Slideshow: The Light in the Eyes of Rocker Todd Rundgren

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CHICAGO – One of the most influential sound artists in American rock history is Todd Rundgren. Known for radio friendly hits like “Hello It’s Me,” “I Saw the Light” and “Bang the Drum All Day,” Rundgren also is one of rock’s most notable producers, formulating hits for Meat Loaf, Grand Funk Railroad, the New York Dolls and XTC.

Born near Philadelphia, he began his career in 1967 at the age of nineteen, forming the cult garage band Nazz. After leaving the band in 1969, he taught himself audio production and began a fruitful period of producing and creating name hit songs of the 1970s. His solo album “Something/Anything?” (1972) was a breakout hit record, and he also produced chart toppers like “We’re an American Band” (Grand Funk Railroad) and “Bat Out of Hell” (Meat Loaf). During this time he also got together with players that would ultimately become Utopia, the prog-rock group that he would record and tour with off and on throughout the 1980s. Always cutting edge in new technology regarding music and production, he had the distinction of being the eighth video played on the first day of MTV, with his self-created “Time Heals.”

In the 1990s and beyond, Rundgren continued to be ahead of the curve, first offering music directly to his fans on the early internet in 1995. He also toured in 2001 with a supergroup that included Alan Parsons, John Entwhistle (The Who) and Ann Wilson (Heart) in “A Walk Down Abbey Road,” which honored The Beatles, and took on a role in 2006 with another re-formed band, in a collaboration called “The New Cars.” He has also lent his name to academia, lecturing on music at DePauw University and Indiana University in the Hoosier state. His latest album is “State” (2013), and he is currently touring in Europe.

Photographer Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com took these Exclusive Portraits of Todd Rundgren during his recent swing through Chicago in May, when he was an Artist in Residence at Columbia College music department and headlined Hope Fest 2013, a benefit for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com.

1. RUNDGREN1 [16]: Todd Rundgren shows the light in his eyes.
2. RUNDGREN2 [15]: Todd Rundgren keeps expanding in music, production and technology.
3. RUNDGREN3 [14]: Todd Rundgren spreads peace throughout the land.

[18]	By PATRICK McDONALD [19] Senior Staff Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com [18]