Couldn’t I Just Tell You?

A lot of artists whose careers started in the ’60s and ’70s are now either playing a few select summer festivals, the oldies circuit or not playing at all. Then there are others who continue to write, record and perform with vitality. I saw Todd Rundgren in late October and he is definitely among the latter. My take:

I was apprehensive that Todd Rundgren, now in his sixties, might be moving away from guitar wanking; his last tour in support of Liars found him mostly singing and playing short solos, if any at all. Any fears were laid to rest immediately, as he opened with “Love in Action”, “Black and White”, “Black Maria” and a vibrant “Open My Eyes” before Kasim Sulton stepped up to handle lead vocals on “Trapped”.

Rundgren and band rocked from the outset, and his vocals were more impressive than in recent memory. In fact, he had greater interaction with the audience than he has in years; whether that was genuine fun or a chance to catch his breath didn’t matter.

Read the full review of this live show at BLURT ONLINE.

I Saw The Light

This guitar is weeping, but not gently

I saw The Wizard, the true star, although not playing the album of that name.

I saw Arena rock a hall that was not an arena. But it rocked.

I saw Prarie Prince and Kasim Sulton – two performers I’ve seen countless times over the years – deliver in spades like time had stood still.

I saw The PowerPop National Anthem played live six feet in front of me.

I saw the light in his eyes.

Do not miss this tour. I’m filing my post-concert report for Blurt, so keep your eyes peeled for the full review.

Sixty is the new forty