Set list was identical to show #1. The chills I got when the Utopia Theme began were quite unexpected but set the mood for the entire evening. After the opining number a quick greeting by Todd to his fellow Utopians. Minimal banter the whole night. These guys were here on a serious mission. They then launched right into a truncated version of The Ikon and the night was off and running but.... TASSELS! Yes, that's right TASSELS. Look, every Rock Star needs to look the part and TR certainly did with his psychedelic jacket with TASSLES. Not the most famous wardrobe malfunction in entertainment history but the tassels went over the neck of his guitar at the frenetic beginning the song disrupting his strumming. He untangled his problem and continued with the song while Kas seemed quite amused at his predicament. After the song ended TR changed his guitar and took the jacket off just as quickly.
The band was pretty tight but all seemed to have a few issues on certain songs but that is the territory when you play difficult music live. To me that is part of the fun. Nothing was ruined for sure. The house mixer also seemed to be feeling his way out. Our seats were 2 rows in front of his board and at times the mix between the keyboards and guitars was not balanced as well as it could have been, but again, it took nothing away form the enjoyment of this remarkable hazy trip down memory lane. Each song brought me back to a time and place(s) with such fondness and joy. Even seeing "Todd Rundgren's Utopia" on the marquee brought me back to 7/4/76 to the show at Asbury Park. Such vivid and beautiful memories.
By the time the band was halfway through Love is The Answer the crowd were on their feet and stayed there through the final bows. Be aware Todd will expect the crowd to sing the last " Love is the Answer" line as he holds the mic out to the crowd.
Everyone in the house and stage seemed to be enjoying themselves with no indication of just going through some motions. The set list is a great representation of an earlier life, cover songs included. Central Park in '75 was the first time I saw this great band perform live so those songs have always been favs.
The band began a few minutes after the announced show time so be prompt. 2 - 70 minute sets with a 15-minute intermission.
You will not be disappointed.
