Todd Rundgren: live @ Paradiso, Amsterdam, The Netherlands - 2010-02-08

photo: HCTF

The main course of the Todd Rundgren concert at Paradiso in Amsterdam was a complete run-through of his A Wizard, A True Star album, a record hilled to overflowing with musical genres. When it was first released in 1973 technology was pushed to the limit to create the sounds that are now built into effect pedals, off-the-shelf software, and keyboard gizmos.

Rundgren went through 12 costume changes - his wardrobe being designed by his wife Michelle. With the band playing on risers, he could move around a bit, although he said after the show that it felt being a bit cramped up there: "My main concern was not to fall of the stage". The other shows of the AWATS tour were performed in larger venues.

There were some mics problems during the first songs, especially with the one he used inside the astronaut's suit for the opener International Feel. Highlights were You Don't Have To Camp Around, with Rundgren staring in mock disbelief at a picture of himself in full Seventies regalia and the jumpy Just Another Onionhead. The doo-wop hit a peak during an extended Cool Jerk. When The Shit Hits The Fan/Sunset Blvd and Le Feel Internationale were moved to the end of the set to reprise the album's start. The encore was Just One Victory, the final AWATS track, which has been his customary last song for longer that he cares to remember.

Setlist: International Feel Never Never Land Tic Tic Tic You Need Your Head Rock And Roll Pussy Dogfight Giggle You Don't Have To Camp Around Flamingo Zen Archer Just Another Onionhead Sometimes I Don´t Know Does Anybody Love You I'm So Proud Ohh Baby Baby La La Means I Love You Cool Jerk Hungry For Love I Don't Want To Tie You Down Is It My Name When The Shit Hits The Fan/Sunset Blvd Le Feel Internacionale Just One Victory

The band: Todd Rundgren: guitar, vocals Jesse Gress: guitar Greg Hawkes: keyboards, vocals Prairie Prince: drums Ralph Schuckett: keyboards, vocals Bobby Strickland: saxophone, vocals Kasim Sulton: bass, vocals

photo: HCTF

Rundgren took a risk treating the prog rock loving audience to a ten song set of Robert Johnson first, backed by the core of his live band as Todd Rundgren's Johnson. There were some sound problems in this set as well. The stage right side of the PA finally came to life halfway through the second song, and drummer Prairie Prince gave the sound guys many a nasty stare. When they settled into a solid blues groove, the crowd gave in and embraced the basic 12-bar blues.

Setlist: Dust My Broom Stop Breaking Down Walking Blues Love In Vain Sweet Home Chicago Red Hot Come In My Kitchen Hellhound Riverside Crossroads

The band: Todd Rundgren: guitar, vocals Jesse Gress: guitar Prairie Prince: drums Kasim Sulton: bass

» todd-rundgren.com
» myspace.com/toddrundgrenmusic
» awatslive.com