Todd Rundgren’s UTOPIA - Portland, Oregon - June 2nd, 2018

UTOPIA returns after a 35 year hiatus. Opening with the UTOPIA Theme - the best prog-rock song ever! My iPhone froze mid song (of course) but recovered quickly to capture all the Utopian goodness. Whoo-Hoo!!

[@diverdownnitrox]

I have never stopped playing Todd’s music ever since I saw Utopia play the St. George Theater in Staten Island sometime in the 70’s. Not too much about the 70’s that I remember, but this certainly is one of the highlights for me. Kasim’s parents were in the audience (front row!) and they asked to be moved back from the stage and ended up next to us. Guess it was too loud for them. Only regret was that we were not the ones who were asked to exchange seats with them. Todd’s music will live forever and I will listen to it with great joy and admiration for as long as I am on this planet. I am among the many intelligent and loyal fans of his creativity. Cannot say enough about his character, producing, and his perseverance for excellence. Also enjoyed his commencement address at Berkeley. He is genuine and a real gift to us. He is true.

[@incognito7479]

Happy 70th, Todd. You’ve been my mentor since ‘72.

[@kahaki]

me too!

[@ToddSloanIAAN]

@@kahaki I could sing, Hello It's Me.

[@andrewgillis8572]

This gentleman is your creation, dear Brill Building and ASCAP and the RIAA - Todd is your ultimate smartest product, who learned every bit of the trade, right down to costumes & stage rigs. So it's pretty cold that you cannot find a way to honor him. Todd Rundgren should be handing out the Grammies, not waiting for one.

[@marybethclark9154]

He has always been beyond our elementary understanding.It is through our hearts,our minds, our collective souls.Bless you Todd! Your Dream will go on forever though all of us!

[@SonicBodhi1]

what does he need with that shit. Why does the RIAA and ASCAP get to determine who deserves an award, or who does not? I've been a Todd fan since 1979, and been to many of his shows, starting with the Adventures Tour. Been backstage with the band on at least 3 occasions as well. The guy is simply a musical genius, and without having a big head about it.

[@naughtmoses]

Well, yes. Especially considering "Bat Out of Hell" having sold 50 million copies over the years. His complete body of work as a producer, writer and performer deserves a "lifetime achievement" award for sure. I doubt that the number of people who have done what he's done across the board is more than 20. (Not to mention footing the bills for Steven Tyler's kid for 20 years.)

[@garyjohnson935]

Well since the music biz is run by a bunch of ignorant millennials, what do you expect?

[@postoak2755]

I really love that song. I can remember my brother playing it in his bedroom, door closed, my dad's face becoming harder and harder, until the break, when I think even my dad had to admit to himself the genius of it.

[@ronnyc8722]

I bought this album on vinyl when it cam out 45 years ago, and was playing the CD version in my car a couple days ago. It remains one of my favorite prog recordings to this day. Thanks to, "The Icon" who is Todd Rudgren. He still is rocking it in his 70"s. Keep it rolling Todd.

[@garyzajdel5204]

I saw Todd/Utopia in 1974 do this entire LP. To this day it remains my favorite Todd-Utopia album. I still play the vinyl (I collect vinyl) often and have the CD for the car too. Great record.

[@vondumozze738]

Damn, I still have the studio version on 8-track. I played the hell out of that thing back in 1974. Ah June 2nd 2018 my 69th birthday..

[@rts100x5]

saw the Dallas show - most memorable event Ive seen in 40 yrs of going to concerts

[@childrensentertainment7667]

That's saying a lot. I'm sorry I missed it.

[@TedRoodmortgageguy]

This Utopia show, and Steven Wilson's "Hand Cannot Erase" shows are two that I'll remember forever.

[@DonMacGillivray]

Beautiful capture and great performance . Thanks for posting !

[@garyzajdel5204]

Saw Todd/Utopia do this in 1974...quad sound...FREE concert.....Buffalo, NY Chestnut Ridge....He opened with the "THEME" I still play this 1st Utopia LP quite often...AND... Todd remains one of my favorite artists.

[@TheChoofy1]

"Power is a great wardrobe" - TR

[@rickoursler2583]

Incredible 👍 All the musicians are top notch players. Excellent version. Todd still kicks ass

[@kentborges5114]

LOVED THE REUNION...great choice with GIL.

[@hieronymusbosch693]

Way ahead of its time and still kicks ass.

[@Zman-jl6ps]

For those who want to know ?? The guitar Todd is using on The Utopia Tour.....a Backlund Model 100 the Model 400.

[@briannewell6064]

Thank you. I was scratching my head on that thing.

