The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame is a nice enough place. But done wrong on so many levels. Most obviously, Paul Revere and the Raiders and Todd Rundgren are not in. And Abba is in. And this year Kiss gets in. And the Velvet Underground are in. So I guess it is not just about sales. Look up the word creativity, you will find Todd Rudngren's mug. Let's put him in after Kansas and Billy Idol and Styx.

Posted by Boni Johnson on Monday, 03/17/2014 @ 17:53pm

I'm putting this guy on my 'predictions' list at the end of the summer. As all have pointed out, he is overdue for the RRHOF. Sure, at one time he had his own exhibit inside the museum, but he has yet to be on the ballot. He would get in in a heartbeat. A couple of months ago I started listening to his classic album 'Something/Anything' and it has not left my CD player yet. Its an awesome album, needless to say. His other solo work stands out very well. And let's not leave out his collaborations with several artists, too many to mention. Some of them are in the HOF, so we know he's got connections that will help get him in. In fact, he recently toured with Ringo Starr as part of his 'All-Starr Band' last fall. Rundgren '16!

Posted by Jason Voigt on Sunday, 02/22/2015 @ 23:25pm

Can't believe that Todd isn't in. He has more talent in one finger than many artists that are currently in the hall of fame. It's WAY past due!!!!

Posted by John L. on Friday, 03/13/2015 @ 22:00pm

Saw Todd Rundgren perform in St. Louis last night for the first time. In one word, I would say the show was 'different'. Not sure if that's good or bad! If there's one thing I learned, its that Todd Rundgren can be bizarre and crazy at any time. Not just of now, but within the last 40+ years. It was a mixture of young and old, and the oldsters were very disappointed altogether. See, there was no band. Instead there was a dj, and it was an all EDM show. 80% of it was new material, but he did dance versions of a few of his old hits. I couldn't believe this was the same guy who produced Bat Out of Hell and sang lead with Utopia and Runt! I was very amazed he still has the moves and his vocals!

I put Todd on my 2016 Nomination predictions list for many reasons. To me, he is a rock legend. To some, he's just another classic rock act or just a jack-of-all-trades. He's long overdue to get in the RRHOF. He's collaborated with so many people, on and off the mic. Hell, he recently recorded with Red Peters! That goes to show how his craziness and diverse resume should get him in the Hall. The time is now.

Posted by Jason Voigt on Wednesday, 09/2/2015 @ 21:58pm

Reflecting on why some are rich in my community, I stumbled on an insight into why Todd is not appreciated more broadly in the musical community: He solves the problems of the head and heart that no one else can figure out. Once achieved, his solutions are brilliantly acclamed, but many consider them too complex. The rich solve the simple problems that all can understand, the artists like Todd solve the problems that are too tough for most to figure out.

Posted by Jay Mearns on Friday, 05/20/2016 @ 01:00am

I find it disgusting that Todd Rundgren is not in the RNRHOF. His talent is beyond words. Wake up and realize his contributions to the music world.

Posted by Cheryl Grec on Friday, 03/10/2017 @ 10:34am

Laughable. That pretty much sums up the RRHOF. Just a pure joke the groups, individuals, writers, singers, musicians and producers that have been inducted when Mr. Rundgren is all of the above and more. F the RRHOF, Really Todd doesn't need it or probably want it.

Posted by Greg Steinke on Monday, 10/2/2017 @ 23:23pm

With the Moody Blues and Yes finally in , Todd and Jethro Tull remain the most glaring snubs. Rundgren is versatile, has an expressive voice, proficient at many instruments, and has absolute command of the studio. But he's always done whatever he wanted, didn't care that much about either 'hits' or critical acclaim, but when he wanted to make hits he could. He knocked off "I Saw The Light" in about five minutes and described in the liner notes of "Something/Anything" as his attempt at writing a three minute radio hit. Not to mention his sound was somewhat responsible for that of Hall & Oates, who are in the Hall.

Posted by Scotty Mac on Wednesday, 02/21/2018 @ 21:44pm

The Cars want The Mothers Of Invention, The Turtles, Flo & Eddie, Todd Rundgren, Devo and Kraftwerk inducted.

Posted by Roy on Sunday, 04/15/2018 @ 15:32pm

Not surprising from The Cars. I also expect Daryl Hall to want his mentor/friend/blue eyed soul brother Todd in as well.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Sunday, 10/14/2018 @ 03:38am

Whoever is working on the campaign to get Todd in the Hall of Fame is working overdrive. Stevie had a longer lead over him but now Todd is inching at 76k votes. Still Stevie could keep her #2 position but Todd has benefited from the initial rise of Stevie's fan vote numbers stalling indefinitely.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Sunday, 11/18/2018 @ 16:46pm

How many artists actually buy into Todd. Blue eyed soul since when? Corporate propaganda! He was a singer songwriter now what is that and what does it mean.

It was corporate's attempt to dismantle folk. They were trying to make these people into ac or pop. You should read what Melanie has to say about what was going on at the time - pretty interesting, fact loaded readying. It may help you understand why people like todd were looked down on. Also some good info about the roots of the indie movement. Many of the real deal folk artist like John Prine were starting their own record companys.

