Legendary Producer Todd Rundgren Recalls Chaotic 'Stage Fright' Sessions with The Band

In a recent interview, acclaimed producer Todd Rundgren looks back on his time working with The Band during the recording of their 1970 album 'Stage Fright'. Rundgren, who was just starting his solo career, served as the engineer for the Canadian-American group's third studio album, which included standout tracks like "The Shape I'm In" and the title song.

However, Rundgren's experience in the studio was far from smooth sailing. He recalls Levon Helm, The Band's drummer, chasing him around the studio at times. Rundgren admits he was a "smart-ass kid" back then, even calling keyboardist Garth Hudson an "old man" and thinking he was too tired to stay awake, unaware Hudson actually suffered from narcolepsy.

Rundgren also notes that the sudden success and access to "money, drugs, drink, and sycophants" had taken a toll on some of The Band's members, with Helm in particular struggling with opioid addiction. Despite the chaotic environment, Rundgren went on to enjoy a positive relationship with 80% of The Band's members in later years, until their respective deaths. The only exception was guitarist Robbie Robertson, whom Rundgren described as "kind of a snob."

Though Rundgren didn't initially connect with The Band's music, his time in the studio with the legendary group has endeared him to fans over the decades since.