recently got to meet Todd at a book-signing in Williamsburg, Brooklyn for his book, The Individualist, which I highly recommend (I have read it, a real page turner, and now my wife is reading it - we're both huge fans). Todd was so generous of his time to me and everyone else on the line. Just a class act.

[@drbobperkins]

One of the all time great singer songwriters. Truly an all star. So authentic, so fresh.

[@therealslipperman8700]

Loved. Discovered Todd in 1973 at 12yrs. old. What a ride it has been! I actually got to thank him for what he has created in a Holiday Inn hallway somewhere in the Midwest(Carbondale Ill?) in Spring 1985. I hadn't even seen his show that night. I was onstage elsewhere myself when he played. I just happened to see him knocking about around midnight and recognized him... It's was maybe 30seconds with what I'm sure was a seemingly moderately deranged musician for him. A huge and pivotal moment in a lifetime of making music for me. He addresses similar themes in this speech. Amazing talent.

[@chriscollins570]

Very heartfelt and inspirational! Thanks to the renowned Berklee College for inviting this motivating orator to their recent Commencement ceremony and adding some business application advice to what is generally a pure theory emphasized program.

[@tremoloreverb]

Todd underrates himself. Several times this year alone I have discussed Todd, many instances. Todd is an enigma. He is truly part of rock history. Was he intentionally modest? Todd...you are a household word. This vid made me wonder. Does he know?

[@redredrubyred9]

What a lovely honor for Todd. Beautiful speech. And the robe suits him!

[@Kritikateur]

This man is into another level....he didn't need to learn how to read music because he is a Pure Genius. Actually I did meet a lot of musicians in my career who were very limited in their artistry by their "academical skills", really kinda of: "...They look at the finger and miss the moon behind it!" Love this man and may God bless Him. Carus Alambra 🙂

[@tuff47]

I salute you Todd Rundgren! You've had great success, and I've enjoyed your music.

[@marygleason7815]

Well, there you have it...probably the most talented musician/producer we have had in our lives. I personally felt that the R&R Hall of Music was totally clueless about Todd... which apparently, they are. Todd doesn't give a shit about them, and I think it's so obvious that he is above and beyond most of the people inducted. The thing that struck me the most was also something that he has conveyed throughout... he is humble, well spoken, has a tremendous outlook at life as it is and is still more talented that he gives himself credit for. I attended his concert in RI the day after he was given that most prestigious honor at Berklee. His wife, Michelle was so very proud of him. I was so thrilled o be at that concert, even tho a guy almost knocked me over in a rush to the front of the stage. I saw him later and he did apologize by saying "sorry, but I love this guy" I said "no shit, dude, so do I"

[@marygleason7815]

hey, just curious how you justify the opinion that you felt the need to share?

[@joethompson2910]

I love this guy and Im going to see him tonight in Albuquerque New Mexico as the 35th show in his unpredictable tour which I am totally jazzed about even though I would rather listen to all of his original music instead of half cover tunes but I’ll take what I can get from this man because everything you touch turns to some sort of gold in my opinion. Thank you Todd and you’ve been and inspiration in my 50 years as a guitar player

[@brotzmannsax]

Great speech, historic figure, loved his comments on the Rock Hall of Fame the most, right on man!

[@daved57]

The best address I've ever heard. God bless Todd Rundgren.

[@Elise__Mae]

Artistic integrity. Period. Thank you for decades of amazing music, Dr. Rundgren. So glad my alma mater recognized your unique greatness.

[@RickNowels1]

well done berklee for having one of the greatest singer, songwriter, lyricist, producers of the past 40 years speak at your graduation. a worthy role model for all aspiring musicians. a giant of song and inspiration.

[@danparker7575]

I had not expected Todd to be this eloquent in an honestly casual manner! He knows his story, he tells his story, and he owns everything he learned from years of self-reflection. He's a teacher now.

[@mayemcdonald9111]

I really enjoyed this. Todd is so honest and that is a very redeeming quality. I have enjoyed his music since I was 12 years old. He is a master producer and I want to thank him for all he has contributed to the music world. Very nice speech.

[@jamesridgeway4399]

This man has healed so many lives and relationships. Thank you Todd.

[@starshiptrooper7670]

A Wizard, A True Star...

[@meinsideandout3073]

Love the candor in sharing your journey Todd Rundgren. You seemed to speak from the heart, just like my most favorite song in the world, written by you. Love is the Answer!!

[@andysimpson3142]

He's a genius in my book, he has written so much music many will never get to hear. A true rebel in the music industry. One of the highlights of my life was getting to shake his hand at the loading dock in Phoenix in 1977. He was wearing a Army jacket and just watching the people and saying hi!! He was playing with Utopia that night at Star Theater (now called Celebrity theater)

[@jameshinchman5889]

Class Act and a hero of mine in many respects. Well done, Sir!

[@mattojorojo]

He truly is a wizard a true star. Thanks Todd!!!

[@jward9637]

Todd is an awesome guy. Great commencement speech!!

