Article Contributed by Backstage Flash
Published on 2026-06-07
Big Head Todd and the Monsters | Morrison, Colorado | June 6th, 2026 - photos by Backstage Flash
Colorado’s own Big Head Todd and the Monsters took over their hometown venue last night under a star-filled sky. Red Rocks Amphitheatre was packed with music fans, some of whom have seen every BHTM show at Red Rocks since their first show in 1991 at the Blues On The Rocks Festival. This yearly pilgrimage of blues-rock magnificence from Colorado’s fab four was nothing short of exhilarating. The band's recent musical milestone of rocking our souls for the past forty years is mind-blowing and rare for a band to have that kind of successful longevity and stamina. They might as well have BHTM capes on when they perform, as they are our musical superheroes, and we love all they do in our diverse and expanding artistic community.
BHTM are not recreating the rock n’ roll wheel. They took the knowledge and musicianship that came before them. They studied it, embellished it, and lit it on fire with explosive energy and ambitious attitudes. That explosive energy has consumed our hearts and souls, and for that, we are all eternally grateful for what they do. Grateful Web is always completely honored to be a part of this annual hometown extravaganza nestled between the giant monoliths that oversee many shows at the hallowed venue. The band’s momentum is at an all-time high, selling more tickets than ever before and constantly picking up new fans along their magnificent journey across the American landscape that has yielded them so many incredible memories, moments, and musical inspiration.
Todd Park Mohr, primary songwriter, lead vocalist, and guitar slayer, Brian Nevin on drums, Rob Squires on bass and vocals, and multi-instrumentalist on keyboards, guitar, and lap steel, Jeremy Lawton, were all-in last night. The band is very community-minded; they cherish their fans, and their fans cherish them. The unspoken bond between the band and the audience has immense power and positivity. They presented a rock show with all the electric, raw rock elements they have portrayed for decades. Talk about rock n’ roll swagger, attitude, emotional depth within their lyrics, and the all-out sensory assault they bestow upon their guests at any show they perform. They played music from several different eras of their expansive musical adventures, including new music for the fans to taste and savor.
For a band that has basically been on the road since the mid-1980s, they sounded fresh and fierce. The guitar prowess and all-out power Mohr brought to the party could be felt from the front row to the last row. His guitar skills have influence from many of the blues greats, including John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf, and many more. He also had a raw rock edge that incorporated classic rock-style riffs, punk power, and contemporary soulfulness that gave the audience a wide and diverse listening palette of musical moods and tempos. Mohr’s voice was powerfully crystal clear, and all of his words were very distinguishable. His beautiful blend of guitar and voice was outstanding and highly entertaining. The richness of his vocals was prominent and purposeful, while his guitar tenacity and tone told a story all of its own.
The rhythm section of Squires on bass and Nevin on drums must have fallen from the rock n’ roll heavens; these two were seriously in perfect percussive synchronicity. They are among two of the greatest bass and drum pairings that have ever existed in the rock world. I mean Bonham and Jones good. They were so tight, pushing the thick grooves and powerful beats into another realm of the norm. Nevin's hard-hitting drumming style and perfectly timed percussive punishment of a perfectly good drum set was amazing to witness and hear. The stoic stage presence from Squires and his ability to play heart-pounding grooves, thick with rich tone and low-end stability, was the perfect combination for the massive wall of sound they constructed.
Lawton on keyboards, guitar, and lap steel brought his A-game to the musical conversation. His ability to feel the songs and enhance the melodies with cascading finger work on the piano and organ was beautifully implemented throughout the evening. His overall skills on his arsenal of instruments gave the band tremendous fullness that wrapped its arms around your soul. For the original three members — Mohr, Squires, and Nevin — the addition of Lawton in 2004 has established a big, bold sound within the band's already guitar-driven power trio magic.
Last night’s set list was stacked with songs from several eras of the band’s musical journey. They combined newer and older material into a cohesive package of hard rockers and sweet, soulful classics, including “Broken Hearted Savior” and “It’s Alright.” The band also lit the night sky up with covers of “Boom Boom” by John Lee Hooker and “Radar Love” from Golden Earring. Hazel Miller also graced the audience with her soulful voice during last night’s performance.
Opening the show was none other than 4 Non Blondes. This all-female band of alternative rock goddesses made a huge impact on the American and worldwide music scene in the late ’80s and early ’90s. The band's debut album, titled Bigger, Better, Faster, More!, released in 1992, lived on the U.S. Billboard Top 200 charts for 59 weeks and sold over six million copies. Way to come out of the gate swinging! The band's signature song, “What’s Up,” has been sung around the world, from karaoke clubs to major motion pictures. The song simply resonated with people because it has relatable bewilderment about everything in our lives, hence causing a worldwide communal sing-along that will stand the test of time. The band currently has two new members on guitars: Roger Rocha and Nick Maybury.
Linda Perry on guitar and lead vocals sounded great; her voice was clear and crisp as it echoed from the massive rocks that flanked her on the left and right. Christa Hillhouse on bass and Dawn Richardson on drums built a house filled with thick, chunky bass grooves and pure percussive power, firmly anchoring the band to the massive stage. Roger Rocha on electric guitar had a hauntingly raw style and tone, creating a hard-driving richness that gives the band an unmistakable bold sound. Nick Maybury also played electric guitar, adding all kinds of flavors and energy to the songs. The vibes from the band felt like a time capsule that was sealed in 1994 and opened up last night to a massive crowd over thirty years later, and I swear the music did not miss a beat. 4 Non Blondes sounded as fresh as fresh gets, and we are glad to see them out on the road. Fun fact: 4 Non Blondes’ first national tour was with Big Head Todd and the Monsters in 1993.
