Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Rocking the Ruins: Big Head Todd and the Monsters'

 


Last weekend, the vibrant city of Indianapolis experienced a musical whirlwind like never before as Big Head Todd and the Monsters brought their electrifying performance to the Rock the Ruins event. The renowned rock band, formed by Todd Mohr, Brian Nevin, and Rob Squires in Colorado back in 1986, left a lasting impression on the audience, proving once again why they're a force to be reckoned with in the world of music.

The band's journey traces back to a serendipitous meeting in their high school years, when Mohr and Nevin, who had previously played together at Columbine High School in Colorado, welcomed Rob Squires into their musical fold. Originally known as T.J. and the Twist, the trio honed their skills in blues and 50s-style rock 'n roll. However, destiny had something bigger in store for them.


Fast-forward two years to their college days at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and the trio rebranded as Big Head Todd and the Monsters. The name, derived from blues guitarist Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, reflects their musical roots and the bond they share. Despite the name, frontman Todd Mohr is anything but egotistical – he's known for his humility, mellowness, and self-effacing nature. Interestingly, the moniker "Big Head Todd" was playfully coined by a friend who humorously noticed Mohr's seemingly larger head relative to his body. The addition of "and the Monsters" to the name was inspired by the idea that the other band members were like "monsters" on their respective instruments.



The concert under the stars was a spectacle to behold. As the night sky transformed into a canvas for their sonic artistry, the band delivered hit after hit, effortlessly captivating the audience. Their signature tracks were met with roaring applause, while Todd Mohr's melodic vocals and Jeremy Lawton's soul-stirring slide guitar work created an atmosphere that resonated with the crowd's very soul.


One standout performance that set the night ablaze was "Dirty Juice." Starting delicately with Lawton's tantalizing slide guitar, the song evolved into a full tilt head-banger, propelled by Mohr's expert guitar work plucking away at your very soul leaving you no choice but to scream out, HELL YEAH!!!– a true testament to the band's ability to connect with their fans on a profound level.

Beyond their musical endeavors, the band has also shown a commitment to innovation. In 2005, they embraced the growing trend of internet-based music sales by releasing the single "Blue Sky" exclusively on iTunes. The song was a tribute to the American space program, written and performed for the Space Shuttle Discovery's STS-114 Return to Flight mission. Big Head Todd and the Monsters' willingness to explore new platforms for their music showcases their adaptability and willingness to evolve with the changing music landscape.


Big Head Todd and the Monsters hold a special place in the heart of Colorado's music scene. Their induction into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame in 2013 solidified their status as a musical powerhouse, showcasing their lasting impact on the genre and the state's culture. This unique blend of homegrown charm and musical prowess made their appearance at Rock the Ruins in Indianapolis a once-in-a-lifetime experience.


The concert under the stars at Rock the Ruins was a testament to the band's enduring appeal and their ability to captivate audiences across generations. From their humble beginnings to their impressive achievements, Big Head Todd and the Monsters have cemented their status as not only a musical powerhouse but also as a band with a heart that beats for both music and the causes they believe in. As the echoes of their electrifying performance linger in the air, Indianapolis remains a part of their ever-growing musical legacy.
    
                                

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Tuesday, August 22, 2023

John Popper literally sang the blues..



The stage was set, the crowd was buzzing with anticipation, and the atmosphere was electric as music enthusiasts gathered at Holiday Park for the much-anticipated Rock the Ruins event. John Popper, the renowned lead singer of Blues Traveler, was slated to grace the stage with his iconic harmonica skills and soulful vocals. However, fate had a different plan for the evening.

As Big Head and The Monsters wrapped up a stellar performance, excitement reached its peak. The crowd eagerly awaited John Popper's appearance, ready to be swept away by the band's hits like "Hook" and "Run-around." But life often throws curveballs, and in this case, it came in the form of illness for the lead singer. Despite the setback, the show must go on, and it did in a remarkable display of resilience and musical adaptation.

