Todd Rundgren’s Taylor Swift Comments Aren’t His First

Singer/songwriter Todd Rundgren has made his feelings about Taylor Swift clear, sharing his blunt opinion of the pop star in a new feature. The interview was published the same day Swift released encore tracks from “The Life of a Showgirl,” which has her fanbase divided. Rundgren’s latest remarks also echo comments he made about Swift’s music in 2022.

Todd Rundgren Thinks Taylor Swift ‘Ruined Music’

Todd Rundgren has made his mark as a singer, songwriter, and producer in his decades-long career, working both on his own music and behind the scenes on other artists’ records. In an interview published on September 25, the 78-year-old was asked which music artist he would choose to make fun of in an album.

For context, Rundgren agreed to produce Meat Loaf‘s 1977 album “Bat Out of Hell” thinking it was a hilarious satire of Bruce Springsteen‘s “Born To Run.” Songwriter Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf, however, vehemently denied the record had anything to do with Springsteen.

In response to Vulture‘s question, Rundgren said, “Taylor Swift, of course.”

“There’s an argument to be made that she ruined music. It’s an understandable phenomenon. It’s just that, to me, Taylor Swift is the apotheosis of mediocrity,” the singer said.

The Producer Also Singled Out The Singer In 2022

Rundgren went on to claim Swift doesn’t do anything impressive “except grow hair,” opining she isn’t a great singer, songwriter, or dancer. He compared the pop star to Lady Gaga, whom he thinks is a “real musician.”

The “Hello It’s Me” singer’s comments about Swift are not new. He has been publicly critical of her since 2022, when he shared his thoughts on her music during a conversation with Rick Rubin on the “Broken Record” podcast.

Rubin said that there’s some songs that resonate with people even when they don’t know exactly why. “It’s like sometimes you can’t put your finger on why something’s good,” he said. Rundgren agreed, but countered with, “Well, it isn’t even why it’s good. It’s why it sticks.”

Rundgren went on to say that there are some songs that people “want out of [their] head,” adding “That’s why I hit the mute button anytime I see Taylor Swift.”

Todd Rundgren Was Critical Of Another Big Music Artist

Rudgren took aim at another well-known musician in the past.

In the early ’70s, Rundgren voiced his dislike of John Lennon in an interview, calling him a “f-cking idiot.” The comment stemmed from the musician slamming the Beatle for his peace advocacy, saying, “Shouting about revolution and acting like an a-s. It just makes people feel uncomfortable,” per Far Out Magazine.

In response, Lennon wrote an open letter to Rundgren, referring to him as “Sodd Runtlestuntle” and “Turd Runtgreen.” “I have never claimed to be a revolutionary. But I am allowed to sing about anything I want! Right?” Lennon wrote, in part.

The feud didn’t last, and the two musicians patched things up in a phone call.

Taylor Swift’s Encore Divides The Swifties

Rundgren’s interview was published the same day Swift released “The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore,” which includes four new tracks.

The songs have received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the new additions while others finding them underwhelming. Even Swifties appear to be divided with the new releases.

Longtime fans argue that “The Encore” features some of Swift’s “weakest writing,” particularly on the track “Cleveland!” in which she sings about her relationship with her new husband.

Despite mixed reviews, Swift’s new tracks are dominating streaming channels. “The Encore” set the record for the biggest deluxe album debut on Spotify, garnering more than 40 million streams on its first day.

Whether or not they are fans of Taylor Swift, some people have criticized Rundgren for the way he spoke about the singer.

One user said statements like the one Rundgren made are “exhausting,” questioning “why can’t legends just let people enjoy music.”

“I don’t listen to her music but I don’t get why people need to say sh-t like this… She didn’t ruin music cuz music is for everyone,” one commenter wrote.

Another user noted that Rundgren has the right to dislike Swift’s music. However, they said describing her as “talentless” was over the top.