[@MrTeatreeoil]

Todd Rundgren is #1 and a great spirit!!! Todd Rundgren educated himself!!!

[@c.thompson6638]

Todd Rundgren is brilliant and a captivating speaker. He learns about what interests him. Isn't that similar to follow your passion? Todd went through the school of hard knocks and graduated with a doctorate degree in the music of life. Beautiful.

[@Themanwhocameback2]

God bless Todd Rundgren. A wizard, a true ........., - artist!

[@SteveSmekar-ll6ln]

Saw him in concert back in the 90's. He made an effort to reach out and shake my hand. Always appreciated his originality.

[@phoebephobe]

I for one am so thankful you persevered and gave us the most amazing music. I love your music Todd! Comfort zone music for me. Thank you for your amazingness!

[@bigelile07]

Something/Anything? was a work of art. Absolutely brilliant.

[@bobnisbet]

Great speech, I loved it...maybe I should go to one of his summer fan camps.

[@ABBY-ml2rq]

The absolute brilliance of Todd Rundgren !...I LOVE YOU TODD

[@studio1127]

Truly one of the most underrated artist, producer, writer and performers in the last 100 years. Todd is a godd 😍

[@patriciarinaldi918]

THANK YOU TODD FOR YOUR INSPIRATIONAL COMMENCEMENT SPEACH AND THANKS FOR THE MEMORYS PAT RINALDI

[@gabrielefrancioni7582]

It was about time! Todd is THE most underrated musician since rock'n roll blasted out (1954). He himself seems to underrate his own body of work: "AWATS", "Todd", "Utopia" and "Initiation" stand out as the most compelling, challenging, avant-garde and sincerely experimental rock journey ever. His composing skills are unlimited and yet to be analised to the fullest extension: "A Treatise On Cosmic Fire" is a miracle, something that does not belong in the realm of "pop" but rather in that of contemporary music

[@GPHERTZ123]

The learning continues. Congratulations to the graduates. Thank you for posting. That was some real Todd right there. G.

[@gwensciora8516]

I enjoyed this speech so much that I made up my mind to talk to TODD..I saw YEStival in NY and NJ SUmmer 2107. forward to DEC 2017.he was on my show waxx traxx to the maxx on WUSB FM NY > i'm looking forward to seeing Todd at Daryl's house at the end of the month. THANK YOU !!!!!

[@michaelthomas366]

Make no mistake about it--Todd Rundgren is a pop musical genius who was way ahead of the time.

[@sa65cn1]

Todd Rundgren dserves a life achievement Grammy!!! He has contrubuted so much as a songwriter, performer, an the progressive sound of Utiopia/

[@Meshellyne8]

I love you Mr. Todd Rundgren❤️what a talented and smart man, genius!!! Thanks Berklee C❤️

[@hatusage]

That is one of the benefits of being old... you can honestly say that Todd has been your favourite musician since you ever heard his music in the mid 70's. I hope that everybody who watches this also realises that Todd (guitar) and the rest of his band (Utopia), played on the 'Bat Of Hell' soundtrack.

[@MidWestConcertVideo2]

Just to clarify - when he says "to this day, I don't know how to read music" he meant sight-read. He can read and write music, just don't expect him to play a score perfectly from paper like a _Berklee_ graduate. He was the arranger on Meatloaf's _Bat Out of Hell_ album in addition to being the producer. He had a famously contentious relationship with Andy Partridge of XTC when he was producing _Skylarking,_ but gave them their most commercially (and in my opinion, artistically) successful album. Andy asked Todd to write the arrangement of _The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul_ as a "John Barry/Exotica" track, and he came back the next morning with everything worked out. Andy said of Todd "He has the people skills of a Dalek, but is a God among arrangers."

[@kathleenstewart409]

Love ya Todd. Your words are an inspiration. Thank you for your music.

[@donnadelcore1976]

Todd is the most fascinating musician/producer/speaker I have ever known in my life. I have been listening to Todd since 12 y.o. - 50 yrs! ( I am 62- 10/10/21).Love you Todd! ♥️

[@ctmdoh6542]

As usual, he cuts through the crap and speaks his mind and heart. Just saw Todd last month...maybe the 6th show of his I've seen over the years..going all the way back to the 70s..a true inspiration to me as a musician and a human being.

[@johnlawson7306]

An artist with integrity and soul! A beautiful spirit who gave freely of his genius. The dream goes on forever!

[@mahumike7531]

The music, the arrangement, the vibe, the creativity, the baring of soul in A Wizard, A True Star may very well have saved my life on more than one occasion as a gay kid growing up in hell. Just the mere MENTION of "the love that dare not speak its name" validated me as did so much on so many levels in that album. On a very real level for whatever other reasons, along with its musical magic, It made me feel UNDERSTOOD. In my dreams, Mr - I mean Dr. Rundgren, you come to Buffalo on August 17 and perform "Love is the Answer" with a gospel choir for my Moms memorial service. (She was the main reason I lived through a world that hated me - from my god to my country to my family.)

