The reason seems shocking today, but they feared The Beatles would sue them because of the similarities to the Beatles hit “I Wanna Hold Your Hand”.
Todd wrote it as a fun, catchy single for the movie, but the film’s Producers decided not to put in the movie! That song was “I Just Want To Touch You”, which ultimately opens the “Deface The Music” album. Todd was referring to a song he wrote for the Alice Cooper / Meatloaf film “Roadie”. “‘Deface The Music'” was something we did as a reaction to a response that one of our songs got”, Todd revealed years after the album was released. It was at that time, however, that Todd decided to use Utopia to make a Beatles tribute album next…and the resulting album, “Deface The Music” brought the band’s momentum to a crashing halt. Here is the band performing their hit single “Set Me Free”:įor Utopia fans, the hit single “Set Me Free” and the collection of great songs suggested that more great Utopia music was on the way. The album was a huge critical and commercial success for the group, making it all the way to #32 on the Billboard charts! These Utopia band members discuss how happy they were with the success of “Adventures In Utopia” – their biggest selling album ever.
“It was a really stupid thing to do,” he said flatly. “I thought it was the biggest mistake we could have ever made” is how Kasim Sultan described the album years later. The book is surprisingly honest and raw, as Utopia band members Willie Wilcox, Roger Powell and Kasim Sulton discuss what it was like to be in Todd’s shadow, especially when it came to the “Deface” project. The Billy James book gives an inside look at the making of the album as well as the dissension that the album caused within the band. However, it was the timing of the album’s release that has divided Utopia fans since 1980. It certainly had a sense of humor, as evidenced by the “Outstanding In Their Field” photo on the back cover! 2” of the Billy James biographies delve into the struggles the band had in getting record label support from the very beginning, and one album stands out as the most divisive in group’s career.ģ6 years ago, Todd Rundgren and Utopia released “Deface The Music”, an upbeat and energetic celebration of The Beatles. We can all recite a laundry list of Utopia songs that should have been hits, beginning with “The Wheel” and “Love Is The Answer”, and leading to some of the last songs released by the group such as “Cry Baby”, “Mated”, “Secret Society” and “If I Didn’t Try.” I was taken with the adversity the band endured – some self-inflicted, but much caused by a record label that didn’t support their music. That’s what intrigued me about the band, and their relationship as musicians. 2” focuses on the Utopia years.įans of the group know that Todd’s record label was never supportive of the group’s musical efforts, and the books document that in some detail. “A Dream Goes On Forever” by Billy James, with research by Tony Rogers, does a great job telling the story of Todd’s solo music, while his “Vol. Most fans of Todd know about the two biographies that are available that offer an in-depth look at all aspects of Todd’s life. The album marks a pivotal time in Utopia’s history, a time of great success and ongoing frustration. The story of “Deface The Music” is ultimately about a lot more than just music.
Todd’s love of the Fab Four manifested itself in 1980 with an entire Utopia album of “Beatle-infused” songs that actually created a lot of tension within the band. Special thanks to John Meanor for posting this on YouTube…. Here is a live version of “Strawberry Fields” – Todd performs with the Bella Electric Strings at his Rock n Roll Fantasy Camp in November 2013: Todd has always been a Beatles fan – and included covers of “Rain” and “Strawberry Fields Forever” on his solo album “Faithful.” That’s how Todd Rundgren described “Deface The Music”, one of Utopia’s most polarizing albums – and an album that deserves a re-discovery by music lovers! Time to look at one of the most inventive pop albums ever released – and the album that many feel derailed Utopia’s drive to the top of the music charts! Two Utopia band members with polar opposite reactions to the most polarizing Utopia album ever released!Ī 36-Year Celebration Of Utopia’s Classic – And Controversial – “Deface The Music!” “I thought it was the biggest mistake we could have ever made” Todd Rundgren “Defaces The Music!” Todd’s Beatles Homage Divides Utopia! Home › 70's Music › Todd Rundgren “Defaces The Music!” Todd’s Beatles Homage Divides Utopia!
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