Tag Archives: Jones Beach Theatre

Music Monday: June 26, 2023

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

Bruce quote 2023

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Happy 75th birthday to Todd Harry Rundgren who was born June 22, 1948 in Philadelphia, PA. The singer, songwriter, musician and record producer has been part of the music scene for over five decades as a solo performer and as a member of the bands, Nazz and Utopia.

His career has included a few Top 40 hits like “I Saw The Light” (#16 in 1972) and “Can We Still Be Friends” (#29 in 1978). He also produced albums for Hall & Oates, Meatloaf, The New York Dolls, Badfinger and Grand Funk Railroad, amongst others.

Today’s song is from Rundgren’s third solo album, Something/Anything?, which was released in 1972. The track peaked at #5 on the Billboard singles chart nearly 50 years ago in December 1973. The first time this tune came out was in 1968 when Rundgren recorded it with his first band, Nazz. It is a slightly slower version of his solo hit but quite enjoyable as well.

I spotlighted his solo version on Day 388 of my lockdown music countdown. And everything I wrote then (see below) still holds. This song is part of my wonder years. So thank you, Todd Rundgren. And happy birthday.

“A rite of passage for children is their affinity for bubble gum pop music. Every generation has it but if your calling is music like mine was, even during those frivolous years good songs will break through and stay with you for a lifetime. I have written extensively over the last year about the ones that broke through to me. Today’s song is part of that group & can transport back to some of the best days of my childhood in one note. I will love Todd Rundgren forever for this song & the memories I have connected to it.”

“Seeing you or seeing anything as much I do you
I take for granted that you’re always there
I take for granted that you just don’t care
Sometimes I can’t help seeing all the way through“.

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Todd Rundgren performs as a member of Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band at Jones Beach in Wantagh, NY in June 2012.  Photo by me.

Todd Rundgren: “Hello It’s Me” (1972, written by Todd Rundgren).

Nazz: “Hello It’s Me” (1968, written by Todd Rundgren).

Stay safe & well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 469

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Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

June 2021 blog

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

I have been lucky enough to see Ringo Starr twice in my life. The last time was at Jones Beach (Wantagh, NY) about a decade ago. One of the musicians in his “All Starr Band” that night was Todd Rundgren, who was born June 22, 1948 in Pennsylvania.

He started out playing in bands when he was 17 but his real success came as a solo artist & producer in the 1970’s. His hits include “Hello, It’s Me” (Day 388), “I Saw The Light” & today’s song. He has also made a name for himself as a producer of albums such as We’re An American Band by Grand Funk Railroad, War Babies by Hall & Oates and Bat Out Of Hell by Meat Loaf,

Rundgren will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame’s Class Of 2021 later this year. Several artists have covered today’s track, but his original version still resonates with me.

“It’s a strange sad affair
Sometimes seems like we just don’t care
Don’t waste time feeling hurt
We’ve been through hell together“.

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Todd Rundgren on stage in Ringo Starr’s “All Starr Band” at Jones Beach in Wantagh, NY on June 22, 2012.  (Credit:  Me.) 

Todd Rundgren: “Can We Still Be Friends” (1978, written by Todd Rundgren).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Happy 75th Birthday, Ringo Starr!!!

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Beatles drummer Richard Starkey, better known as Ringo Starr, turns 75 years young today.

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Copyright 2012.  Photo by me.

His career in music started over 50 years ago when he replaced Pete Best as the drummer of the band that was about to become known world wide as “The Fab Four”.  Starr was the lead singer on several Beatles’ songs including “With A Little Help From My Friends“, “Yellow Submarine” and “Octopus’s Garden“.

After the Beatles reign as the greatest band on earth ended (yes I wrote that!!!), Starr had several solo hits including “It Don’t Come Easy“, “Photograph” (co-written with George Harrison) and “You’re Sixteen“.  The latter two hit number one on the charts in November 1973 & January 1974, respectively.

The younger generation may also know him as “Mr. Conductor” on the “Shining Time Station” PBS series & as the narrator from the first two seasons of “Thomas and Friends”.

Earlier this year Starr was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo performer, having already been inducted as a member of the Beatles in 1988.  During the last 25 years he has been touring with his “All Starr Band” featuring a revolving group of musicians.

I was lucky enough to see him live twice at the theatre on Jones Beach in Wantagh, NY.  The first time was during the early 1990’s and the second was in 2012.  The pictures featured in this post are from the second show where I was 10 feet from one of the Beatles!!!

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Copyright 2012.  Photo by me.

Thankfully, Ringo is still making music which you can listen to (while wishing him a happy birthday) here.

How do we thank a Beatle for EVERYTHING he has given us?  Music was never the same from the time we met him and the other lads from Liverpool via “The Ed Sullivan Show” on February 9, 1964.  A mere “thank you” seems inadequate.  I, for one, am eternally grateful!!!

Happy birthday, Ringo!!!