Big Head Todd and The Monsters performing at the ACL Live Moody Theater in Austin, Texas on July 26, 2024, with Todd Park Mohr, Brian Nevin, Rob Squires, and Jeremy Lawton. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
In life, few friendships endure the test of time, as people naturally drift apart to pursue their own dreams. It's even rarer for a band to stay together for the long haul. Yet, for nearly four decades, the members of Big Head Todd and The Monsters—Todd Park Mohr [vocals, guitar, keys, sax, harmonica], Brian Nevin [drums], Rob Squires [bass, vocals], and Jeremy Lawton [keyboards, lap steel guitar, vocals]—have consistently delivered in the studio and electrified stages worldwide. Anchored by a shared vision, the platinum-selling Colorado quartet produces blues-infused rock ‘n’ roll that makes you want to crank up the volume, sing along, and live a little freer.
This commitment shines through on their 12th full-length album, Her Way Out. “To me, my band means four people who listen to each other, work hard, and share a goal,” Todd explains. “Our goal is to connect with people, catch their ears, and share a story we hope resonates with them. Our fans have given us an incredible 40-year career, and we hope they’ve received great songs and performances in return.”
They certainly have. The story began in high school when Todd, Brian, and Rob discovered their musical chemistry in the early eighties. By 1986, they adopted the name Big Head Todd and The Monsters. The band released two successful independent albums on their own BIG Records, Another Mayberry (1989) and Midnight Radio (1990), before catching the attention of industry heavyweights Irving Azoff, Chuck Morris, and Frank Barsalona in 1992. They broke onto the national scene with the platinum-certified Sister Sweetly (1993), which featured four top 10 rock radio hits. They continued to evolve with Strategem (1994) and Beautiful World (1997), which included the hit “Boom Boom” featuring John Lee Hooker. Constantly touring and recording, they have consistently released critically acclaimed albums.
Among their many milestones, they played “Blue Sky” live at NASA Mission Control, providing a wake-up call for astronauts aboard the International Space Station. They’ve toured and recorded with rock and blues legends such as B.B. King, Neil Young, The Allman Brothers, Hubert Sumlin, David “Honeyboy” Edwards, Dave Matthews Band, The Eagles, and their personal favorite, Robert Plant. They achieved hometown hero status by headlining Red Rocks Amphitheatre 35 times and were inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame in 2023.
Her Way Out came together naturally. For two years, they hosted “Monster’s Music Monthly,” releasing either a new song or a new version of a classic online. Working out of Jeremy’s home studio, they channeled this momentum into their latest LP.
“It had been almost seven years since our last album, but we wanted to bring the same energy from ‘Monster’s Music Monthly’ to a full-length record,” Todd notes. “We have a distinct personality as a band. I write to each member's sensibilities because they need to enjoy playing it. We’re a benevolent democracy—if one guy isn’t connecting with a song, it’s out. We like to do things that are ‘proper’ for an uncomplicated rock band: loud guitars, drums, big bass, and well-placed organ, keys, and lap steel. We road-tested every song on the record before recording, which helped us fine-tune the arrangements, discard tunes that didn’t work, and develop a strong sense of our individual parts.”
The single and title track “Her Way Out” exemplifies this approach, packing a catchy punch. Anchored by a steady beat, a rugged riff, and soulful vocals, it delivers an irresistible refrain: “She found her way out, her way out—and it was me.”
“It’s about the fragility of relationships,” Todd elaborates. “Sometimes, one seeks freedom from them. This story is driven by a real-life incident where something was said when someone had too much to drink. The relationship ended with words the drinker couldn’t remember, and the woman refused to reveal.”
“Thunderbird” features ass-kicking guitar and organ strains, with lyrics nodding to the classic film American Graffiti. “‘Thunderbird’ is a collection of one-liners from the film knit together with a beat poet vibe,” Todd continues. “It has an AC/DC-like riff and cinematic vocals about drag racing and unattained love.”
Elsewhere, “Don’t Kill Me Tonight” nods to Annie Oakley, while “King Kong” boasts a hulking groove and a skyscraper-scaling guitar lead. “It’s inspired by a large movie poster of King Kong in my basement,” Todd reveals. “I’m drawn to these iconic contemporary heroes who are also monsters. They destroy much yet are sympathetic to children and fall in love with human women. These ‘Titans’ are often monsters of our own making. It’s exciting to perform live.”
Looking ahead, the future remains bright for these longtime friends. “We work very hard at being a great band,” Todd concludes. “We care for each other and have been together for almost 40 years. Our audience has made it all possible, and we’re grateful and determined to keep playing.”
Fan reviews:Setlist for the show at the ACL Live Moody Theater
BHTM always put on a fantastic show, the band is amazing. Todd’s energy and interaction is wonderful. They always do a couple fantastic covers Brandy and You Wreck Me lit the place up!
BHTM is always great, concert was great! Standing right in front of Todd! BHTM has so many B-side songs, that they can’t play lesser known songs that I love! What they did play was great! Will come again and again! Would love to go to Meet and Greet!
What a great concert! BHTATM were fabulous! Super in every way! Worth every penny! I’m would see them again in a heartbeat! The venue was great! Lighting and acoustics were wonderful!
Awesome concert with big head Todd and the Monsters. This was a great concert!
Awesome show! I thought the show was excellent.BHT&M played all the hits that I wanted to hear, plus a lot of new stuff. There were a lot of true fans there too. It was nice to see others singing along with some of their deep cuts. Already want to go again.
BHTM never disappoints! If you have never seen BHTM live, you should! Go see them the next time they are in your area. You will not be disappointed. Their fans are the best.
- Josephina
- Thunderbird
- Sister Sweetly
- Crazy Mary
- My New Number One
- Cashbox
- Dinner With Ivan
- Please Don't Tell Her
- Resignation Superman
- Hidden Charms
- It's Alright
- Dirty Juice
- Beautiful World
- Brandy
- Don't Kill Me Tonight
- Bittersweet
- The Moose Song
- Boom Boom
- Circle
- Broken Hearted Savior
- Highway Star
Big Head Todd and The Monsters was the main act at the ACL Live Moody Theater with guests The Texas Gentleman. They continue across the United States with the last stop at the Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea in Miami, Florida on March 21, 2025.
Big Head Todd and The Monsters
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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