Popper's announcement of his vocal struggles cast a momentary shadow, but it wasn't long before the audience witnessed the band's adaptability in action. With the set list undergoing a last-minute transformation, the audience was treated to alternate tunes that allowed minimal strain on Popper's voice or involved the participation of his fellow band members. The result? An evening of unexpected musical twists and an unforgettable experience that showcased the band's dynamic range.




The trio of drummer Brendan Hill, bassist Tad Kinchla, and keyboardist Ben Wilson stepped up to the challenge, creating expansive jam sessions and delivering funky solos. These interludes not only gave Popper the time to regain his vocal composure but also highlighted the band's instrumental prowess. The charismatic guitarist Chan Kinchla assumed vocal duties on several occasions, captivating the crowd with anthemic melodies that had everyone singing along.


A standout moment arrived with the addition of Indiana's local harmonica virtuoso, LD Miller. The collaboration between Miller and Popper was a harmonious meeting of musical minds, with their harmonica battle stealing the spotlight. Miller's infectious energy and soulful playing left a lasting impression, infusing the performance with a buttery smoothness that resonated deeply with the audience.



However, John Popper's moment in the spotlight was far from over. He reemerged with an astounding harmonica performance, proving that even on his most challenging days, his musical prowess shines through. His innovative use of a special microphone to manipulate the harmonica's sound, inspired by Jimi Hendrix's legendary guitar experimentation, added an extra layer of intrigue to his performance. Not to be overlooked were his signature floppy-brimmed hats adorned with flattened harmonica cover plates, a testament to his unique stage persona.


In the end, what could have been a night marred by disappointment turned into a celebration of resilience, adaptability, and the power of music to transcend challenges. Blues Traveler's Rock the Ruins performance will be remembered not only for the hits that weren't sung but for the creative twists, the harmonica battles, and the enduring spirit of musical innovation that prevailed. It served as a reminder that even when faced with unexpected obstacles, true musicians find a way to make every note count and every moment unforgettable.


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Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks Light Up Ohio Stadium





Hey there, rock and roll enthusiasts! Grab your hard hats and put on your steel-toed boots, because we've got a tale to tell about a night that turned the Ohio Stadium into a melting pot of timeless tunes and industrial factory energy. Picture this: the night when Stevie Nicks and Billy Joel took center stage, leaving no doubt that they're the true bosses of the rock kingdom.



Two legends, Stevie Nicks and Billy Joel, joined forces to rock the Ohio Stadium like it's never been rocked before. It was like witnessing a heavyweight championship bout between two music titans. You had Stevie, with that husky voice that could make a grown man cry, and Billy, the piano man himself, tickling those ivories like he owned them.



You could feel the grit in the air as the crowd gathered. From every corner of Ohio and beyond, folks came with their stories, their scars, and their love for good ol' rock and roll. It was a gathering of common souls who know the value of an honest day's work and a good guitar riff. The Ohio Stadium, usually a home for football warriors, turned into a symphony of melodies and memories.



Stevie Nicks took the stage, draped in her trademark shawls, and let loose like a storm. She sang with a voice that's seen it all – heartbreak, triumph, and every shade in between. "Landslide" hit like a punch to the gut, reminding us that life's a journey, and we're all just trying to find our way. And when she belted out "Rhiannon," it was like a call to arms for every dreamer and wanderer in the crowd.


Then came the piano man himself, Billy Joel. That man and his piano have seen it all, and they're still standing strong. From "Piano Man" to "We Didn't Start the Fire," Billy took us on a ride through the decades. The way he struck those keys was like the clang of hammers on steel – honest, unapologetic, and undeniably powerful.




As the night wound down, Billy gave us a night to remember with a cover of Hang On Sloopy and Mic Jagger impersonation that left us rolling. They showed us that no matter where you're from, what you do for a living, or what hardships you've faced, music has the power to unite us all.