[@fngonuts]

katalina.. i do believe

[@porkbelly0713]

Thanks, I did want to know and kept trying to get a glimse of the headstock which didn't happen

[@kennethkuk4351]

First heard this song on the radio in 1974, 75 ?? Was one street over from my home at my best buddies basement in a smoke filled room :-) Knew him since grade school; Saw him occasionally over the years..he passed about 7 years ago.. massive heart attack while asleep in his favorite lounge chair.. What memories...Bring chills every time I listen to it...

[@childrensentertainment7667]

Utopia and Nazz forever! Thanks be to Todd (God).....

[@joeybenoit6269]

Even the greatest rock stars can't save the world thanks Todd 2022 and it's going right down the f****** tubes!

[@ADigbySellers]

Since the shit hit the fan it must be time to get our asses back to Sunset Boulevard! ;-)

[@doormaster8259]

Amazing !!! They still got it !!! What a treat 🥂

[@markwiitanen8949]

love the Eastwood guitar Todd is playing.

[@hippydippy]

This is one of best captures so far of the tour (despite the edit in the middle.) Thank you so much for sharing!

[@JohnMasino]

Phenomenal show! what a tour!!

[@charlesmann5516]

Gotta Love This One...

[@davorkazjalic8124]

Distracted, powerful, and with a brain! Great Todd!

[@allancooley9510]

The man, The Legend, Musical genius Todd Rundgren!

[@kentborges5114]

Utopia rules...LOVED THE SHOW at the "old school" The Revolution Hall

[@redredrubyred9]

Great video. And the sound is good! Thank you. Loved this show.

[@kahaki]

oh Todd. always

[@FLUKE777]

TODD FOR PRESIDENT. FANTASTIC PERFORMANCE !

[@robertsnee9972]

That was a great show! Glad I was there.

[@joeybenoit6269]

Damn who needs psychedelics when you got Todd rundgren!! He's always in the moment be here now!

[@garyjohnson935]

Well since the music biz is run by a bunch of ignorant millennials, what do you expect?

[@SonicBodhi1]

Always loved this! Sounds just as good as ever!

[@Rumtoad1]

Thansk for this! I was broke, sadly, and I REALLY wanted to go to this show

[@shawnmalie2597]

Brilliant

[@joeybenoit6269]

He encapsulates every superpower a normal human being doesn't have! He's from Pleiades!

[@tomasneel1980]

All the concerts I seen of him... hoping to hear this great tune but never have..... one of my favorites

[@cleanersvenus]

I saw Todd a few weeks ago at London's 5000 seat Apollo it looks like he played your local cub scout hall.

[@ADigbySellers]

Thanks for the compliment , Paul. The scouts really enjoyed the show.

[@porkbelly0713]

Son and I watched the entire concert on AXSHD last night, 1 1/2 hours or so. Just tremendous all around and a stellar band behind him

[@hillshepherd9444]

This song came out when I was 17 years old & wore the grooves off the the LP. I'm 62 now 2019. This guy is still doing this ??? God bless em' . Hope he knows Jesus, it's almost time for them to meet face to face.

[@LastTree]

A Masterpiece!!!

Nice Footage I can't wait for the DVD

[@mrtrips99]

Can't wait to see what you do with it too. Cheers....be safe.

[@gjmacd]

The 7 people who thumbs downed this video need to have their accounts removed.

[@ADigbySellers]

Trolls, man....

[@lfader]

👍😁👊💪😁

[@garyscott5347]

Nice gig Gil. Sounds great.

[@nealruckman4790]

I actually won gratis tickets from a radio station and got to see Utopia in Portland a few days after my 21rst birthday. So that would have been around, let’s see, I’m sixtly now. You do the math.

[@tsomething8441]

wow...really liked this view...thanks.. attended 3 of his midwest shows...stages were larger and had space for a couple of large portable lcd screens for the first set...that were not used here in this smaller venue...but looks like you had an excellent vantage point..

[@barrybedkey543]

Absolutely Great! Thanks!

[@ronkramer3476]

This was a good show - I enjoyed it in Grand Rapids, MI... but not as good a RA in the 70's - my all time favorite concernt.

[@edwardregemann9410]

Wow. This is so great!

[@jeffcoat1959]

Dude's in his 70s. Amazing!

[@edoardozampetti4601]

Happy birth musical hero

[@jamescarey2367]

The best guitar solo ever 🤣🐱!

[@redracer69]

It's not the same withou Roger - where is he?

[@masteryourmindminutes6268]

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

[@troutvoice]

Thank You so very Much! I was there...How much more of the show might you have recorded?

[@ADigbySellers]

I wish there was more! Note to self - next time spend the $ for the larger capacity iPhone...

[@joeybenoit6269]

I have to keep commenting I met him years ago he's quite a gentleman has a studio in the Hawaiian Islands! And on Mars!

[@childrensentertainment7667]

When I die I want to be reborn as one of Wilcox's cymbals.

[@childrensentertainment7667]

Rebuild the motorcycle drumset!!!!

