ON THE ROAD AGAIN - And in the AIR
Posted by Jeff on Saturday 20th of June 2009 09:31:54 PM.
This was a stretch of 3 shows on the east coast where I had hoped to convince the band to let me lease a tour bus to make the trip bearable for all of us. After crunching the numbers, however, I was not able to sway them my way. The money we saved would not have been offset by the convenience of the bus, in their opinion. What can I say.... I still think it would have been worth it!
I had the alarm set at home for 3:15AM on Wednesday morning. Insane. Met up with crew guys at 4AM and headed to the airport. Got there at 4:45AM to check in for a 6:30AM flight. Crazy. But we all made it. It always scares me to have to meet at the airport at that ungodly hour because if one person oversleeps (easy to do with a 3AM alarm), it can be disastrous. Alas, we were all on board for the nonstop to Washington Dulles Airport, 2000 miles, 2 time zones and 3 and a half hours away.
We touched down with major clouds overhead, the ones that made for a slightly bumpy approach in to eastern Virginia, where IAD sits. We loaded up the rental vehicles we needed, to replace the tour bus, and headed east through Virginia, DC, Maryland, and all the way to Delaware, to the Bottle and Cork, our second or third visit there. Can't remember.
It's a shore point club to be sure; not much to it, but many bands play here on there way up and down the east coast. And in midsummer, it's packed every night. Unfortunately, we were inexplicably booked about a week before the major crowds descend on this this and neighboring towns for the summer. So we ended up having one of out most poorly attended shows in memory. And the overcast weather was not helpful in convincing people to come out last minute. Oh well, it's only rock and roll. We had a good time as we always do.
After the show, we drove down the street to crash out in a local hotel after a super long day. We set a wake up call for 8:30AM, had a 9AM Van Call, and headed for breakfast, then back to the DC area. The next night's show was technically in National Harbor, MD, which I think is truly a "new" community. The satellite images on the internet showed a big pile of dirt, so this place was brand new. My Garmin had no clue either. We got out of our vans, banged our heads on the humidity, and proceeded to set up for their weekly Thursday night summer series. The weather threatened again, but the rain held off. Decent night, but many logistical challenges here that I wont' bore you with. We did the show, drove again down the street to our hotel rooms. We could swear the paint was still drying on the walls, this hotel was so new. Very nice. I can recommend it if you are ever in the area. Called Aloft, it is part of the family of W Hotels.
Next morning, up and at it at 9AM again, jumping on the highway headed south towards Richmond, VA. Stopped for breakfast at an IHOP (Todd's call) and then proceeded down 95 and pulled off at the Glen Allen VA exit. This is another venue we had been to before, so we new the drill pretty well. Again, hotter than the sun with that humidity. I grew up near Philly, so I used to deal with it easily, but am so spoiled now after being in Colorado for almost 20 years. WOW, 20 years!
Another easy afternoon set up, and a very well attended show. Great crowd. These last two nights were Co-Bill shows, with us and a band called Tonic. They are nice guys, and a good match with our band, and I hope we cross paths with them again soon.
We have a bit of down time right now. There are show contracts coming in for some festival type dates throughout the summer, and I think there is talk about a Fall tour of some sort, hooking up with another band or two that could be a great package show for our fans and fans of those other bands. It's good to have fans of other bands experience what we do. We can never have enough new converts.
Well, it's late, and I'm babbling.
Until next time. See you on the road.
Jeff
ON THE ROAD AGAIN - WE THROW A MONSTER BACK YARD PARTY
Posted by Jeff on Saturday 20th of June 2009 07:54:23 PM.
RED ROCKS 2009
It had been raining quite a bit for a few weeks leading up to the biggest show of our calendar year, Red Rocks on June 6th. But the office was prepared, the merchandise was in place, the band was warmed up, the truck was loaded, and all we needed was a nice day. It was.
Woke up super early on the morning of the show and could not get back to sleep. Anxious, I suppose. Had to get from Boulder down to Golden, pack up the rest of the merchandise, toss in the few items I had forgotten to pack the evening before. Grabbed two energy drinks for the ride and headed for Morrison. Rolled up the hill, dumped the merchandise, and suddenly it was time to load in. The band gear and the furniture-- for the stage right auction winner Living room set up -- took up most of the room in the truck, and though we had brought rizers with us, we didn't need them so they stayed on the truck.
