Added: 5 years ago
From: rundgrenfan
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  • Great band and great tale/song.

  • When I saw this tour live in a small (1200 folks) theater, I was just so blown away...plus they did so many other great tunes. Always the master. Thank You Todd, and thanks for posting.

  • Ankh symbol guitar, battling the elements, climbing atop a pyramid: Rundgren and Utopia was the original spokesband for the New World Order

  • Were the frets made of glass too?

  • this is classic stuff

  • this is classic stuff

  • amen,,,this is classic

  • They should make a cartoon now with this Oratorio. It's so PG.Like sgt. Pepper. Today it is affordable. Ask the guys at South Park.

  • They should make a cartoon now with this Oratorio. It's so PG.Like sgt. Pepper. Today it is affordable.

  • They should make a cartoon now with this Oratorio. It's so PG.Like sgt. Pepper.

  • My friend gave me this link and I fell in love with it!

  • Man that metal guitar sounds like crap - lol! looks cool though.

  • Umkay, so where's the pyramid?!

  • I once actually played in a band (Ruff Midget) that covered this song. Had to concentrate so damn hard and that was hard to do in the environment of the mid-80s.

  • what was that dude doing

  • @MERCURHILLMANIAC Holy shit! You know I am 20 now right? I completely forgot I made that comment.  Are you necroing like a troll? Or was it just random? Because I see you replying to the glassgirll. I don't know.

  • Totally agree, Larry. I was about 16 when this came out. I think the only reason I bought this record was because the album cover was so cool! Loved the music immediately and it one of my faves to this day...

  • Unbelievable, brings back so many memories. What have the youth of today got, X Factor? Losers!

  • this song is beast

  • I'll never stop thanking God of having been young in that period

  • Very,very,very great song.

  • The BEST song to listen to on a long walk.

  • @TheNewKeylaleigh Fuck YES!! i love long walks... and of course this song.

  • My dad used to play this to me when i was a little girl :)

  • @glassgirll You are lucky to have such a cool Dad ! !

  • hioly shit! I forgot how these guys just harmonize so well. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!

  • This was definitley my favorite Utopia album. This sounds very true to the original harmonies and all. I never thought I would see this. A most cool clip indeed.

  • sounds like early yes until the singing then jethro tull sorta kicks in its just me?

  • I love Todd and Utopia but enough of the musician bashing. The song is clever but what draws out this 70's prog stuff, is the extending soloing in pentatonic scales. They had serious chops, but the Tubes were a better example of the same cleverness with all the fat trimmed out. Punk had to happen, so did new wave, metal and goth. It's called "get to the point". Plus you guys did all of the good acid in the 60's and the 70's and left all of the PCP and strychnine for us. Thanks "me generation".

  • This is GREAT!

    Thanks rundgrenfan! : )

  • does anyone know where i can get this mp3? for free -_- or if you could send me the mp3 or something

  • This song would be, could be the perfect vehicle for some kind of CG animated movie. The possibilities are unlimited.

  • @remlap48. Or maybe a brand new adventure RPG game. Something like Zelda. What do you think of that eh?

  • Yep, like I said.. the possibilities are unlimited.

  • I don't think there is a musician/artist out there in this day and age that could even come close to writing a song even remotely close to something like this. It's like classic movies of the past. It's like an era that cannot be duplicated. I am convinced that it has something to do with the character and class of the artist of then and the typical artist or musicianship of artists now. Really no comparison.

  • @Quantanthead it's called the mars volta bro.

  • We use to cruise around with this blasting in our car back in high school. Smoke a couple bongs and listen, especially when they smash the glass guitar. Used to play it with my band back then. Should bring it back. The studio version was fantastic. Live it good but they did a lot of effects on the drum solo. Sounded like the drums were under water. On the RA album. Excelent musicianship.

  • Todd being God again.

  • These was the first guitar "bits" learned as a musician. That guitar tone pulled me right in! I loved this album from the second I brought it home from "musicland".

  • what? this is the apex of the '70's prog power pop epic... i listened to this while reading 'Lord of the Rings' and playing 'Dungeons & Dragons'... on hex paper with real 20 sided dice painted lead figurines...

  • This is what is missing today , Where are the experimenters? , This is actually a classic , every bit as progressive as Tull, Yes or ELP ,

    These people did it , where are they today?

    They didn't do totally scripted production numbers for the big bucks , but they sure as heel made some good music.

  • Likely because it was easy to do this sort of music in the 70s. If one looks at the works of JT, Yes, Genesis, ELP, and Utopia it was the complex music that sold the band. The industry went along with it because they didn't get what these guys were doing, but they understood that it sold. These days, it maybe the execs are smarter than the creators of music. Or, the musicians value the same kind of success that the execs want. Today, another King Crimson would be impossible.

  • Not my favorite Utopia song either, but it is their best Epic.

  • ...and there are always jealous forces...

  • this is the best utopia song, although its good, it kinda makes todd rundgrun less famous

  • ok ok assholes who hate on this... so what if people did this before him todd does WHAT HE WANTS he doesnt have a care in the world if YOU like it or not and a real fan would appreciate it... jesus... Todd is one the the most amazing musicaians of all time... his lyrics actually have meaning...

