Mark “Moogy” Klingman might have been best known as an early member of Todd Rundgren’s Utopia, or as the co-writer of Bette Midler’s joyful hit “Friends” which took on new poignancy in the era of AIDS. But Moogy also recorded as a solo artist and as part of the band Glitterhouse, played onstage with such luminaries as Lou Reed, and served as Midler’s producer and musical director. In January 2011, the Utopia line-up of Todd Rundgren, Kevin Ellman, John Siegler, Ralph Schuckett, and Klingman reunited onstage at New York’s Highline Ballroom for benefit shows to help defer expenses of Klingman’s cancer treatment. (Guitarist Jesse Gress and later Utopia bassist Kasim Sulton rounded out the band that night.) Sadly, Moogy died later that year on November 15th at the age of 61.
On May 15th, Cleopatra Records’ Purple Pyramid imprint will remember the late keyboardist with Utopia’s release of Benefit for Moogy Klingman. This 4-CD/2-DVD set includes the Highline Ballroom set of January 29th, 2011, a Utopia performance from November 18th (three days after Moogy’s passing) in Peekskill, New York in his honor, and DVDs of both evenings.
The Highland Ballroom reunion show with Moogy showcased early, progressive Utopia favorites (“Freak Parade,” “The Ikon,” “Utopia Theme,” “Another Life,” “The Wheel”), covers from Utopia and Rundgren’s repertoire (The Move/Electric Light Orchestra’s “Do Ya,” Peter Pan‘s “Never Never Land”) and Rundgren classics like “Just One Victory,” “Heavy Metal Kids,” “The Last Ride,” and “Sons of 1984.” There were surprises like “Crying in the Sunshine” from Klingman’s 1972 solo debut “Moogy”, and even an encore, appropriately enough, of “(You Got to Have) Friends.”
The shorter setlist from Utopia’s performance shortly after Moogy’s death at Peekskill, New York’s Performing Arts Center likewise concentrated on the band’s earliest years. Its unique tracks include renditions of “The Seven Rays,” “Freedom Fighters,” and the Bernstein/Sondheim West Side Story classic “Something’s Coming.”
This expansive set also includes a 12-page booklet with photos and liner notes. Digital download/streaming services will have the audio content available, as well. Look for Todd Rundgren’s Utopia’s Benefit for Moogy Klingman on May 15th from Cleopatra/Purple Pyramid at the links below!
Todd Rundgren’s Utopia, “Benefit for Moogy Klingman”. (Cleopatra/Purple Pyramid, 2020) .
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