Is Todd Rundgren snubbing Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Todd Rundgren will be in Ohio on Oct. 30. But as of now he doesnt seem to be planning to be in Cleveland, where hes slated to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that night at the Rocket Mortgage Field House. Rundgren has announced a 29-date The Individualist, A True Star fall tour that begins Oct. 1 in Boston and has him in Cincinnati on Oct. 30. Hell be in Cleveland the following weekend, however, for concerts Nov. 6-7 at the MGM Northfield Park. Neither Rundgren nor his management would comment on whether the announcement means hes planning to be a no-show at the induction ceremony. The only official comment hes made about the induction -- after three consecutive nominations -- has been a statement saying, Im happy for my fans. Theyve wanted this for a long time.  Earlier this year, however, Rundgren sharply criticized the Rock Hall and especially a public vote that he felt essentially hosed my fans during previous years. He also voiced concerns that the Rock Hall has gone too far afield from what he considers eligible rock n roll, and during February he questioned whether active artists should even be considered for induction. True halls of fame, to me, are for retirees and dead people, because your legacy has been established, he said then. Im too busy working to worry about my legacy -- and plan to continue working until whenever.  Rundgrens fall concerts will feature one side of his landmark 1973 album A Wizard, A True Star, along with a set of career-spanning hits. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, June 25, via Ticketmaster.com, with a Citi Band presale through 10 a.m. Thursday, June 24, via citientertainment.com. Rundgren is planning a new album, Space Force, for release following a series of singles -- most recently Your Fandango with Sparks, whose debut album, under the moniker Halfnelson, Rundgren produced back in 1971. Sparks Ron Mael recently noted that the honor is long overdue for (Rundgren), because hes an icon, while his brother and creative partner Russell Mael added that the duo has always been grateful for Rundgrens support early in their career. He was the very first person to put his name on Sparks and his reputation on Sparks by signing us and producing that first album, the younger Mael said. It was really touching that 50 years later the guy that really gave us our break is still wanting to work with us. Thats rare.  Rock Hall member Daryl Hall is also pleased for Rundgren, who produced Hall & Oates 1974 album War Babies and toured with the duo decades later. Todd has long-deserved to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, said Hall, who championed Rundgrens inclusion during his 2014 induction. Im so glad, and good for him. Hes an old friend, and he certainly deserves it.