Todd Rundgren Review: Veteran Artist's Eclectic Cadogan Hall Performance Showcases Range Amidst Varied Material

Todd Rundgren, the 78-year-old musician, delivered a performance at London's Cadogan Hall that underscored his remarkable vocal range and enduring artistic versatility. The concert, however, presented a curated selection of his extensive catalog, featuring moments of undeniable brilliance alongside material that the reviewer characterized as "middling rock." While the setlist included some less engaging numbers, the latter half of the show offered gorgeous acoustic songs and a particularly slinky Marvin Gaye cover, which served as highlights.

Rundgren's stage presence was as distinctive as his musical output. Described as possessing "Addams Family hair, tinted goggles and limber dance moves," he cut a figure that evoked a "goth raver" aesthetic. His interactions with the audience were laced with a "teasingly sarcastic" tone, even when expressing gratitude for their "discretionary income" spent on tickets. He alluded to the venue's curfew, noting it prevented him from sharing the stories behind his songs. The reviewer suggested that sacrificing some of the "two-hour show's stodgier numbers" would have been a worthwhile trade-off for these deeper insights into his creative process.

Rundgren's career is a testament to his experimental spirit. Following the success of his tune-packed 1972 album "Something/Anything?," which garnered comparisons to Carole King and Brian Wilson for its melodic songwriting, he embarked on a more challenging path. His 1973 album, "A Wizard, a True Star," was a "vexing masterpiece" that deliberately eschewed singles, embracing a more psychedelic and avant-garde sound. This willingness to push boundaries extends to his production work, where he has helmed classic albums for artists like Meat Loaf and the New York Dolls, demonstrating his significant influence across the rock landscape. Further illustrating his unconventional approach, Rundgren has released an album comprised solely of vocals, titled "A Cappella," and pioneered interactive music with "No World Order." His enduring appeal is evident in his diverse fanbase, which includes contemporary artists such as Trent Reznor, Robyn, and The Lemon Twigs. Rundgren's self-perception and artistic philosophy are encapsulated in his memoir, "The Individualist."