After we were all loaded in, I took a moment to enjoy the sunshine and the warmth of Colorado in Spring. It was a beautiful morning.(I arrived at 10:30AM). By noon, the sound and lights were in the air and I had a crew build our stage with our gear. Typically, my job on the day of any show is to simply put out the fires that pop up throughout the afternoon, evening, and into the night. But ultimately, whatever must be done to get the band on stage is my responsibility. and with over 6000 people in the stands on this day, each fire tests my nerves and competence to accomplish my goal. Bands that play these size venues on a consistent basis have more personnel on the road than we do. So for me it's tough to be on stage AND in a production office at the same time. Lots to do. On top of that, we have responsibilities relating to the auction winners that require time and effort. Again, more fires.
But it's all worth it. To see that place fill with people and watch the sun go down from the stage is a feeling I can't put in to words.
Anyway, the show went off without any major hitches. Sound, lights, backline all worked very well with no electrical incidents to speak of. For me, that's a total success.
Saw lots of old friends from the good old days in Boulder. The band used to play at J.J McCabes, and a bunch of us worked there and partied there til all hours. It was a lot of fun. At the time, I lived with Todd and Brian, and we had a pretty good time. Good to see all those people. Alas, my encounters were brief, as I had to attend to the business at hand. The show must go on. It did, and we had a great night. Thanks for coming out, and if you missed it, plan on next year.
jeff
Mile High Music Fest
Posted by Hollie w/BHTM on Monday 15th of June 2009 01:33:28 PM.
Hey Folks
Big Head Todd will be playing the Milehigh Music Fest!
Tickets are on sale through Ticket Horse, the link is below.
Phone: 866-461-6556
http://www.milehighmusicfestival.com/buy-tickets/
All other information is below
http://bigheadtodd.com/tour/event_details.php?id=614
BHTM Live in KBCO Studio-C June 5th
Posted by Stacey on Tuesday 26th of May 2009 02:36:24 PM.
The band will be in KBCO Studio C again this year along with a full horn section. Listen live by tuning your old fashion analog or fancy new HD radio to 97.3 on the Colorado Front Range. For those of you looking for other listening options you can listen at kbco.com. Tune in around 1PM on Friday June 5th.
UPDATE: Time changed to 1PM Mountain Time.
Charity Auctions Round 2
Posted by Hollie w/BHTM on Wednesday 20th of May 2009 05:07:35 PM.
Big Head Todd would like to announce the charity auctions round 2 are ready today to bid now for the following different auctions to benefit the Denver Dumb Friends League and The Humane Society of Boulder. Please go to http://ticketmaster.com to start bidding. Below are the auctions we are offering, good luck!
Auction Round Two Starts May 20th
Auction proceeds will benefit Humane Society of Boulder Valley and Denver Dumb Friends League. You can also buy a Big Love Benefit CD and select Dumb Friends League or Humane Society of Boulder Valley as the beneficiary.
"Side-Stage Sofa Seats" Auction: (Auctioning 2 Pairs)
View the show from the best seats in the house...On stage! Catch the show in a "living room" setting, complete with couch, beer & bottled water, and personal sound mix from your own speaker. You're also invited to come early to catch sound-check and get a photo-op with the band before doors open.
Package Includes:
Premium side-stage (stage right) couch seats
Beer/water cooler (must show proof of age for beer)
Sound-check with Meet & Greet/Photo-op
Sound-Check/Photo-Op: (Auctioning 10 Pairs)
Meet at the trading post before doors open one of our crew will take you to the top of the Rocks. Witness the BHTM sound check from any seat you like! Bring your cameras for a 15 minute meet & greet with band members to follow. Then we'll escort you back down to the trading post where you can continue your tail-gating festivities. When it comes time for the show, take your seat in premium reserved seats.
Package Includes:
Premium reserved seats in rows 2-15
Passes to Soundcheck
Meet and Greet/Photo-op with band members
See Big Head Todd Perform Live In KBCO Studio C (Auctioning 4 Pairs)
Join us in the intimate confines of one of the most well-known radio station studios in the country, KBCO Studio C (Boulder CO), to see the band perform live on air. Visit with the band afterwards for a quick autograph and photo. Date and time TBD! See the show from some great reserved seats down front.
