‘Rock’s New Wunderkind’ Todd Rundgren

The Individualist, A True Star

The Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre presents Todd Rundgren, The Individualist, A True Star for two nights on Sunday, October 24 and Monday, October 25 at 8 pm. The first night of the two-night performance will be devoted to side one of his critically acclaimed album   A Wizard, A True Star along with a featured selection of songs throughout his career. The following night will be devoted to side two of the album along with another set of career spanning hits.

A Wizard, A True Star. The title of Todd Rundgren’s 1973 solo album aptly sums up the contributions of this multi-faceted artist to state-of-the-art music. As a songwriter, video pioneer, producer, recording artist, computer software developer, conceptualist, and interactive artist (re-designated TR-i), Rundgren has made a lasting impact on both the form and content of popular music.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Rundgren began playing guitar as a teenager, going on to found and front The Nazz, the quintessential 1960’s cult group. In 1969, he left the band to pursue a solo career, recording his debut offering, the legendary Runt. But it was in 1972 that the seminal Something/Anything?, on which he played all the instruments, sang all the vocal parts, and acted as his own producer, that catapulted Todd into the superstar limelight, prompting the press to unanimously dub him ‘Rock’s New Wunderkind’. It was followed by such landmark LPs as The Hermit of Mink Hollow and the above mentioned A Wizard, A True Star, as well as such hit singles as I Saw The Light, Hello It’s Me, Can We Still Be Friends and Bang The Drum.

In 1974, Todd formed Utopia, an entirely new approach to the concept of interactive musicianship and embarked on an extensive round of touring and recording. Standout Utopia offerings included Oops! Wrong Planet, Adventures in Utopia and Oblivion. Along the way, Utopia combined technical virtuosity and creative passion to create music that, for millions, defined the term “progressive rock.”

Rundgren’s myriad production projects include albums by Patti Smith, Psychedelic Furs, Meatloaf, Grand Funk Railroad and more. Rounding out his reputation as rock’s Renaissance Man, Rundgren composed all the music and lyrics for Joe Papp’s 1989 Off-Broadway production of Joe Orton’s Up Against It (the screenplay commissioned by The Beatles for what was meant to have been their third motion picture). He also has composed the music for several television series, including Pee Wee’s Playhouse and Crime Story.

Tickets for The Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre presents Todd Rundgren are priced at $69, $59 and $39 will be available by visiting www.RuthEckerdHall.com.  Tickets may also be purchased by calling The Raymond James Central Ticket Office at Ruth Eckerd Hall at 727.791.7400, Tuesday through Saturday noon to 4 pm ONLY.   The Bilheimer Capitol Theatre Box Office will open one hour prior to show time.

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