Formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1967, pop and rock band Nazz – sometimes referred to as The Nazz - is best known for introducing the world to the talents of singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and band leader Todd Rundgren. Named after the Yardbirds song “The Nazz Are Blue,” the group was founded by Rundgren and bassist Carson Van Osten, who were soon joined by Thom Mooney (drums) and Robert ‘Stewkey’ Antoni (vocals / keyboards). After playing local gigs, they were discovered by manager / publicist John Kurland. Initially, management wanted to market them as a lightweight teen pop band although the band members themselves preferred to play a heavier rock sound. Nazz released their self-titled debut album in 1968 on SGC Records after passing on a deal with Colgems Records because they didn’t want to be compared to the label’s best-selling act, The Monkees. The Nazz album featured the first recorded version of “Hello It’s Me,” a song that Rundgren would have a hit with several years later. While the album received critical acclaim, it was not a commercial success. Nazz began recording their second album shortly after the release of their debut, although the album’s musical direction became an issue between band members. Creative tensions within the group led to Carson Van Osten’s departure, followed a short time later by Todd Rundgren leaving the band as well. Their second album, Nazz Nazz (1969), was initially intended to be a double album but was cut down to a single LP and focused on Rundgren’s piano-led material. The remaining members of the band continued as Nazz but broke up shortly after the release of the album. Todd Rundgren went on to a successful solo career, formed Utopia, and produced a series of hit albums for other artists. As for Nazz, the recordings that were intended to be included on Nazz Nazz but were left off the final release were issued in 1971 as Nazz III. Carson Van Osten died on December 22, 2015. Robert ‘Stewkey’ Antoni died on October 9, 2023.
