Todd Gundgren – Pantages Theater – Minneapolis MN – July 16th 2025

Todd Rundgren live at the Pantages Theater on July 16th 2025

Review and photos by Todd Johnson

Todd Rundgren returned to Minneapolis in classic form, taking the stage at the Pantages Theatre with the confidence and creativity that have defined his decades-long career. The ornate, intimate venue was an ideal setting — every seat close enough to feel like you were part of the show, yet grand enough to match the weight of Rundgren’s legacy.

From the moment he walked onstage — dressed in his signature quirky fashion, sunglasses on indoors, with a grin that said, “Let’s have some fun” — the crowd was in the palm of his hand. The set opened with a burst of energy, diving into “I Think You Know,” a fan favorite that set the tone: this wasn’t going to be a mere nostalgia trip. It was Rundgren in the present — reflective, experimental, and still deeply engaged with his music.

The band was tight and groovy, giving the performance a polished feel without ever sounding rehearsed. Rundgren’s voice, though weathered by time, retained its warmth and expressive power. He shifted effortlessly from guitar heroics to piano ballads, touching on a career-spanning mix that included “Down With the Ship,” “Can We Still Be Friends,” and a particularly heartfelt rendition of “Worldwide Epiphany.”

Midway through, Rundgren addressed the audience with a mix of humor and sincerity. “Minneapolis — we’ve had a thing going for a while, haven’t we?” he said, earning a warm cheer. He spoke briefly about the state of music today, his recent collaborations, and the joy of still being onstage after all these years.

The encore — a three-song closer that ended with “Fade Away” “The Last Ride and a medley — had the crowd on their feet, clapping and singing along. For longtime fans, it was a reaffirmation of everything they love about Rundgren: his unpredictability, his musicianship, his sense of theater. For newcomers, it was a crash course in why he still matters.

Verdict: Rundgren’s show at the Pantages was a masterclass in longevity. Not just a look back, but a creative statement from an artist who continues to evolve. Unpolished in places, sure — but that’s part of the charm. It was real, it was Rundgren, and it was unforgettable.