  • Great Vid, as usual!

  • The album RA kicks serious ass.

  • To those who pooh at this album, I get it. I get you. I was right there with you, feeling ripped off, as I bought every Todd & Utopia unseen.

    But after numerous listenings over the years I'm beginning to question whether this may be one of his 3 greatest works. Forget the first 33 seconds (esPECially since it's not Todd), and listen to the tunes. It's really flocking beautiful melodies.

    For context my order would read AWATS, Utopia,S/A,Todd,Initiation "and the rest." BION this may be my new #3

  • I saw Utopia perform the Electrified Fairytale-FABULOUS performance piece. Stage production ahead of it's time. Listen to the story - realize that each musician was a hero finding the keys to save harmony...swimming the deepest ocean...fighting the fire breathing dragon...All performed while playing. When Todd "climbed the highest mountain" up the wrungs of a pyrimad and played his guitar solo while suspended by wires that brought him back to the stage...WOW!!! Truly the best SHOW I ever saw.

  • verses no.

    chorus yes.

    This isn't my favorite Utopia tune. Considering what TR, Roger, and Kasim can do with most of an album side, it's a bit of a waste. Remember though, bands like Rush were very up and coming at this time. U.K. Kansas. The late 70's was prog's part 2. It was this stuff or Disco, take your pick! Sunburst Finish; Hiroshima; Eternal Love, the best tunes on Ra 1977. That's my humble opinion, and I'm stickin' to it.

  • i never hear this mentioned (maybe i'm not listening)

    but were they influenced by pink floyd at all? like, big time?

  • Genesis were doing this 7 years before this came out. Rundgren is a creative genious. Utopia are not my cuppa tea, especially early utopia.Stick to what you do best.

  • So nobody else thibks that this is possibly the worst 'song' that they've ever heard?

  • This is actually kinda cool. You have to understand, the 70's was a time for heavy experimentation in music. Alot of the music sucked (disco). You can say "oh no, AC/DC rocked and so did zappa and three dog night and zeppelin, etc." There always was and still is an abundance of musicians. Making shit that may appeal to you or not. The stuff could suck or it could be really good. I have respect for utopia and having the balls to perform something like this.

  • Nope xavier, worst song honors go to YOKO ONO. TRY listening to ANYTHING from that pretentious twat I dare you

  • This is the type of music my older brother was really into , I was about 4 to 6 yrs old when I first heard it , and to this day brings back alot of memories. Wish they had the kind of technoligy they have today would have probably made it much like I invisioned it in my head when I was little. But still cool

  • This band is fast becoming a band that I really like and the stuff I have heard from you tube is living proof of how much I love tham. A real class act.

  • Todd is incredible. In 1972, he put out Something/Anything -- 1972, mind you -- and played every instrument on three of the four sides of the 2-disc set. Then, in 1973, he put 68 minutes of music on a single two-sided album, "A Wizard A True Star" which is the most ever, accoridng to Guiness Book. Then, in 1985, he put oout "A cappella," which is 14 tracks of nothign but vocals. You hear the songs, and you SWEAR you'd hear instruments ... but there are none. ENJOY; there's nobody else like him.

  • Me likes Magic Dragon Theatre off this album too. What am I talking about ? RA just straight up kicks butt.

    An Epic that Singring & TGG

  • 1977, Todd and Utopia create "Singring and the Glass Guitar." How creative, imaginative and Todd-like! So, what were the "real" hits, as Todd and Utopia forged new musical paths with RA and Singring?

    1) Tonight's The Night, Rod Stewart.

    2)I Want to Be Your Everything, Andy Gibb.

    3) Best Of My Love, The Emotions.

    What CRAP!!!

    So, just how light years ahead of his time was Todd? The world may never know!!! Todd IS Godd!!!

  • Todd was one of many in an age of innovative music that gave us Tull, Yes, Elp, Deep purple, Zep and many others that will never be repeated, You can't even compare these bands to the crap that is coming out today,

  • Oh, I really agree.

  • @larry1955 WELL PUT !

  • What memories, saw this tour in 1978. The whole floor of our dorm (Peet Hall) drove to Rochester, NY to see them in the Dome Arena! We all had a great time and there might have been a controlled substance or two involved!

  • Where can I get the complete song in mp3??

  • I think you can buy the album on iTunes, but I'm not sure, I know that they have a few of thier albums on there.

  • Great vid..but Pleeeease fix the audio/video Sync!

  • thank you for posting this!!!!! What an epic tune. :-D

  • I was 17 and saw this show in 78 at the Suffolk forum on LI, an "unknown" band by the name of "Cheap Trick" opened up for them. when I first saw Satch aka Rick Neilsen I was like WTF? Awesome show. Used to listen to this album with my buddy Dave using a dual-headphone jack from Radio Shack. Lots of acid going around the Levittown school system back then, and weed that got you high, not retarded like the stuff today. Going to see Todd at The Blender in NYC Dec 27. Can't wait!

  • awsome !

