(Noble PR) Todd Rundgren is set to release his first full-length record of original studio material in 4 years, entitled Arena in the UK on September 29th and in America on September 30th (via newly launched music venture Hi Fi Recordings). Rundgren has been on the road in support of the release on a 20 + U.S. city tour this summer which kicked off with a week-long celebration in Hawaii, culminating with the first-ever live performance of Arena in its entirety on Todd's birthday, June 22nd. Rundgren will also hit the road in support of Arena this fall in Europe and the UK where the album will be released simultaneously to the U.S.
Former Utopia bass guitarist, Kasim Sulton, is confirmed to play guitar, keyboards and sing vocals on Rundgren's forthcoming American and European "Arena" tours. Sulton, who recently was the musical director for Meatloaf's North American and European tours, will join Rachel Haden (bass), Jesse Gresse (guitar), former Tubes drummer Prairie Prince and Todd Rundgren (vocals, guitar).
Arena, recorded in Todd's current home state of Hawaii,is yet another notable addition to Rundgren's remarkable career as a performer, songwriter, and producer. The album showcases his unique songwriting style and sonically captures the essence and energy of "arena" rock with bombastic, guitar-driven tunes like "Mountaintop," "Strike" and "Mad," while the anthemic song "Mercenary," transports you to a stadium with its epic chorus, "How Do You Like Me Now?," resounding to every seat in the house.
"I found myself just going out and doing this sort of guerilla guitar quartet thing around the country and around Canada," said Rundgren, "So when it came time to make a record, I thought maybe I'll just continue in that vein and write something that is appropriate to the guitar, since the fans seem to be enjoying it so much.
"So when I decided to write a new album, I knew beforehand it was going to be this kind of old-school guitar-rock record."
Nov 6 Manchester Academy 2 Manchester, England
Nov 7 Edinburgh Picture House Edinburgh, Scotland
Nov 22 Norwich Waterfront Norwich, England
Nov 23 London Forum London, England