Taylor Swift Is the 'Apotheosis of Mediocrity' and 'Ruined Music', Veteran Rock Legend Todd Claims

Todd Rundgren has claimed Taylor Swift 'ruined music', describing the 36-year-old pop star as 'the apotheosis of mediocrity' in a Vulture interview published on Friday, 25 September. The 78-year-old musician, who has been active in the music industry for nearly six decades, also criticised Swift's singing, songwriting and dancing.

Todd Rundgren's Taylor Swift Criticism

The comments came after Vulture asked Rundgren whether he could make an album in 2026 parodying an artist, referring to his work producing Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell. Rundgren had previously produced the 1977 album, which the source says spoofed Bruce Springsteen.

'Taylor Swift, of course,' Rundgren answered.

He then expanded on his view of Swift's place in modern music. '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,' he claimed.

Rundgren's own career spans music as a performer and producer. His hits include Hello It's Me and I Saw the Light in 1972, Can We Still Be Friends in 1978 and Bang the Drum All Day in 1983.

He also produced the New York Dolls' self-titled album in 1973, Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell in 1977 and XTC's Skylarking in 1986. The source also describes him as a pioneer in electronic music, progressive rock, music videos, computer software and internet music delivery.

Todd Rundgren's Argument About The Music Industry

For context, Rundgren linked his criticism of Swift to what he described as a broader change in the music industry. He argued that boys stopped purchasing music in the 1990s and instead spent their money on video games.

According to Rundgren, that shift led the music industry to focus on young girls, contributing to the rise of female artists including Lady Gaga, Swift and P!nk. His comments were presented as his explanation for what he called the 'era of the female artists'.

Rundgren praised Gaga, calling her 'a real musician' and pointing to her as a 'classically trained piano player'. He then returned to his criticism of Swift.

'Taylor Swift doesn't do anything particularly great except grow hair. She's not a great singer. She's not a great songwriter. She's not a great dancer,' he said.

He also described Swift as a role model for a young generation of women and for their daughters. Rundgren said it was 'mothers and daughters going to Taylor Swift shows'.

Taylor Swift Wins Three MTV VMAs

Rundgren's comments were published two days before Swift won three awards at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, 27 September. According to the source, she won Video of the Year, Best Direction and the inaugural Artist Director Honors.

The three wins moved Swift beyond her previous tie with Beyoncé, who had also had 30 awards, making Swift the most awarded artist in VMA history.

Rundgren, meanwhile, is scheduled to resume his Damned If I Do Tour in the United States in October.

The contrast between his assessment and the awards Swift received days later is part of the story, but Rundgren's remarks remain his own view. He was asked which artist he would choose for a 2026 parody and gave a one-line answer: Taylor Swift.