Posted by Zuzu on Friday, 11/30/2018 @ 10:45am

Todd to perform two shows in Cleveland two months after the Rock Hall:

https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2018/12/todd-rundgren-announces-two-back-to-back-cleveland-shows-in-spring-2019.html

Posted by Timothy on Monday, 12/3/2018 @ 11:02am

Todd Rundgren not being inducted up to this point, speaks to the ignorance of the Hall, the music industry and music fans alike. Like him or not, you cannot deny 52 years worth of music, songwriting at a high level, multi instrumentalist, great guitarist, producer, leader of the Nazz and Utopia as early and side projects, innovative musical experimentation and just plain old hit songs. He is still going strong, making great new LP's and continuing to tour. Not kicking back as an oldies show but introducing new music every year. I'm not one to criticize past inductees, but Todd probably deserves being in the hall more than at least 30% of the current inductees. I'm not saying this as a fan. I'm saying it based on facts. You have to look at longevity, creativity, flexibility and the ability to maintain fans over an extended period, ignoring personal tastes and biases. Same holds true for Carole King, Lou Rawls, Whitney Houston, Roberta Flack and many other snubs

Posted by Beanzalo on Sunday, 07/14/2019 @ 10:23am

I think I was just as surprised as everyone when Todd Rundgren was passed over on last year's ballot. I was so happy with the results (Janet Jackson! The Cure! Roxy Music!) that I just accepted it. But after a year of hindsight; he didn't make the top 7? Seriously?

Now he's nominated again. Not sure if he makes my top 5 or not; I'm still working on that. But I sure hope they find a spot for such a unique and prolific performer.

If not performer than maybe Musical Excellence? It does kind of fit when you consider his songwriting, producing and technical innovations. I'd still like to see him get in the old fashioned way. But get him in somehow.

Posted by remy10 on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 19:25pm

This will be the second time Todd Rundgren will be nominated for the Hall since last year in the Performer category and I feel he deserve to be inducted in 2020.

But in my opinion I feel that Todd Rundgren should inducted outside the Performer category and should deserve a Lifetime Achievement Award because his achievement both as a artist, musician,producer and innovator and contributor to introducing rock music in music videos and the internet before MTV, Spotify and YouTube came into being.

Rundgren has produced Hall of Fame inductees Hall and Oates and Patti Smith as well as The New York Dolls,Cheap Trick,Grand Funk Railroad,The Tubes, XTC, Sparks, Meatloaf along with this own group Utopia. these accomplishments should have put him in either Performer or Lifetime Achievement status years ago.

Posted by Erayman64 on Saturday, 10/19/2019 @ 23:40pm

Both a leader and team player. Looks back and keeps moving forward. Have you seen the "It was 50 years ago" tour? Have you given to Spirit of Harmony? Really, since 1995. We the fans care. Make a statement ... this Individualist is number one in our hearts.The Dream Goes on Forever.

Posted by Robin Sheldon Farley on Monday, 12/2/2019 @ 03:54am

To the Governing Board of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:

Today. Jan. 15, 2020 the entire Russian government resigned...at Putin's "request" : > ) ? !
I suggest the entire Rock and Roll Hall of Fame governing board / election committee follows Russia's lead !

Do the right thing and end this travesty: No Todd...Not Interested ~

MO

Posted by Paul A Morrison on Wednesday, 01/15/2020 @ 11:53am

Todd is a self. He is a one-man music machine. He is entirely human though. Life is better with Todd. I won't say Todd is God. But God made a damn good artist. One in my personal hall of fame.

Posted by Tim on Wednesday, 01/15/2020 @ 22:49pm

C'mon. This should not even be subject to debate. The guy is a flat out musical genius who has influenced so many. And although he hasn't had a ton of so called "hits" the ones he has had are as good as anything ever done by any current hall member. And since when did HITS matter. Hell, put him in for his engineering skills alone. His influence on other recording engineers.

Posted by Vincent J LaRuffa on Friday, 02/7/2020 @ 15:33pm

Someone earlier commented, suggesting the reason for Todd Rundgren's induction is "A Wizard, A True Star." Of course, that album is the reason he isn't in the HoF. It was the album where TR gave his middle finger (deservedly) to the industry. He was expected to do a repeat/variation on Something/Anything & instead he responds with one of the most amazing musical statements by any artist at any time. [see Patti Smith's review of the album here: http://www.oceanstar.com/patti/poetry/toddwiz.htm] Because that is the truth of it. For much of Rock n' Roll's history, like much of the history of commercial music, has been about product marketing. Tod was fortunate, as he himself said, that he was able to make enough money through his production work that he wasn't constrained by the need to be a commercial success. He was able to pursue music from an artistic standpoint rather than from a "need to pay my bills" standpoint. While another music legend famously (or perhaps quietly) bemoaned the need to be "commercial": https://www.yo utube.com/watch?v=kjMx6Hrz9ms TR was able to ignore those pressures and operate as a true musical artist. Freed of those constraints, TR proved that he has musical talent that far surpasses many ordinary musicians & even a number of extraordinary musicians who are/were good at one or two particular things but never had the range or influence of Todd. It is amusing that he finally made the ballot last year, I suppose an indication of things loosening up a bit at the HoF. TR himself has written off the HoF as overly political & who can blame him?

