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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