I played this song TO DEATH in 1973-4...Awesome, this was THE Song of 1973 (Believe me I was there for it) The Radio played this like every hour it seems and it NEVER got old!
I was about 5-6 years old and I felt the same way. Even today, I can listen to this song on repeat and not tire of it. Same for the other hit he wrote, Love Is The Answer, made popular by England Dan & John Ford Coley. This song is just amazing and timeleess!
"It's important to me, that you know you are free....cause I never want to make you change for me..." It was only when I got older that I realized the truth/wisdom in these words. thanks for the post Todd., take care, Liz
I've gotten to know Todd more as a neighbor than the artist, and it's somewhat strange now to look back at these videos. I remember most of the songs, how he was and how he still carries some of the traits to this day. Reflecting back on all his music, it seems to me that his talent was the centerpiece. Yes, he was "showy" but notice he almost always seems incredibly humble? Almost shy? He still seems so even now. He's a true artist.
Any band on earth would've wanted him as a lead vocalist. A songwriter's dream. He even works the falsetto. He works the piano and sings. He places his consonants and vowels inside of the piano key-work....genius happening. Unreal song.
to all the people who can only judge instead of appreciating what immense talent we see before us. todd rundgren is not only a married man with kids but he raised steven tyler s daughter, liv, as his own when her real pop took a powder..in more ways than one.....a true and real man and human....
This song is such a brilliant composition! I never appreciated it until I learned to play it. It takes turns that I'd never expect in a song that sounds so together. It's complex but it sounds straightforward and beautiful. Musical elegance!
Bud Keyes Not only as a gifted musician and songwriter but as a producer as well. He produced Bat Out Of Hell for Meatloaf & Jim Steinman (one of the top selling albums of the twentieth century) and that's only one of many he brought to life.
TR wrote some true classics that seem impervious to time and just glow with melodic brilliance.The "Something/Anything" sessions represent the artist at the peak of his creativity. Thank you for taking the time on this.
This song has stood the test of time. It was surrounded by so many other great songs back in the day, I kinda "took for granted he was always there." But hearing it now--yup. He created a great song. Well done, Todd!
I took this song "for granted" when it came out. Because I was just a kid, and there was tons of great music back in '73! But now when I hear this song, I realize how great it is. Plus, now it evokes nostalgia. All good.
Wow what year? 71 or 72..., I don't know much about him except about 6 or 7 songs that played on the radio late 60's or 70's and still these songs bring back good feelings and thoughts, that is great music. I am 52 and now as I get older the great music grew with me. Todd R. - Great...
i was up late, late, late one night. the rest of the house was quiet and i saw this very episode---i was very young and knew then that this guy was awesome--very talented and different ---genius.
Totally remember summer days listening to radio and this is such a great song!! (Some people just don't get what the 70's were about..freedom..peace and love..
+Phos.... FourDots Todd Rundgren was so far ahead of his time it is unfathomable for anyone who didn’t grow up with him to even comprehend. And, NO, he neither is nor was ever gay. Born in my hometown, Todd had me at “Hello” when he used to play local, including Jersey Shore, with his band, Nazz. Last time I saw him he was featured on Daryl’s House; however, Daryl thinks so much of him, he flew the whole production crew to Todd’s awesome home in Hawaii, and the show was fabulous. Thank you and God bless you, Phos, for awesome memories of a favorite song, time and place that cannot be understood from the perspective of this era. ~iCiC
Oh what a gorgeous man! He has got it all in the way of talent. Close your eyes and open your ears. Then open your eyes and enjoy the performance he has prepared for you.
Good stuff! Makes me miss being young...lol. Not really, I'm happy with the memories! Just miss hearing his music. Loved seeing this video. I didn't realize he was so into the "Glam".
Todd's sexuality has never crossed my mind. Been listening for 40 years and never once thought about it until i read these posts. It just does not matter. The music is timeless.
i love his music and he can sing live without auto tune and play instruments himself---now that's a gift and the voice of a classic rock star....thank u for some beautiful music and songs that make one think......keep on singing
Listen to the song again and watch his facial expressions and the hurt he appears to be having while he's singing. There's a lot there, its genuine. And the costume, well it is back in the day, when it was known as glamour rock. The song almost wants me to call my ex, it that great.
Great vocal on this track. Nice to know Todd can still ruffle some feathers with the way he dressed back then even though it was 40 years ago. Go 70's! Go Todd!
For those of you interested in what Todd is doing today, check out his sets with Daryl Hall on Yuotube Live at Daryls House. Some great classics brought back to now.