Posted by David Samson on Friday, 03/13/2020 @ 08:39am

I was listening to the Radio one Sunday morning, and heard a beautiful song. The announcer did not say whose song it was, and so I set out to find out by checking out the stations playlist. It was Todd Rundgren's " A dream goes on forever". I've always liked his music. But over the years I've forgotten about it. I am now hooked and listen to his music every opportunity I get.
How can it be that this incredibly talented man has not been inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame. I agree the Organization is a sham. He's a genius at what he does and puts many inductees to shame.

Posted by Belkys on Thursday, 06/4/2020 @ 23:35pm

Todd Rundgren not being in the R&R Hall of Fame is like Don Shula not being in the Pro Football HOF...it completely makes the R&R Hall seem not legit...How can one say that T-Rex, while an influence to early glam rock is more deserving or Depeche Mode or Nine Inch Nails...I will NOT visit the HOF in Cleveland until Rundgren is in!

Posted by Robert Scott Stone on Friday, 06/12/2020 @ 22:31pm

It's unfathomable that Todd Rundgren hasn't yet been inducted to R&RHOF. He's one of the most talented-versatile-innovative singer-songwriter-producers of the past 50 years. Anthems that cross generations. Computer techniques before anyone else. A beautiful voice (to this day) that uplifts, haunts, inspires. An incredible producer to others who have already made it in. 2021 needs to be HIS year. Induct him already!

Posted by Jenny Smith on Thursday, 09/3/2020 @ 11:51am

It is an utter disservice to the world of music to not induct Todd Rundgren into the HoF.
The HoF should be ashamed.

Posted by Donna Schwab on Sunday, 01/24/2021 @ 21:33pm

I've been a fan of Todd's work since the early 70s and have followed his career until the present. It's obvious he belongs on musical excellence for many reasons.

Not that they all need to be restated, so here's a quick summary of a few that I believe are good to keep in mind that aren't always at the top of the lists:

He has always gone out of his way to connect with fans in ways that were innovative and engaging. I remember getting the postcard included in A Wizard A True Star and thinking that it was so cool that if you mailed it back your name would appear on a poster included with his next album.

The next album had that, it also closed with a live classic, Sons of 1984 which featured a live outdoor chorus with an audience in NYC on one channel and one in San Francisco on the other.

Acapella was a brilliant use of digitized voices to create an entire album that virtually sound like instruments. This was 1985! The Nearly Human and 2nd Wind albums were recorded live, the former in live studio takes, the later in live takes in front of a live audience.

He released two CDs in the early 90s that gave listeners the options to remix tracks in different ways.

He was the first musical artist to exclusively market and distribute his work through the internet in 1997.

And regardless of what people's opinions are of Meatloaf, he still went on to sell 80 million records. If Todd hadn't picked up that project, funded it, produced it, played on it and then shopped it around for almost 2 years to find a record company that would touch it.

Other acts that can attribute success musically from Todd's production include The New York Dolls, The Band, Grand Funk, Hall and Oates, XTC, The Tubes, Badfinger, Psychedelic Furs, Cheap Trick and Patti Smith.

So many contemporary artists have sampled his music and artists like Bjork, Daft Punk and Tame Impala cite Todd as influential to their sound.

When he turned 60 he invited all of his fans world-wide to his home in Hawaii. Who else does that stuff for their fans?

He started playing rock music live in the 60s and he's still at it in the 20s with a virtual tour that kicks off this year.

From Todd's Spirit of Harmony Charity:
The Spirit of Harmony Foundation, Todd Rundgren's philanthropic organization, focuses on instrument-based music education, beginning at as early an age as possible, for a substantial length of time (minimum two years, and minimum four hours per week). We base our focus on academic studies on the empirical benefits of music education.

Posted by Constantine on Monday, 02/1/2021 @ 23:06pm

Todd Rundgren is capable of Everything/Anything as shown in his third solo album Something/Anything? (1972). He proved he can put out power pop sugar so addicting that you have to listen... BUT...he got bored with it. LOL. Not kidding. His follow up albums would have true gems mixed in with experimental stuff.... mostly enjoyable....and timeless. He is probably one of the most talented multi-instrumentalists in the business. His solo efforts are very solid..."Hermit of Mink Hollow" (1978) especially comes to mind...not a weak song on the album. He has produced and managed many bands and records. He also had a side band Utopia that had some success. Since I am familiar with his library, I would say ....put him into the Rock Hall...no question... he can do everything in Rock and Roll genre! To the Rock Hall... if you look past some of the experimentation, you will find some of the best music ever made. YES to Todd!!!

Posted by Tim D on Monday, 03/29/2021 @ 00:38am

Todd Rundgren. The 36th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPk4MLAi0JA

Posted by Roy on Friday, 12/24/2021 @ 06:20am