Review: Big Head Todd and the Monsters

Last updated on February 9th, 2024 at 12:18 pm

Big Head Todd at the Palace Theater. Photo Credit: Richard Dollarhide

Colorado music heroes Big Head Todd and the Monsters (BHTM) once again sold out Saint Paul’s Palace Theater on a bitter winter night. The negative temperatures were quickly forgotten as vocalist/guitarist Todd Park Mohr launched into the first chords of the evening. Bassist Rob Squires and drummer Brian Nevin held down the rhythm section as Jeremy Lawton crossed between the keyboards and steel guitar.

Constant touring has given BHTM a huge following, including in Minnesota. They are one of those bands that Twin Cities fans seem to have adopted as “one of their own,” as they sold out three shows at the Palace over the last 8 years. It doesn’t matter that there’s not a new album to support; the continued touring and blazing live sets keep people coming to the shows, even on the coldest of winter nights.

Rock, blues, and driving guitars fuel their music, paired with poetic lyrics delivered by Park Mohr’s powerful voice. When popular musical tastes changed from ’80s hair metal to ’90s grunge, BHTM deserved respect for not falling into one particular stylistic label, and they’ve continuously evolved while always focusing on electrifying guitars from Park Mohr.

This weekend’s show featured a celebratory and inebriated Gen X crowd at their winter best, wearing as much beer as they consumed. As the audience swayed back and forth to the music as only Gen X can (think Axl Rose with an underbite), BHTM delivered a 20-song set that could have lasted even longer…although I doubt many in attendance would have made it.