Todd has taken for granted that you just don't care... Who gives a flyin' flip if he's straight or gay? This song effen ROCKS! He's amazing! THAT'S all that matters.
An awesome song. Reminds me of the 70's too. Some of the greatest rock' n roll made. I miss those days. They were great. Regardless, I think Todd looks hot!
Definitely a unique individual a la David Bowie genre, but there's no mistaking his musical craftsmanship. Many know so little about the huge amount of work he did with so many great musicians of that era and even after. (such as MeatLoaf on the Bat Out of Hell album) Hugely underrated, Todd is an all-round great musician. This video is a "lay your head back and relax" smooth tune.
I sometimes perform live to prerecorded tracks as Todd is doing here. I often wondered if others did it and here I see one of the all time greats. Todd is definitely one of the greatest musical influences of mine. I thought the sound quality was a bit brittle. A parametric EQ could pull some of the offensive high end out without muddying up the track. I use cubase 4. Its a great program. Even the inexpensive LE version comes with a lot of plug ins. Thanks for posting.
I love what you did with this soundtrack. You have so much experience with this tune that I don't know how I could even compete with you or your brother on a cover.
Todd always wore things that were different,he's NOT gay.Today feathers worn in the hair is the thing! He was just ahead of his time.He is one of the most talented artsts in the industry.Up front and behind the scenes.Go look up his biography,he's awesome! Then and now.
Ha ha, I remember this performance from when I was a kid. I had saved up my allowance and bought the "Hello It's Me" 45RPM single from Grant's department store. I had know idea who TR was or what he looked like (the cover of "Something/Anything" was no help). It was just a cool song that was on the radio. When I found out that Todd was going to be on Midnight Special, I stayed up to watch the show, and then...this! Boy, was I scared. I was so shocked to learn that this wonderful, melodic song was written by one of those rock and roll freaks that my parents had warned me about. It was probably another ten years before I could go near a Todd Rundgren album again!
Wardrobe malfunction aside this is a good video of a great song by a talented musician. Brings back lots of great memories of that warm LP sound and real music. They still had the manufactured sound back then but not as prevalent as todays music business.
@Wayneman117 I sometimes perform live to prerecorded tracks as Todd is doing here. I often wondered if others did it and here I see one of the all time greats. Todd is definitely one of the greatest musical influences of mine. I thought the sound quality was a bit brittle. A parametric EQ could pull some of the offensive high end out without muddying up the track. I use cubase 4. Its a great program. Even the inexpensive LE version comes with a lot of plug ins. Thanks for posting.
But of course! Todd held a week-long camp-out/fan fest in 2008 at his estate in Hawaii called Toddstock to celebrate his 60th b-day. Did a series of shows which replicated the entire "A Wizard, A True Star" album last fall. He's currently touring with a stripped down 4-piece band behind an album of Robert Johnson cover songs, and will be doing another small tour playing the "Todd" & "Healing" albums later this year. Yeah, he's thriving!
Thanks...I remember when the studio version was recorded at Agency Recording in Cleveland, took about 20 takes. Back in those times a lot of these guys were eccentric as hell and wore a lot of make up and crazy clothes (Bowie, Lou Reed, Elton John, Freddie and more)
Awesome talent! I always wondered why he didn't tour more... he's been on my bucket list since I was a kid! And regarding aaaredskin's comment.. he is man enough to raise Liv Tyler-who thought he was her dad until her mid-teens!
@PhosphorDigital Daryl Hall releases a new webcast on the 15th of each month at livefromdarylshouse. Todd was a guest just 3 months ago. It was a great show!
@jamesdewer Gene was talking about using a parametric EQ to further tweak the audio here. I did some re-equalizing from the original video I downloaded, but it could be better. Parametric EQ (right here in the year 2010!) would work well. (Oh, and BTW...George Massenburg was starting to use Para-Q in the early 70s, so it's likely Todd had it, and it was available to the TV networks back then-if they were brave enough to upgrade their systems.)
Great job on the audio-fix!! Was just a kid during this era of music, but brings back alot of memories for me... Agree with the Lady Gaga comment, in that yep in the 70's there were alot of outrageous costumes/artists that have been forgotten about. Also agree with 'Bashing' not cool,, if U dont like -- dont look OR listen... simply Leave the page.
I played this song TO DEATH in 1973-4...Awesome, this was THE Song of 1973 (Believe me I was there for it) The Radio played this like every hour it seems and it NEVER got old!
I COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER!!! PLUS, IT WAS MY FIRST YR IN JR. HS. THE 70'S WERE AN AMAZING TIME!
Totally agree Joseph. One of those songs that you never tire hearing, and worth sitting in the car until it's over.
I was in the military,great song,sad memories
True
I was about 5-6 years old and I felt the same way. Even today, I can listen to this song on repeat and not tire of it.
Same for the other hit he wrote, Love Is The Answer, made popular by England Dan & John Ford Coley.
This song is just amazing and timeleess!
"It's important to me, that you know you are free....cause I never want to make you change for me..." It was only when I got older that I realized the truth/wisdom in these words. thanks for the post Todd., take care, Liz
Wow, his voice is just stellar in this rendition. Fascinated by this song, even all these decades later.
I've gotten to know Todd more as a neighbor than the artist, and it's somewhat strange now to look back at these videos. I remember most of the songs, how he was and how he still carries some of the traits to this day. Reflecting back on all his music, it seems to me that his talent was the centerpiece. Yes, he was "showy" but notice he almost always seems incredibly humble? Almost shy? He still seems so even now. He's a true artist.
Songs don't get much more perfect than this.
Any band on earth would've wanted him as a lead vocalist. A songwriter's dream. He even works the falsetto. He works the piano and sings. He places his consonants and vowels inside of the piano key-work....genius happening.
Unreal song.
to all the people who can only judge instead of appreciating what immense talent we see before us. todd rundgren is not only a married man with kids but he raised steven tyler s daughter, liv, as his own when her real pop took a powder..in more ways than one.....a true and real man and human....
This song is such a brilliant composition! I never appreciated it until I learned to play it. It takes turns that I'd never expect in a song that sounds so together. It's complex but it sounds straightforward and beautiful. Musical elegance!
Rundgren should be in the hall of fame
+O.L. Pritchett Absolutely!
Bud Keyes
Not only as a gifted musician and songwriter but as a producer as well.
He produced Bat Out Of Hell for Meatloaf & Jim Steinman (one of the top selling albums of the twentieth century) and that's only one of many he brought to life.
+O.L. Pritchett So talented he barely had any hits!
+O.L. Pritchett He'l probably get inthere eventually - give it time.
There should be a pattern of stars in the sky called Rundgrenstars named after him.
Great Voice Perfect Costume ,Awesome N Talented TODD RUNDGREN 🎹🎤🎬❤
TR wrote some true classics that seem impervious to time and just glow with melodic brilliance.The "Something/Anything" sessions represent the artist at the peak of his creativity.
Thank you for taking the time on this.
This song has stood the test of time. It was surrounded by so many other great songs back in the day, I kinda "took for granted he was always there." But hearing it now--yup. He created a great song. Well done, Todd!
I took this song "for granted" when it came out. Because I was just a kid, and there was tons of great music back in '73! But now when I hear this song, I realize how great it is. Plus, now it evokes nostalgia. All good.
Wow what year? 71 or 72..., I don't know much about him except about 6 or 7 songs that played on the radio late 60's or 70's and still these songs bring back good feelings and thoughts, that is great music. I am 52 and now as I get older the great music grew with me. Todd R. - Great...
I love this man. I saw him in 1979 with cheap trick eddie money and the cars. I think there was also a group called Roadmaster.... great concert.
He produced several songs on Roadmaster's debut LP in 1976
i was up late, late, late one night. the rest of the house was quiet and i saw this very episode---i was very young and knew then that this guy was awesome--very talented and different ---genius.
Simplemente espectacular,,se adelantó a la época de la música y hasta ahora sigue sonando.
This tune seemed to play the entire last year of my military duty, never tired of hearing it
Sweet melody. Another song we used to dance by early 70's in garage dance and clubs, paired to the sweetheart girl.
Love it! 42 years old, and remember liking this since I was 10
One of the loveliest songs of the decade, period.
Fearless and brilliant. That alone makes him beautiful.
Talent... like beauty is in the eye of the beholder/listener....Nuff Said....
One of my musical heroes.
Totally remember summer days listening to radio and this is such a great song!! (Some people just don't get what the 70's were about..freedom..peace and love..
great artist of ALL TIME.
+Phos.... FourDots
Todd Rundgren was so far ahead of his time it is unfathomable for anyone who didn’t grow up with him to even comprehend. And, NO, he neither is nor was ever gay. Born in my hometown, Todd had me at “Hello” when he used to play local, including Jersey Shore, with his band, Nazz. Last time I saw him he was featured on Daryl’s House; however, Daryl thinks so much of him, he flew the whole production crew to Todd’s awesome home in Hawaii, and the show was fabulous. Thank you and God bless you, Phos, for awesome memories of a favorite song, time and place that cannot be understood from the perspective of this era. ~iCiC
Todd Rudgren got the band meatloaf started. He should be in the hall of fame.