  • I saw todd at the Philadelphia Civic Center in the late 70's with Starcastle opening. Todd came out in jeans and a tshirt. little drum kit, played three songs and went off... i thought dag. Then the curtain opened and there was pyramid and a Sphinx. he climbed the pyramid and jumped off only to be slowly lowered to the stage where he took out the glass guitar and smashed it.... What a showman.

  • Yep! I saw the same tour, in Toledo, Ohio .... they opened with Trapped, Marriage of Heaven and Hell, and then Abandon City .... Gawd that was EXCELLENT!!!!

  • what the hell were they on?

  • im 17 and this is one of the few songs i like that my mom likes.. she says i dont have good taste in music i think i do

  • it sounds like you have a good understanding with your mom....Dad says.

  • This could very well be the most brilliant tune ever penned

  • I remember when I was cool listening to this song. Driving around Attica,NY in my dad's 1979 Ford Fairmont. The windows down so everyone in the neighborhood would be impressed with my song selection and the uniqueness thereof. How much cooler can you get? I mean the Fairmont alone destined me to be a chick magnet.

  • most popular bands were pumping out bullshit at this time...Todd Rundgren was light years ahead of everyone...Todd soared into the stratosphere...and beyond

  • Such fond memories are captured within this magical album that my elder sister used to play for me. I think Todd opened my ears and prepared me for Steve Vai. I love this album,this song and Mr. Rundgrens talent xx

  • we used to listen to this on shrooms all the time.''great fantasy...i miss being 17''''

  • Many thanks for this video!! An all time favourit of mine that i didn't hear for years!

    Makes me feel young again!!

  • I saw this tour at the Colston Hall in Bristol, UK. Brilliant show but VERY dodgy wardrobe, even by 70s standards. What WERE they thinking? Still the best Todd show I've ever seen.

  • OOOHHH the Glass Guitar!!!!

    EXCELLENT!!!

    Great post all parts of it, Thanks!

  • This has been my favorite song since i was like 8. Rock on!

  • I love this song. I have to thank Todd S. from work for bringing Utopia into my listening library.

  • LOVE IT!!!

  • LOVE IT!!!

  • Wow..I love Rundgren. What a great video..THANKS!!!!

  • This is just AWESOME!!!!!! Just saw Todd last month here in WA State & he was awesome! Didnt do Singring but he did wail out Number 1 Lowest Common denominator & had Kasim on bass. The man is just brilliant

  • Saw Todd performe this in 77 in Holland with Utopia. He is a true magician and this song is very special. Thanks!

  • Stingring -þ hurdy Hurdy Glissando d-_-b

  • This song coincided with my own life journey as a brave adventurer. In 1982, I began experiencing mental illness. I listened to this song incessantly at that time. I had spiritual experiences showing me I would heal, and I did. Towards the end of this healing journey, I began to integrate. I re-found this song and again, I listened to it, over and over, with emphasis on the integration of harmony and the basic elements water/wind/fire/earth. Todd is a true mystic. This song is brilliant!

  • This brought tears to my eyes, Best concert I ever saw, Made me a Todd fan for life. Never did I ever expect to see this again. Thank You so very very much.

  • This is an electrified fairytale...lol.Great song,my fave of Utopias.

  • Love this song!!!!!!!!

  • UNBELIEVABLE!!! I saw this live in concert. Thank you so much!! I have seen Todd live 22 times! He is amazing !

  • Leapin flyin lizards!!!!!!!! Speaking of RA, You've got a nice chunk of it goin hear- thanx & thanx again!!!PEace.....

  • This is a grand site to behold. Thank you

  • I saw the light in 79(RA).I'll never forget it. Thank you GOD for the mind Of Todd Rundgren.

  • i have this show on vhs

  • Please SHARE! Todd is God.

  • At 26 I've become a Todd fan through my dad, fantastic piece of music, just never thoght i'd ever actually see it!!!

  • Way back when,didn't Utopia do a song called"The hare who lost his specticles."?

  • believe that's on tull's passion play album.

  • Can I really say this? This is best rock song to incorporate all classic parts of a great band into an a real rock opera. Yea ... I said it! I love Queen, so it's hard to say this.

  • This vid is great, but to sound "Cliche" you had to be there. It's been 30 years and I can remember being in total awe. Huge water fountains surrounded drums, Kasim was soloing in a tornado, Roger slaye a dragon with his lazer-light Powell Probe keyboard, and Todd did a front flip off off a pyramid, in front of a giant Sphynx!!! What could be better???

  • First time I've heard this song in a live concert! Pretty cool, and it wouldn't be complete without an extended drum solo!

  • Fantastic. The only way it could be more classic is if they had the pyramid for Todd to climb. That was my favorite concert ever. Thanks so much!

  • Wow! I am happiness! Thanx! On to part 2 . . .

  • Saw this show at Alpine Valley with pyramid. One of my favorites of all time.

  • Absolutely amazing!!! ThankYou you tube!!

  • Wow indeed... Now for part 2

  • Wow

  • wow. They did not play this song when I saw them months later. ?? This is great.

  • r u kidding . this is awesome . this was the very first real concert iever saw. todd is god . what a first show . i know that it was voted best concert tour in 1978. i have seen him many times .aal great . any more todd . please let me know

  • THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

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