Package Includes:
Attend a live KBCO Studio C recording session
Premium reserved seats in rows 2-15
There is a very special place waiting for the winners of this auction.
On Stage Harmonica Delivery: (Auctioning 1 Pair)
(Round two goes live May 20th)
Ever seen a Crew Member deliver Todd's Harmonica on stage before a song? Wish you could have your 15 seconds of fame on stage with the Band? What if we made this dream come true at the most picturesque music venue of all time, RED ROCKS!!! We will meet you and your guest before the show, and supply you with a harmonica and holder to be delivered on cue to center stage, where you will hand it off to Todd and give a BIG wave to those who may never get this opportunity. Have someone ready with a camera as you do "The Handoff" to Big Head Todd and then revel in the applause! (Package is for two tickets, but only one lucky winner on stage for the hand-off.) Package includes premium reserved seats.
Package Includes:
Premium reserved seats in rows 2-15
Stage access prior to a predetermined "harmonica" song
On stage appearance/harmonica delivery
Crew Member For A Day" Auction: (Auctioning 1 Pair)
(Round two goes live May 20th)
Meet us at the Trading Post at 11AM to help us with load in, set up, sound-check, spike and strike, setting up the opening act... and then witness the opening of doors from the stage as we prepare for our most important show of the year. Help with gear, tuning guitars, line-checking, and running errands... Or don't. It's up to you! Feel free to just hang out and see how it's done with this special "Behind The Scenes" opportunity. Don't worry, we'll give you a dinner break where you can relax and dine with the band and crew in the backstage catering area. When it's time for the show, feel free to continue hanging out with our crew on stage, or enjoy the show from reserved seats out front. If you have any energy left, you can join us after the show for "load-out"!
Package Includes:
Two Working Passes (backstage access, all day, all night)
Premium reserved seats in rows 2-15
Dinner in Catering
Front Row Seats(Auctioning 2 Pairs)
We are expecting almost 10,000 fans to be in attendance. How cool will it be to have THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE!!! And in the greatest venue in the country, to see the Best band in the world!! ( we may be biased). We'll mark your primo spot by throwing down a commemorative Red Rocks blanket. It's yours to keep your spot, to keep you warm, and it's yours to keep. Forever!
Package Includes:
Two Front row/center seats
One Red Rocks commemorative blanket
About the Humane Society of Boulder Valley
It is the mission of the Humane Society of Boulder Valley to protect and enhance the lives of companion animals by promoting healthy relationships between pets and people. More information can be found on our Web site at boulderhumane.org The Humane Society is a community-supported, open-door facility that provides shelter, medical care and behavioral rehabilitation to more than 8,000 animals a year. Since our inception in 1902, Boulder's Humane Society has become one of the most recognized nonprofit organizations in the community and a national leader in animal welfare.
About the Dumb Friends League
As the leading animal welfare organization in the Rocky Mountain region, the Dumb Friends League has been helping pets and people in the metro Denver area and beyond for nearly 100 years. The League has two shelter locations: its main shelter at 2080 S .Quebec St. in Denver and the Buddy Center at 4556 Castleton Court in Castle Rock. For more information about the Dumb Friends League, visit ddfl.org.
A Few Quick Updates...
Posted by Trevor on Friday 15th of May 2009 04:23:53 PM.
We've secured the opening act for the Red Rocks show this year. It's a group called Hill Country Review. They have a MySpace page where you can listen to their music:
http://myspace.com/hillcountryrevue
Only a few fan club tickets left for the Red Rocks show. You can buy them here:
http://bigheadtodd.com/tour/redrocks2009/
More Red Rocks charity auctions start next week on May 20th. We'll have a link here when they start:
http://bigheadtodd.com/tour/redrocks2009/
And our friend Hazel Miller is playing at a benefit show in Boulder on Sunday night:
http://www.foxtheatre.com/Store/ChooseT ... ?sid=15419
ON THE ROAD AGAIN - MONSTER WINTER 2009 OVER!!!
Posted by Jeff on Sunday 03rd of May 2009 09:24:04 PM.