One of the greatest Rock Ballads ever recorded- absolutely great!! Todd is still the man!!
It's a soul record.
Oh what a gorgeous man! He has got it all in the way of talent. Close your eyes and open your ears. Then open your eyes and enjoy the performance he has prepared for you.
incredibly talented artist
Good stuff! Makes me miss being young...lol. Not really, I'm happy with the memories! Just miss hearing his music. Loved seeing this video. I didn't realize he was so into the "Glam".
Still love this song! Awesome!!
Todd Rundgren is one of the greatest musical talents in American music history!
Incredible! This is a great tune!! This guy was Elton John before Elton was Elton John. Look at the guy!!
Woao! Me encanta desde años,,,,,
Beautuful melody--this song was so big in 1973--he's a great artist!!!
Love it!!❤
This is my favourite you tube video ever and i love Todd Rundgren.
Thanks so much for posting :)
GREAT VOICE!
amazing talent...thanks for sharing
This brings tears to my eyes. Even though this song came out a year before I was born, I remember when it was played on the radio constantly.
Todd's sexuality has never crossed my mind. Been listening for 40 years and never once thought about it until i read these posts. It just does not matter. The music is timeless.
Good voice...I also like the lyrics.
AMO LA MUSICA DE LOS 70s💕💞❣
what a beautiful song, performed by a wonderful and extraordinary musician whom obviously loved to make us feel special. Jon
Cool, masterful, in time and ahead of his time. Rare performer in music history. Truly unique!
i love his music and he can sing live without auto tune and play instruments himself---now that's a gift and the voice of a classic rock star....thank u for some beautiful music and songs that make one think......keep on singing
this is a bad ass tune.. haunting, reflective
One of the best songs ever!
Multiplicityme2too yes, it is! Love Todd
Great talent! Deep feller.
What a dynamic time. This should have millions of views.
Listen to the song again and watch his facial expressions and the hurt he appears to be having while he's singing. There's a lot there, its genuine. And the costume, well it is back in the day, when it was known as glamour rock. The song almost wants me to call my ex, it that great.
Great vocal on this track. Nice to know Todd can still ruffle some feathers with the way he dressed back then even though it was 40 years ago. Go 70's! Go Todd!
This is so Awesome! The audio quality is intense for live performances back then. Thank you!
This is perfectly beautiful, thank-you Todd. Thanks for the post!
You cleaned this up great! I had a party that night because I was so excited Todd was on TeeVee.
That is real talent right there. Love him.
Great voice! Great song! Love the costumes!
The 70's were a strange time...Great music and fashion-wise, anything goes I guess.
evocative as hell. this is an amazing piece of work it is so POWERFUL! Thank you Todd!
For those of you interested in what Todd is doing today, check out his sets with Daryl Hall on Yuotube Live at Daryls House. Some great classics brought back to now.
he is so far above people's little minds
You've always been one of my favorites Todd..You have the kind of talent that blows away most of the shit we have today A great inspirational talent!!
I remember this song but this is the first time I"ve seen the guy. I'm 42 and still like this song. Cool Video. Thanks.
Love his stuff.
Shows that the gawky, geeky guy can win through in the end (if he's got enough talent!)
Todd has taken for granted that you just don't care...
Who gives a flyin' flip if he's straight or gay? This song effen ROCKS! He's amazing! THAT'S all that matters.
Very good song writer and musician been around for alot of years keep going todd!!
❤❤❤❤
An awesome song. Reminds me of the 70's too. Some of the greatest rock' n roll made. I miss those days. They were great.
Regardless, I think Todd looks hot!
Yeah. Upper Darby, PA. As of a few years ago, his parents still lived there. My husband saw them at a show he did at the Tower Theater.
Definitely a unique individual a la David Bowie genre, but there's no mistaking his musical craftsmanship. Many know so little about the huge amount of work he did with so many great musicians of that era and even after. (such as MeatLoaf on the Bat Out of Hell album) Hugely underrated, Todd is an all-round great musician. This video is a "lay your head back and relax" smooth tune.
