Exploring Musical Evolution: Todd Rundgren’s Journey Through Iconic Influences
Todd Rundgren has consistently kept his audience on their toes, often taking unexpected turns in his musical journey. One of the most notable shifts occurred in 1973 when he departed from the catchy pop melodies of hits like “I Saw the Light” and ”Hello It’s Me” to produce the groundbreaking prog-psychedelic album A Wizard/A True Star.
A Tribute to Musical Heritage
Three years later, Rundgren released his seventh solo album, Faithful, which raised eyebrows among his dedicated fans. This album, following his progressive-rock effort Initiation, featured a collection of covers from legendary artists such as the Yardbirds, the Beach Boys, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Jimi hendrix. True to its title, the album aimed to replicate the original tracks as closely as possible, capturing the essence of the electric guitar tones in “Happenings Ten Years Time Ago” and the intricate harmonies of “Good Vibrations.”
“When I turned 18 and graduated from high school, that was a pivotal year for me. It was the year ‘Sgt. Pepper’s’ was released, marking significant cultural shifts.”
– Todd Rundgren
For Rundgren, who produced the album alongside his band Utopia-featuring keyboardist Roger Powell, bassist John Siegler, and drummer John “Willie” Wilcox-Faithful served as both a creative exercise and a heartfelt homage.
Reflecting on a Transformative Era
“By that time, I had been in the industry for a decade, and so much had evolved,” he shared during a recent Zoom interview from his home in Hawaii. “The most significant aspect was that radio had not yet become homogenized; local DJs had the power to curate diverse playlists. I remember listening to Philadelphia radio, where you could hear everything from Judy Collins to the latest Beatles single, creating a sense of freedom that was largely influenced by the Beatles’ genre-blending approach.”
“I wanted to honor that diversity, which is why the album features such a variety of songs-from Bob Dylan to the Beatles and the Yardbirds. the first side consists entirely of covers,meticulously produced to transport listeners back a decade.”
Guitar Influences and Evolution
Two standout tracks from Faithful-the yardbirds’ “Happenings Ten Years Time Ago” and Jimi Hendrix’s “If 6 Was 9”-illustrate the evolution of Rundgren’s guitar style. He had previously channeled Hendrix’s influence in his 1972 track “little Red Lights,” where he employed similar techniques to create sounds reminiscent of motorcycles and car engines.
“‘Little Red Lights’ is my take on ‘Crosstown Traffic,’ utilizing Jimi’s techniques to produce those unique noises,” he explained. ”I later applied this playful approach while producing Meat Loaf’s Bat Out of Hell in the mid-70s. It was a fun trick that became a signature element of Hendrix’s style.”
“In those days, there were essentially two camps.I came from the Yardbirds tradition-Eric clapton and Jeff Beck-and I played a Gibson guitar.”
- Todd Rundgren
Though, Rundgren admits that Hendrix was not his primary influence initially. “I was rooted in the Yardbirds camp,where you played a Gibson. I used a Les Paul, which lacked the tremolo bar that Jimi utilized on his Stratocaster. I didn’t possess the same sense of freedom that Hendrix exhibited in his performances.”
“Before that, I was immersed in classical guitar solos that Clapton and Beck played, learning them note for note, much like mastering George Harrison’s solos. These were foundational lessons in guitar playing.”
Moments of Revelation
“One of the defining moments in my musical journey was hearing ‘Shapes of Things’ on the radio.Jeff Beck’s guitar work was revolutionary; it felt like he was imitating a sitar with its unconventional intervals and trills. It entirely reshaped my perception of the guitar and solidified my passion for the instrument.”
“Similarly, ‘Happenings Ten Years Time Ago’ showcased a unique approach to recording, with different studios contributing to the final product. The spontaneous nature of their sessions created a mysterious texture,blending fleeting melodies with drones and various effects.”
“The Bluesbreakers album was another revelation, highlighting Eric Clapton’s transformative journey as a guitarist. He returned from his time away as a completely different musician, and I was determined to learn every solo and replicate that tone.”
“I was leaving one of these jam sessions when I encountered a short guy with a big Afro. I later learned it was Jimi Hendrix. I guess I missed him because I expected him to be taller.”
– todd Rundgren
Rundgren’s paths crossed with Hendrix only once during his time in New York City, where he frequented Steve Paul’s The Scene, a renowned club known for its all-night jam sessions. “I was there one night when a jam was happening, possibly featuring Duane Allman.If Duane was on stage, he dominated the performance, leaving little room for others.”
“As I was leaving, I brushed past a short man with an remarkable Afro. I didn’t realize it was Hendrix until later. I suppose I was expecting someone taller, and we missed our chance to connect.”
Continuing the Legacy
Since the release of Faithful, Rundgren has remained incredibly active in the music scene.Following a tour last year as part of the Burt Bacharach Songbook in Concert, he is set to embark on his own Damned If I Do tour, kicking off on June 11 in St. Charles, Illinois, and concluding on july 19.
He will be accompanied by his talented band, including Kasim Sulton on bass, Prairie Prince on drums, gil Assayas on keyboards, Bruce McDaniel on guitar, and Bobby Strickland on horns.Fans can find the tour schedule and additional details at todd-rundgren.com.
