Utopia Members, Gear & Sound

US progressive rock band led by Todd Rundgren

Genre

Power pop Art rock Progressive rock Symphonic rock Classic rock Aor Experimental beatlesque

Members

Select a Utopia band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Todd Rundgren

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Keyboardist Music Producer

Groups:

Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band The New Cars A Walk Down Abbey Road Woody's Truck Stop The Nazz Bonnie Tyler and Todd Rundgren The Neverland Express Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band It Was Fifty Years Ago Today Doug Legacy & The Legends of the West Runt

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John “Willie” Wilcox

Roles:

Drummer Music Producer

Needs more gear

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John Siegler

Roles:

Bassist Music Producer

Groups:

Hall & Oates Clarence Clemons & The Red Bank Rockers

Needs more gear

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Hunt Sales

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

David Bowie (band) Tin Machine Blodwyn Pig Paris Runt

No gear added

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Ralph Schuckett

Roles:

Keyboardist Composer

Groups:

The Peanut Butter Conspiracy Clarence Clemons & The Red Bank Rockers

No gear added

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Kasim Sulton

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

Blue Öyster Cult The New Cars Yellow Matter Custard The Neverland Express The Gilmour Project

No gear added

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About

Utopia is an American rock band that emerged from the creative vision of multi-instrumentalist and producer Todd Rundgren in 1973. Originally formed as a progressive rock septet, Utopia evolved into a quartet featuring Todd Rundgren (guitar, vocals), Roger Powell (keyboards, vocals), Kasim Sulton (bass, vocals), and John "Willie" Wilcox (drums, vocals). The band is known for their eclectic blend of power pop, art rock, and progressive rock, characterized by intricate arrangements and rich harmonies. From their progressive beginnings with lengthy compositions to their later streamlined, radio-friendly hits, Utopia carved out a unique niche in the rock landscape.

How to Sound Like Utopia

Utopia's sound is an adventurous mix of lush, harmonic richness and dynamic instrumental interplay. Their music often features symphonic textures and complex rhythms, achieved through the use of synthesizers like the EMS VCS 3 and Fairlight CMI IIx. Todd Rundgren’s guitar work is marked by a balance of melodic clarity and experimental edge, often employing effects like the Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress Flanger/Filter Matrix to create swirling soundscapes. The rhythm section provides a solid yet intricate foundation, with Wilcox's use of the DDrum Kit adding a punchy, precise percussive layer that complements the band's exploratory spirit. Through this blend of technology and musicality, Utopia created an expansive sound that is both timeless and innovative.

Discography

Todd Rundgren's Utopia

1974

Another Live

1975

Oops! Wrong Planet

1977

1977

Adventures In Utopia

1980

Deface The Music

1980

Swing To The Right

1982

Utopia

1982

Oblivion

1983

POV

1985

Anthology (1974-1985)

1989

Redux 92: Live in Japan

1993

Last Of The New Wave Riders

2003

Disco Jets

2012

Live at the Electric Ballroom Milwaukee 23rd October 1978

2014

Live at the Old Waldorf, San Francisco, 1978 (Deluxe Edition)

2015

Live at the Chicago Theatre

2019

Benefit for Moogy Klingman

2020

Get the Utopia Sound

Want to sound like Utopia? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.