Big Head Todd and the Monsters show continued evolution after 40 years
Big Head Todd and the Monsters will be celebrating their 40th anniversary next year, a remarkable milestone for a contemporary rock band. To commemorate this occasion, they are releasing a new album titled Her Way Out and embarking on an extensive national tour, including performances in New Jersey on February 18 at The Vogel at The Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank and on February 20 at The Shea Performing Arts Center at William Paterson University in Wayne.
The band consists of singer/songwriter/guitarist Todd Park Mohr, bassist Rob Squires, and drummer Brian Nevin, who have been together since their days as classmates at Columbine High School in suburban Denver. They began playing regularly in 1986 while studying at the University of Colorado. Jeremy Lawton, the “new guy,” joined the band over 20 years ago as a keyboardist and pedal steel player.
Mohr reflects on the band’s enduring partnership, likening it to a successful marriage that withstands ups and downs. Over time, they have constantly strived to improve and evolve their sound. Mohr mentions, “Once we settled into realizing that we could do this for a long time, we kept asking what we can do to make it better. And we’re still trying to tweak. That’s all part of the fun.”
In their 40-year career, Big Head Todd and the Monsters have navigated the changing terrain of the music industry. They started by establishing themselves in their local community and the Mountain West region before releasing two independent albums on their own label. In 1993, their major-label debut, Sister Sweetly, achieved platinum status, featuring a collaboration with blues legend John Lee Hooker on his iconic track “Boom Boom.”
In recent years, the band has returned to self-releasing their music, culminating in the production of Her Way Out, their 12th album and first in seven years. Mohr explains that their decision to focus on singles was influenced by the industry’s shift towards digital consumption. Despite this, their monthly release project, Monsters Music Monthly, provided a creative outlet for the band, leading to collaborations with artists like Buddy Guy and David Hidalgo.
Mohr credits the constraints of recording monthly tracks for enhancing his songwriting skills and studio performance. He mentions that the structured deadlines compelled them to refine their craft continually. The band’s exploration of cover songs also yielded unexpected successes, with a rendition of “Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl)” becoming a viral hit.
Aside from their musical pursuits, Mohr has been dedicated to honing his guitar skills, seeking growth and improvement throughout their career. He acknowledges the evolution in his playing and creative expression, drawing inspiration from his blues roots. Embracing a commitment to ongoing improvement, Mohr remains energized by the challenge of refining their classic hits and enhancing their live performances.
As they approach this significant milestone, Big Head Todd and the Monsters embody the spirit of reinvention, a journey marked by enduring passion and commitment to musical excellence. Their 40 years of evolving sounds, collaborative projects, and artistic growth reflect a band continually pushing boundaries and striving for innovation in an ever-changing industry.