by James Lutz, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania

It was the spring of 1981 - the first year that there was a whole new cast to “Saturday Night Live” - Eddie Murphy, Joe Piscopo, et al. I was (and still am), a big Todd Rundgren fan. He was the musical guest — the host was Charlene Tilton — Lucy from “Dallas”. They also had another musical guest — some up and coming performer named Prince. Anyway, I’m watching because Todd is on - the album “Healing” just came out — he played “Time Heals” and “Healer” — to tell you the truth, I don’t even remember seeing Prince.

Anyway, the big moment came at the end of the show, when the cast and guests are saying their goodbyes. The late Charles Rocket was in a wheel chair, after getting “shot” in a “who shot J.R.” skit. He replied to a question with something like “I just want to know who ‘f—–g’ shot me” — I’m sure that this was the only time that this discourse was heard over the airwaves. To say the least, quite a memorable moment, albeit obscure.

It is interesting how fame takes different roads for different people. We all know what megastars Eddie Murphy and Prince became. Todd is Todd — never quite reached the superstar status that we all thought he would reach. Charles Rocket committed suicide last year — may he rest in peace.