Opener was the blues songs of Robert Johnson performed by Todd in the lastest incarnation 'Todd Rundgren's Johnson', and it was great to hear him play the blues. He's been preparing for it his whole life, and it's the music he's loved and played since the '60s as a part of the musical stew he's brewed up in his wizard shop. The four piece of TR, Kaz, Jesse and Pairie brought it, and delivered a blistering set of reworked blues songs that have been done and redone, but never quite like this. His guitar playing was ON FIRE. (Long live Foamy). Clearly new to the arrangements, the band had a few miscues, but no problem. It was impressive.
During the break, more fan reunions, drinks, smokes, and giddy anticipation for the main event. The presentation of AWATS was without technical glitches, without broken strings, without wardrobe malfunctions, and without excessive commentary from our hero. The band played what was the most incredible musical roller coaster ride of all time, A Wizard A True Star. As for the music, you know what it is. But to be there with it in the air live is just so joyful, emotionally powerful, and physically moving. It was one of those concerts where everyone is on their feet and totally with it from start to finish. Granted, my vantage point from the third row was superb, but I think everyone was having as much fun as possible. This show is also visually stunning, but I won't go into that. There was a couple behind us who had never seen Todd before, and said it was the best night of their life, the most fun they'd ever had. Welcome to the club.
I'm surprised there aren't more reviews of this mini-tour, maybe folks are too blown away to review it. I just had to write. If you were there, you know what I mean, and if not, get to Ventura tonight.
p.s. great to see Ralph Shuckett