[@blickumblickumblick]

@@childrensentertainment7667 Right on! I got to see that kit live. Good ol' Willie.

[@pillettadoinswartsh4974]

Todd is his own genre.

[@harrybrown9687]

FREEDOM God Bless you 🙏 that song HIT my soul/Spirit--still does!!! Get. UP &FIGHT another Day!! JAMMING w/ you Thanks 😊

[@plantagenant]

I want that guitar and those trousers...well , not his exactly, but ....

[@mvp019]

Kasim and Prairie Prince such a top-notch rhythm section to back Todd.

[@susanmorales9405]

Thats willie wilcox not prairie prince

[@jamescarey2367]

I'll bet you Mr, Bob Cer. Was there.

[@gigik9287]

Wow! Love it!!!!

[@sirfrancisdrake4285]

Nice Touch by All.

[@diverdownnitrox]

Make that Berklee. I hate autocorrect.

[@inthapocket378]

Great to see Todd still rocking but when he jumps I am afraid he's going to break a hip!

[@dommirra5429]

Dam I love this tune!!! Way way way ahead of its time!!!!

[@chrismainland9691]

Shit that's good!

[@johngalt5411]

Wow!

[@childrensentertainment7667]

Covid is wasting Todd's time on Earth.

[@cr8cat794]

that sounds good....

[@childrensentertainment7667]

It's time for Roger.

[@joeybenoit6269]

If you go to his concert it's like you just jumped on a giant mushroom!!!

[@charlesmann5516]

A Trans Dimensional walk!

[@LeighBlackmore]

Wow! Great! Who's that on keyboards?

[@ADigbySellers]

Gil Assayas - proglodytes.com/2018/07/17/interview-with-gil-assayas-todd-rundgrens-utopia-glasys/

[@tied2dye1]

lol it's frankenstein

[@kevinmcgiffin10]

Great performance by the guys. I think Kevin Ellman had the better drum sequencing than Willie. Sorry willie.

[@mrmusic248]

Kevin McGiffin: I saw Ellman play this in '73 when it was a brand new piece. Todd opened his show accompanied by only a tape machine, along with which he sang, and played guitar/piano. Then there was a break that gave the crew time to wheel out the most equipment I'd ever seen, expertly played by those 6 virtuosos. This was the first song they played. It almost caused me a moment of incontinence. Then, they played a lot of the "Wizard album, which had just been released. The show closed with "Just One Victory", followed by thunderous applause. My ears rang for 2 days, in fact they still might be ringing today.

[@stevel6117]

Line up? anyone.

[@ADigbySellers]

Todd, original Utopians Kasim Sultan on bass and Willie Wilcox on drums. Keyboardist Gil Assayas saved the day when Ralph Schuckett had to bow out 1 month prior to the tour start due to health reasons. www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8283638/todd-rundgren-utopia-reunion-interview

[@saltybildo4415]

Hes a stinkin liberal, but i never forget the Cleveland stadium shows in the 70s , sounds like he disnt miss a step after the dumbass lone computer generated shows

[@michaeloneil8475]

That’s the bass player that used to pull the goofy faces in the day

[@johnraccioiii355]

No, that was John Siegler !!!...

[@richardfarmer6198]

The 1973-74 Utopia lineup. Those guys all contributed to the compositions on that first Utopia album except the Utopia theme, although you never heard much about them. I saw them live in the summer of 1973 they were astounding. John Siegler and Kevin Ellman, you want to talk about rhythm section! Prairie is great but Kaz is a slouch compared to Siegler in my opinion! You want to see John on KZbin he is currently working with a band called “The MarTays. Also did a studio album a few years back with Joe Guido Welsh. You can find live performance video of that band also on the tube.

[@kevinmcgiffin10]

I love this song but i miss moogy and kevin elman on drums . Willie just doesn't have this. It seems slow and no energy. Pull up the shows with moogy in new york....now thats energy and the way its supposed to sound.

[@childrensentertainment7667]

WW

[@SuperQdaddy]

So many build ups..and break downs

[@michaelcox5166]

Great stuff but wow. The keyboard player kinda seriously bites. That's the best you could find? Really?

[@brucebuell7528]

I love Todd but who recorded these concerts sounds very very bad!

[@tomasneel1980]

I try to hate todd cause of his political rhetoric, but I just can’t do it!

[@skipgeorge4550]

I like it but its just goofy cartoon music

[@grantwilliams2650]

Skip George In what way?

[@skipgeorge4550]

@@grantwilliams2650 its a little pretentious and its a little silly... no doubt in the 'day'.. people got really stoned and played it.

[@jimtzu]

Jeebus, at least it IS music, not the crap you're being spoonfed lol

[@kendallevans4079]

No offense to Todd but thank God Prog-Rock is over!

[@neargere]

Reminds me of King Crimson