I was doing so well with the sun block for the first four days. I had learned my lesson many times about the power of the sun and its potential to do major damage to my light skin. And then it happened. I was safely protected with a healthy dose of 45 ( I hear that after 30 it's all the same), but chose to spend an hour or so at the beach. I took a dip in the ocean, reapplied, sipped a frozen boat drink of some kind, and was catching up on world affairs with my Time magazine. All was bliss. But it was hot. Sweaty hot. I am quite certain that Panama Jack did not put quite enough R and D into the perspiration protection that I evidently did not receive, but thought I had. Three hours later as I prepared to shower for dinner, the mirror told the tale. Chest and stomach, burned. The next day a bunch of people went on a catamaran trip around the islands. I was laid up in the AC watching SportsCenter. I survived OK, though. But why didn't I hang out at the pool in the shade? Could have been fun, right? What an idiot I am....
Turks and Caicos, skin cancer aside, was a memorable blast. People did some serious scuba diving and snorkeling. Rob S. and I hosted a VERY fun golf outing at the local club where we met some great fans, made some new friends and dehydrated ourselves via cervezas de Coronas. My foursome balanced our beer bottles on our drivers for a memorable photo. Learned how to play Bocce Ball with my partner Mark "Youk"!! Youker and some lovely BHTM fans, while setting the record for provocative bocce ball jokes. Youk and I remain undefeated. But I would be up for a rematch....
Jeremy and I showed off our natural athleticism in the pool playing volleyball with yet more great fans. Norma bought us some top shelf margs. Awesome, thanks! Someone started a vicious rumor that I was seen on the dance floor on two consecutive nights cutting up the proverbial stamped concrete. Not sure if that really occurred; you now how these rumors get started and then the whole thing snowballs..... Set up and played a couple shows on the poolside stage to the delight of JeepGirl, CinnabonGirl, and a couple hundred other girls who made our week a total success. Oh, I guess there were some guys there, too?
Tracy and Lisa performed admirably in the Club Med Trapeze Show. It was a spectacular thing to see. People we knew flying through the air -- with the greatest of ease.... Bud and I never quite got to our Ping Pong Smackdown. Very disappointing. Bud was gunning for me, and practiced all week anticipating the Death Match, but alas, he did not "get a piece of me". I must admit, I wanted to take him down, but the timing just didn't work out. Next time, Bud. I saw my first Green Flash in the company of Kevin, our host, not TEN MINUTES after first hearing that there WAS such a thing. Unreal. (look it up!)
Wow, what a week. In case you are a BHTM message boarder, and have NOT joined us on one of our Winter/Spring trips, mere words on this web site will not do it justice. The photos you will find in our gallery MAY help. But if you have any thoughts of saving up some loose change in your vacation jar, keep an eye on our site to learn about our where our next adventure will take us. And keep in mind, it's not so much WHERE Kevin decides the best place will be; it's more about THE PEOPLE who join us. Having the band as a common thread that brings all these people together is the perfect way to meet a ton of new people from all over the country, make some friends, get some sun (or sunburn - doh!), do some partying, some dancing (if you're in to that sort of thing), some golfing, some scuba and snorkeling, some romancing, some eating, some repeating sunsets, some fishing and swimming and some live BHTM rock and roll and .....well, you get it.
So anyway, where was I?
The last weekend of our tour has just come to a close. We are on our way home after spending the last three nights in the eastern time zone. We flew in to Knoxville on WED because though our show was on Thursday, I could not get us there on the same day n time to make the show happen. So, fortunately the bar was open late, and after we landed we checked in and ordered some late night food to go with our Beer and Wine. A nice leisurely travel day, if there is such a thing. The Knoxville show was cool. It was an outdoor venue, right downtown in Market Square. Part of a weekly Thursday night series that runs all summer (I think). Great crowd, and though rain was forecast, we brought enough good karma to keep it away.
The next night was Charleston, SC. Great town. We played at the Music Farm. Not our fave place but you go where they tell ya. We had a rather small, but exuberant crowd. Fact is, there is another place down the road in Isle of Palms that we like to play at as well, perhaps even moreso. The Windjammer is a fun time, right on the beach, and we are always treated well by one of our best friends, Bobby.
The next night in Charlotte was amazing. The place was packed. Saw some old friends, had a great show, and officially ended the Big Head Todd and the Monsters Winter 2009 tour.