I sometimes perform live to prerecorded tracks as Todd is doing here. I often wondered if others did it and here I see one of the all time greats. Todd is definitely one of the greatest musical influences of mine. I thought the sound quality was a bit brittle. A parametric EQ could pull some of the offensive high end out without muddying up the track. I use cubase 4. Its a great program. Even the inexpensive LE version comes with a lot of plug ins. Thanks for posting.
I love what you did with this soundtrack. You have so much experience with this tune that I don't know how I could even compete with you or your brother on a cover.
Todd always wore things that were different,he's NOT gay.Today feathers worn in the hair is the thing! He was just ahead of his time.He is one of the most talented artsts in the industry.Up front and behind the scenes.Go look up his biography,he's awesome! Then and now.
Ha ha, I remember this performance from when I was a kid. I had saved up my allowance and bought the "Hello It's Me" 45RPM single from Grant's department store. I had know idea who TR was or what he looked like (the cover of "Something/Anything" was no help). It was just a cool song that was on the radio. When I found out that Todd was going to be on Midnight Special, I stayed up to watch the show, and then...this! Boy, was I scared. I was so shocked to learn that this wonderful, melodic song was written by one of those rock and roll freaks that my parents had warned me about. It was probably another ten years before I could go near a Todd Rundgren album again!
GreenManalishiUSA I remember Grant's!
Still love this song after all these years.
What a talent he is!
I was in high school. I remember seeing a pic of his girlfriend. Oh my.
//Terrific song. Emotive.
When singularly creative was the norm. A great singer and musician of his or any time methinks.
Wardrobe malfunction aside this is a good video of a great song by a talented musician. Brings back lots of great memories of that warm LP sound and real music. They still had the manufactured sound back then but not as prevalent as todays music business.
@Wayneman117 I sometimes perform live to prerecorded tracks as Todd is doing here. I often wondered if others did it and here I see one of the all time greats. Todd is definitely one of the greatest musical influences of mine. I thought the sound quality was a bit brittle. A parametric EQ could pull some of the offensive high end out without muddying up the track. I use cubase 4. Its a great program. Even the inexpensive LE version comes with a lot of plug ins. Thanks for posting.
AWESOME! One of my very favorite songs...thanks so much for caring to improve this video.
This is what music used to sound like.
(Although I can't say I'm big on the glam-rock era fashions.)
cant stop watching this video . the song is cool the chords are cool and so is he.
But of course! Todd held a week-long camp-out/fan fest in 2008 at his estate in Hawaii called Toddstock to celebrate his 60th b-day. Did a series of shows which replicated the entire "A Wizard, A True Star" album last fall. He's currently touring with a stripped down 4-piece band behind an album of Robert Johnson cover songs, and will be doing another small tour playing the "Todd" & "Healing" albums later this year.
Yeah, he's thriving!
Tod payed a gig at my brotherlaws birthday partly. Missed it! Down home guy..
Thanks...I remember when the studio version was recorded at Agency Recording in Cleveland, took about 20 takes. Back in those times a lot of these guys were eccentric as hell and wore a lot of make up and crazy clothes (Bowie, Lou Reed, Elton John, Freddie and more)
Beautiful song and fine singer.
I have listened to this song for days now. I'm totally stuck.
My alltime fav song since I was a kid!
Awesome talent! I always wondered why he didn't tour more... he's been on my bucket list since I was a kid! And regarding aaaredskin's comment.. he is man enough to raise Liv Tyler-who thought he was her dad until her mid-teens!
Great voice. I almost instantly liked this song.
One hell of a musician?🌎🌍🌏❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
@PhosphorDigital Daryl Hall releases a new webcast on the 15th of each month at livefromdarylshouse. Todd was a guest just 3 months ago. It was a great show!
MARAVILLOSA VOZ E INTERPRETACION
@jamesdewer
Gene was talking about using a parametric EQ to further tweak the audio here. I did some re-equalizing from the original video I downloaded, but it could be better. Parametric EQ (right here in the year 2010!) would work well. (Oh, and BTW...George Massenburg was starting to use Para-Q in the early 70s, so it's likely Todd had it, and it was available to the TV networks back then-if they were brave enough to upgrade their systems.)
I can feel the heartbreak and reluctant acceptance of his words.
fantastic performance - Rundgren was so good!
Thank you for putting forth the effort. Sounds good to me.
Great job on the audio-fix!! Was just a kid during this era of music, but brings back alot of memories for me... Agree with the Lady Gaga comment, in that yep in the 70's there were alot of outrageous costumes/artists that have been forgotten about. Also agree with 'Bashing' not cool,, if U dont like -- dont look OR listen... simply Leave the page.