Tonight there is an alternative to Love for Beatles fans in Vegas. The creators never performed the "Sgt. Pepper's" album live when it was released over 40 years ago. But tonight at Texas Station a group led by Todd Rundgren (with Lou Gramm, Christopher Cross, Bo Bice and Denny Laine) will re-create the Beatles classic. The Buffet spoke by phone with producer, songwriter and musician's musician Todd Rundgren:

Richard Abowitz: Why tour the "Sgt. Pepper's" album now?

Todd Rundgren:  There was an attempt to get this tour on the road last year when it would have been more or less 40 years since the American release of "Sgt. Pepper's (Lonely Heart's Club Band)." It took an extra year to put it together. This is the "Sgt. Pepper's" album done literally.

RA: Do you remember first listening to the album?

TR: I remember when it came out. I was a bit taken aback; the common wisdom was you had to take acid to listen to it. And, I wasn't to that yet. So I was always under the impression I was missing something. But all the previous albums were highly crafted pop songs and this was a concept record. At the time I was not ready for the concept. I rediscovered it later.

RA: Between this and the Cars when do you get back to Todd Rundgren music?

TR: I have been back to it. I have been playing a new record, "Arena." And, I am going to go back out in October with "Arena."

RA: Does this concept of a super group of sorts getting together playing well-known material seem a perfect concept for Vegas?

TR: It should be. I think it should. Vegas. I have always had trouble figuring out Vegas as far as my own career. Tourists are not there to see a musical act likely to come to your town. It is hard to get a good response when you go to Vegas because most people are there to do something else.

RA: Yes, but Vegas audiences love known names and hits and that combination might perk up the sales in a way that is harder for individual artists.

TR: In the long run, as I get older, I would love to find a situation like Vegas where the audience comes for you. This particular show clicked from the first time we played it. The audience response was immediate. It makes me feel like this thing could go for a couple weeks in Las Vegas if it were properly promoted.  There is even a whimsical visual element to it that seems very Vegas.

Featuring Todd Rundgren, Lou Gramm, Bo Bice, Christopher Cross and Denny Laine
Genre: Rock

Venue: Dallas Events Center at Texas Station

Date: Friday, Aug. 29, at 8 p.m.

Ticket prices: $32.50, $37.50 and $45.50 plus tax and applicable fees

Artist info: a performance of "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band"