Wow, what a run.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN - Jesus Just Left Chicago (and Cleveland)
Posted by Jeff on Friday 10th of April 2009 09:54:32 PM.
Flew from Colorado in to Cleveland for a Thursday night show. We cut it super close with the flight plan, but I thought it was a risk worth taking. We have been doing this for a long time, so I thought we could blow off the super early flight and get there in the afternoon and get everything done before doors. We cut it close, and Joan did not have much time to get line checked, but she pulled it off and the evening went very well from the moment doors were opened. We had time for dinner before Joan took the stage, and we even had time for some dessert, courtesy of some of our more generous fans who graciously dropped off a major amount of sweet treats for us. Thanks everyone. Always nice to get a gift or two on the road, and always nice to see your familiar faces in the front row. Seems there were a few "road trippers" following us for this weekend. That front row look familiar each night. I reconnected with an old friend from high school while we were in town. It had been twenty some years, and it was very thoughtful of him to come out to spend some time catching up.
The next morning we flew to Chicago. The flight was short, so we landed with plenty of time to get to the venue in time to have some lunch before we got down to work. The House of Blues always feeds us well. They have a full restaurant menu that we are able to choose from for lunch and dinner. The day went smooth, and we brought along all of the treats from the night before that we could fly with. Didn't have the tour bus, or I'd still be eating pixie sticks and Fun Dip.
The crowds were great the whole weekend, and Saturday night was a sellout. Chicago has always been a friend to this band, and we always look forward to coming here. On Saturday, early afternoon, I walked. On the advice of a message boarder, I went to Portillos for a chili cheese dog. I got it to go, walked a few blocks, found a church with some steps in the sun, grabbed a seat, and ate. It was excellent. Washed it down with a diet Coke, then started for the John Hancock Tower. Not sure why, I just have always been a fan of that building. I like leaning up against the corner and seeing if it's swaying in the wind. Calm day, however, and it stood sturdy in the sunlight. I took a photo or two that will never ever be seen, then headed down Michigan Avenue. Stopped in at the Apple Store. (most of the band and crew are Apple people) and looked at many of the applications for the new iPhone. A few days later I became a proud new owner. The Blackberry is in the trash. The iPhone totally blows it away. The Blackberry is like the DOS of phones compared to the Apple product. Just one person's opinion.
Anyway, this weekend is Burlington VT, and we are shooting for 2000 people at the new HOB in Boston on SAturday night.
As always, we appreciate you coming to the shows. We even have had some fans make some road trips with us, which means a lot to us.
If you are coming with us next week to Turks and Caicos, see you at the bar. If not, we know you will be thinking of us and planning to join us on our next Fan Adventure.
Take care.
Jeff
ON THE ROAD AGAIN - The MRI results are in...
Posted by Jeff on Saturday 04th of April 2009 09:43:17 AM.
Just a quick note to those who have been asking about my shoulder....
Went to the doctor last Monday to get the results of my MRI. The prognosis is good, I suppose. I have a situation that can be fixed. Apparently I have a torn labrum. For those in the field, it's a tear from 10 o'clock to 2 o'clock. For those with no clue, like me, I think what that means is that the ring of cartilage that helps connect the humerus to the shoulder socket has been ripped away from heavy lifting. That night in Sacramento must have been where the tear went from mild to major. Anyway, the bottom line is that it will require some arthroscopic surgery to repair it if I want to have full use of the arm for the rest of my days. So I'll get it done. I'll look at our schedule for the rest of the year and hopefully can get in sometime in October if we have enough down time. We typically are off the road between then and New Year's Eve. They say 4 weeks of total immobilization, and then a good dose of physical therapy. So I have a good excuse to sit on the couch and watch some football.
Thanks to all who have asked about me. Don't worry, I'll have the band and crew do all my heavy lifting for a while.
Cleveland and Chicago report coming this week.
Jeff
Atlantic City Show CANCELLED by the promoter
Posted by Stacey on Thursday 02nd of April 2009 03:35:52 PM.
Our apologies, we just found out that this show was cancelled by House of Blues due to a "scheduling conflict". Sorry for any inconvenience. All fan club ticket purchaser will be fully refunded on the credit card used to make the purchase.
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