Catching Up With Kasim

blog

Mar 9

My friend Kasim Sulton — bass player for Todd (“Hello It’s Me”) Rundgren for the last 45 years 😳 — was one of the many touring musicians whose livelihood was disrupted due of the paralyzing forces of the pandemic. That didn’t stop him from releasing an album, launching a radio show and starting a podcast. Creative people find a way to stay connected.

But now that Covid protocol seems to be in retreat, he’s back to his happiest place — on stage with Kasim Sulton’s Utopia, a band that was originally formed in 1973 by Todd who has since given Kasim his blessing to head up his “own” Utopia tour.

Over the years Kasim has also made time for Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Scandal’s Patty Smythe, not to be confused with Patti Smith (for whom he also made time), Mick Jagger, Celine Dion, Cheap Trick, Jon Bon Jovi, Hall & Oates, Don Felder and Meat Loaf. Busy.

But not too busy to meet me for sushi when we happen to be in the same city, or text constantly about songs we’re obsessed with or to just vent about well, anything.

Speaking of obsession I first became familiar with Kasim (though I didn’t realize it then) from a Utopia song I couldn’t get enough of back in the 80s — “Love With A Thinker.” I’d ride my 10-speed uptown from the village — on Broadway (most likely under some influence), headphones attached to my Sony cassette player with the song blasting in my ears … never thinking for a minute I could get side-swiped by a yellow cab. There were no bike lanes back then! Youth! No fear.

I loved the idea of the song — the protagonist being intimidated by feelings he had for someone who was much smarter than him. But aside from the lyrics, I was absorbed by that very 80s vibe. the synth bass line and … the voice! It wasn’t Todd’s. Who then, was singing?

So … as you can imagine when I was introduced to Kasim back stage at a Todd show in 2016 and put 2 and 2 together (the man and the voice behind that song) well, that was pretty mind-blowing. It was also the start of our friendship.

Anyone who knows Kasim (and wherever I go, somebody always does) says oh yeah … he’s the nicest guy. He assures me that behind the scenes that’s not the case (and that might be so). But all I see is the nicest guy. See what you think…