Still feels like a teenager

12/31/2025

A jam band formed by a group of high school buddies is still going strong 40 years later.

Big Head Todd and The Monsters was formed by Todd Park Mohr, Brian Nevin and Rob Squires in Colorado in 1986 with Jeremy Lawton joining later. 

The band found success with hits such as “Bittersweet,” “Broken Hearted Savior” and more throughout its career.

Mohr, co-founder of the band, was a big-time blues music fan and wanted the name to reflect a throwback of the blues greats, such as Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson. Their initial name was Big Head Todd, and they then added the rest of the band as “the Monsters.”

The band comes to Des Moines’ Hoyt Sherman Place on Jan. 23 as part of their Monsters Tour 2026. Mohr says Hoyt Sherman is one of their favorite venues. 

“We’ve begun to cherry pick our venues. Hoyt Sherman is incredible. One year, everyone made it out in a snow storm,” he recalls.

Mohr and his bandmates are used to the snow in Colorado, where they formed a high school band. Mohr says he still feels like a teenager. 

“I’ve been joking about it that we’re still stuck in high school with the same friends, playing the same music,” he laughs.

In today’s music world, it is rare for original band members to stick together for 40 years. Mohr says respect is a big reason they’ve remain bandmates. 

“Obviously, we enjoy music. We have common goals. We listen to and respect each other. If we agree on something, it’s pretty good,” he reflects. “It’s just like a successful marriage. You listen to each other and be respectful. That creates a trust so that we can do good work together.”

Their music genre encompasses blues, alternative rock and country rock with “jamband sensibilities.” Mohr simply says they are a rock and roll band.  

“I think rock and roll has always been a melting pot of blues, R&B and country,” he explains. “I think we’ve gotten better over the years with what we are communicating to our audience.”

They have witnessed the shift from albums to CDs and now to Spotify and other streaming services. 

“It’s been a dramatic shift. It’s helped bands like us who are not a superstar act. It helps nourish a smaller audience,” Mohr says. “But, I think it’s harder because the downside is the record companies aren’t committed to long-term careers for the artists.”

Mohr stays updated to his fans’ listening preferences with more than 600,000 monthly followers. 

“I check to see what people are listening to and make sure we play that at our concerts,” he says. “We choose from more than 230 songs from our playlist. It’s a pretty eclectic selection.”

In 2023, the band was inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. Mohr says he appreciates the honor. 

“Colorado is our home, and that award supports local artists,” he says. “But, I’m not a fan of awards. Music isn’t a competition.”

The band has played at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado about 35 times and has been ranked as one of the top acts to perform there. 

“Red Rocks is always a thrill. You feel so lucky to be there,” he reflects. 

The band has recorded more than a dozen albums and is currently in “playing mode.” The next album is set to come out as a top 40 live album. Mohr is also currently working on his own folk album.

Mohr says he feels fortunate for the band’s longevity and success, noting that he appreciates the fans who listen to their music consistently. 

“I marvel at it. A lot of music is so good. Listening to it repeatedly is a big deal. I take it seriously, and whatever makes that happen, you pinch yourself,” he says. “Music is a special thing.” ♦