[@missytucker5202]

Just heard your song (Hello It's Me ) 2 weeks ago )And now I feel like I have known you forever Todd /I play that song everyday /Your so amazingly talented ,and unique /I love your costumes and your sense of style / I was just 3 years old in 1974 ,but I feel like I should have seen some of your concerts /Keep being you Todd Rundgren 🎹🎸❤️🎤🥁📻📺💥

[@ricardocerrillo3472]

I stumbled onto this video without a clue...glad I did! He spoke from the heart with simple sincerity...no B.S.. He is an artist to be admired.

[@needtashow]

He keeps referring to 'A Wizard a True Star" album as abomination .I was a teenager and got it when it came out .We recognized it immediately as an incredible work of genius .Technically brilliant and full of soul .Of course we wouldn't have worded it quite like that .

[@DoctorPanglossBand]

He is being ironic when he says that, because that is what the hack critics (not the ones who recognize genius, like Patti Smith) said about it, the Christgaus and idiots like that. I bought the album way back then, too, and man did I burn out a few billion brain cells "listening" to it, along with Electric Ladyland and Ummagumma.

[@mercfan74]

That's how the critics saw it, not him. Critics want you to churn out the same stuff over and over - but that's not what leads to longevity in the music business.

[@lupcokotevski2907]

His greatest songwriting influence was the Bronx genius Laura Nyro. See the youtube of Todd discussing her influence. She was inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame in 2012. Uncut rock magazine did a 6 page feature on her in its May 2017 issue. The Guardian online also did a feature on her 19th April 2017.

[@bethshadowen904]

I remember when I bought Something/Anything, one record was see through pink, the 2nd record was see thru blue. Wish I still had that. It was beautiful!!!

[@Raittway]

So awesome!! Much love to you and appreciation Todd💜 growing up I had 3 older siblings who were all into different music. Also my mom listened to broadway plays and my dad, big bands and sinatra. Although he did sit through the whole movie of Gimmee Shelter (i was a stones fan). My dad was also a cop, chief for 12yrs and dealt with 5 stoners. I love you, your talent writing and producing. You were lightyears ahead of everyone wearing both "hats" 😚😍😎

[@moonbeanification]

I am a lifelong fan of Todd Rundgren. There will never be enough words to describe how deeply his music has touched me. Love, love, LOVE him for light years !!! ♥♥♥

[@beeonthyme5760]

sincerely a genius, a wizard, and my favorite star

[@quogir1]

this is such a good man really yes

[@cammierountree5172]

Inspiring speech from an amazing, inspiring man.

[@TheGreatGig73]

Well done, Berklee. Well done Todd.

[@habyss]

Finally got to see him in concert a few months after this address. Very memorable show.

[@Golfcentric]

beautiful, genuine, impactful

[@schmidttrigger9690]

I've had "A Wizard, A True Star since my early teens, at over 50 I still listen to it. It's such a fantastic, uplifting piece of work. A great person.

[@oliviagulish125]

That was really inspiring Todd. So well said.

[@xpatsteve]

Todd has been a lifelong favorite of mine. His brilliance and contributions to the world of music can not be overstated.

[@RicardoRodriguez-ci7qn]

I love you Todd!!! I wish I was in that school right now wow!!! I’m 26 and you sing my favorite song everrrrr. Hello it’s me. Love you for that

[@amyhendrickson7403]

You are a class act Todd!! A great musician and speaker!

[@BenjaminvonCramon]

I only began paying attention with A Wizard A True Star, my peers into YES, ELP, Gentle Giant didn't even get that, but from that album on, I always saw in Rundgren exactly what he speaks to in this commencement, equanimity, self-possessed, tapping all the inward stuff, fearless inventor across all domains of music creation, if not its visual treatment. I just ran the mountain with No World Order in my ears. Rundgren was also a thinker's thinker, his rap aimed at society seems especially poignant today, the tension he describes between the religious right and the rest of us being what they are. And to think he's still at it, touring and doing it, truly amazing.

[@maryknauss2906]

I love you Todd. Congrats Berklee!!!

[@cookmoore3736]

Love him talking about thankfully not being nominated or do anything about the Rock Hall! :)

[@jeffdawson2786]

What a treat for Berklee grads that year.

[@ianadler657]

Todd's the best! We loved everything he put out! "AWATS"was immediately recognized as brilliant! One of the great musical innovators of all time! His loyal fans know the truth. He is one of a kind! Thank you for all the years of great music!

[@cheezhead6007]

Todds a "down to earth" GENIUS!

[@mootbooxle]

I LOVE YOU TODD RUNDGREN!!

[@Phoebedumplings]

It’s amazing and saddening that so many of my peers have never heard of Todd. Their loss,I guess.

[@Themanwhocameback2]

Todd's unique address echoes his own lyrics of 35 years ago Couldn't I just tell you the way I feel, I can't keep it bottled up inside. And couldn't we pretend that it's no big deal, And there's really nothing left to hide. God bless him!