So there you have it, my fellow rock aficionados. Stevie and Billy graced the Ohio Stadium with a night that'll be etched in our memories like a tattoo on the soul. They proved once again that rock and roll ain't just music – it's the heartbeat of America, a force that brings us all together in perfect harmony.


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Monday, August 7, 2023

Stevie Nicks: Grooving Under the Cosmic Canopy at The Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH

 


   

    Hey there, music lovers! It was a night to remember at The Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, as the rock 'n' roll spirits were in full swing! Stevie Nicks, the enchanting queen of rock, took the stage with her timeless classics, making the crowd sway and sing along under the starry sky. But wait, there's more! The excitement continued through the night after Stevie was down. The legendary Billy Joel made a rockstar appearance, sending the fans into a frenzy. It was a rockin' collision of two iconic artists that left us all in awe! Keep on jammin'! 🎸🎶 #StevieBillyConcert #LegendaryNight    



    Far out in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, where the stars align to the rhythm of the universe, a cosmic gathering of free spirits and groovy souls came together at The Ohio Stadium to commune with one of the most enchanting gypsy souls of our time - the legendary Stevie Nicks! As the sun dipped below the horizon, a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues painted the sky, setting the stage for an extraordinary evening of music, magic, and timeless melodies.

 


    The air was thick with the heady aroma of patchouli and incense as the concert-goers, adorned in flowing tie-dye, bell-bottoms, and flower crowns, gathered under the twinkling stars to experience the musical pilgrimage of a lifetime. Inside the stadium, the energy was palpable, and the anticipation of seeing the queen of bohemian rock was infectious.

 


    As the lights dimmed, the crowd erupted in a symphony of cheers and applause, summoning Stevie Nicks to grace the stage with her ethereal presence. Draped in layers of lace, her hair cascading like a waterfall of golden waves, she looked every bit the enchantress we had all come to worship. With a coy smile, she began her magical serenade, transporting us all back to a bygone era of peace, love, and rock 'n' roll.

 


    The sounds of celestial tambourines, mystical tambouras, and the heartbeat of bongo drums embraced our souls as Stevie's timeless voice echoed through the stadium. With each song, we were carried away on a cosmic voyage, losing ourselves in the dreamlike soundscapes she created with her band.

 


    The enchanting classics like "Dreams," "Gypsy," and "Sisters of the Moon" ignited the spirit of the era, where love and freedom reigned supreme. In the embrace of her songs, we swayed like daisies in the wind, feeling the connection with the cosmic energy that flowed through us all.

 

    Between sets, Stevie Nicks shared stories of her journey through the mystical realm of music and the inspiration behind her poetic lyrics. Her words were like enchanting mantras that reverberated through our souls, awakening the gypsy spirits within us. It felt like a spiritual communion, as though the universe had conspired to bring us all together in this transcendent moment.

 

    As the night wore on, the stars twinkled brighter, mirroring the luminous energy that emanated from the stage. With a heartfelt rendition of "Landslide," Stevie Nicks serenaded our hearts, leaving not a dry eye in the house. We were swept away on a cosmic caravan, transcending time and space to a place where music was the language of the soul.

 

    As the concert came to a close, we reluctantly bid farewell to this euphoric journey. Stevie Nicks left us with the promise of more cosmic gatherings in the future. With hearts full of gratitude and spirits soaring high, we exited The Ohio Stadium, knowing that this experience had left an indelible mark on our gypsy souls.

 


    In conclusion, the Stevie Nicks concert at The Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH, was a transcendental experience that transported us back to the groovy era of the '70s. Under the cosmic canopy, we grooved and swayed, connected by the timeless melodies of an icon whose music will forever resonate with our gypsy hearts. As we journeyed back to our everyday lives, we carried the essence of that magical night with us, knowing that the spirit of the '70s gypsy vibe would live on in our souls. Peace, love, and Stevie forever!


The Eagles and opener The Steve Miller Band performed on October 10, 2023 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

  On October 10, 2023, the iconic Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, witnessed a remarkable musical event: a double billing of ...