There really isn't much to report, but it's been a long time between messages, so I thought I'd at least send out greetings and some sketchy info, at least to let you know the list is still alive (and to welcome those who have joined since the last message.) At last count, 1169 are members of the list. At least I can hope by publishing what I know, new info will be revealed, as is nearly always the case soon after I send something out...
As you're no doubt already aware, Todd is going out this spring on a tour in support of his upcoming "Liars" CD. A few dates have been booked:
http://TRConnection.com/tour/t2004
The tour will be with a band, including Kasim Sulton. No other word on the makeup of the rest of the group.
Some rumors indicate that a European tour is also a possibility.
At last report, "Liars" tracks were being completed and were supposed to be available via PatroNet around Christmas (at least according to some reported chatting by TR). The only "official" word is that the CD is due for release in Japan on February 11, 2004. It's expected to include fourteen tracks, including "Afterlife," previously available only on PatroNet.
http://www.cdjapan.co.jp//detailview.html?KEY=CRCL-7717
In the meantime, "Greatest Classics with a Twist" a repackaging of "Reconstructed" and "Todd Rundgren and his Friends" AKA "With A Little Help From My Friends" is due for release on January 6. Other recent releases are the box sets "Can't Stop Running" and "Last of the New Wave Riders" which includes most of the TR Archive Series from Japan and "Forever Gold," a one CD compilation of selections that also appear on "Greatest Classics." All available (among some other exclusive goodies) at TR Bazaar:
Bourgeois Tagg's "YoYo" (produced by Todd) is being re-released on January 13 on Lemon Records.
You can also check out Meat Loaf's latest, where Todd arranges and sings backup on the title track "Couldn't Have Said It Better." Kasim plays bass throughout and also does backup vocals.
Todd has some brief comments about "Death of the 'Concept' Album? " on NPR's "All Things Considered" available via RealAudio at
rtsp://real.npr.na-central.speedera.net/real.npr.na-central/atc/20031219_atc_16.rm
California fans may want to follow the new career of Todd's wife, Michele, as a stand-up comic. She's booked some dates this month.
http://www.michelerundgren.com/
For now, that's about it. Let's hope 2004 is a good year for all of us, full of new Todd and enjoyable Todd experiences.