Big Head Todd and The Monsters - It's More Than Music

Big Head Todd and The Monsters - Never heard of them? Think you might have but you're not sure? That's okay.

The Colorado Trio, now four-some, have been making music together since their college days in the mid-'80's. They experienced radio success with hits like BitterSweet, Broken Hearted Savior and Circle but when they refused to sell out to the desires of the major record labels things changed - for the better.

Twenty years later Todd Park Mohr, Brian Nevin, Rob Squires and Jeremy Lawton make the music they want, have a fan base that follows them from one venue to the next, and are one of of the most celebrated concert bands in the country. If you ever hear them live you'll be hooked. Park-Mohr's gravelly voice and expert guitar playing is exhilarating. The band jams together like nothing I've ever seen before. It's as if when they play they become one mind, one instrument. It's good ole American Rock 'n Roll at it's best.

The music won me over years ago but that's not why I'm an ardent fan of these men. They live in the real world with the rest of us. It's not about the fame. It's about the music, the life, and what's left after the music stops. The guys from Big Head Todd go to the merchandise table after every show. They TALK to their fans and actually have fun spending time with them. It's not a burden, they really enjoy it and seem to thrive on the interaction. I've had the pleasure of meeting them twice and hope to again next spring when they make their annual trip to my town.

For the past few years they've used free podcasts and downloads on their website and ITunes to distribute their music to an ever growing fan base. Todd Park Mohr believes that art should be free. "We don't really make our money off the music," he said during an interview. "We never have, not even with a major record label."

To further that sentiment, BHTM is giving away 500,000 copies of their new CD, All The Love You Need. 25,000 copies were mailed to fans who requested them from the BHTM website and the rest are to be distributed by radio stations around the country. My copy arrived yesterday with a personal note from the band thanking their fans for the support. When was the last time you got a free thank you from your favorite band? It doesn't happen often, unless you're a BHTM's fan.

They also believe in using their notoriety to give something of value back to the world. For the last three years they've used their annual Red Rocks Amphitheater concert as a benefit to raise money for a selected cause. This year it's Soles United, a Crocs program committed to social responsibility and providing shoes for those in need.

With over 1 billion people living in extreme poverty, many households cannot meet the basic needs for survival including food, shelter, safe drinking water and basic articles of clothing, including shoes. In 2008, Soles United expects to donate over 1,000,000 pairs of shoes to those in need. To demonstrate their appreciation and support of BHTM, Soles United will donate a pair of shoes for every ticket purchased to a BHTM show in June of 2008. BHTM fans can be assured that their presence at a BHTM concert will make a real difference in the life of a child or adult living in poverty.

BMTH is conducting the first round of a charity auction that started on 12/10 that will benefit the Soles United Program. You can bid on several different VIP packages and seating for the Red Rocks concert. I can't imagine anything better than helping out a good cause and winning the bid for onstage couch seating at their biggest concert of the year.

On a side note, BHTM made national news this week when the Clinton campaign adopted their song Blue Sky as Hillary's new theme song. It's an inspirational song written in 2005 at the request of the NASA astronauts upon the first launch after the Columbia disaster. They are not claiming affiliation with any candidate but are happy for the exposure.

I'm proud to say I'm a loyal fan. Big Head Todd and the Monsters are shining examples of how to run a responsible, fun, compassionate music career. Go see them. It's an experience you'll never forget.