ZRock exclusive! Big Head Todd and the Monsters : Rob Squires Interview
by Jarrod Vrazel : zrock.com
Photo by Jarrod Vrazel : zrock.com
Touring in support of their latest Sanctuary release, Crimes of Passion, and their first full-length DVD, Live at the Fillmore, Big Head Todd and the Monsters are longtime fan favorites in Texas and throughout the country.
Bassist Rob Squires checked in Thursday afternoon (March 10) as the band prepared for their headlining show at Meridian in Houston:
ZRock: Hi Rob, welcome back to Texas for a couple of great shows.
Rob: Thanks. We’re doing Houston today, Austin tomorrow, and Dallas on Saturday.
ZRock: How has the tour been treating you so far?
Rob:It’s been great. We’ve had some really good shows and good turnouts. It’s going really good.
ZRock: How has the fan reaction been to some of your newer material as opposed to your classics?
Rob: It’s been going over really well, actually. We try to do in our sets every night a bit of old stuff and a bit of new stuff and kind of mix it all together. We’ve been playing some different covers and stuff and we’ve been getting a really good fan reaction.
ZRock: What can the fans expect from the live show any surprises?
Rob: We’ve got a few different covers worked up that we haven’t done in the past. We always try to change it up from night to night and play stuff from all eras of our career.
ZRock: Are you having a good time on the road?
Rob: Yes, it is fun. I always enjoy hitting the road again. It’s fun cruising around the country and playing music.
ZRock: I used to live in Austin and saw you play numerous times there, including a couple festivals – on Sixth Street in 96 and with Ian Moore at Auditorium Shores before that it seemed like Austin was almost a homecoming show when you came to town.
Rob: Austin and Texas in general has always been supportive of our band. We’ve been coming down to Texas just about as long as any other state we’ve been playing in. We have a big history there and have always had a lot of radio support and great fans that always show up. We always have a blast when we come to Texas.
ZRock: As a fan, I’ve always had a blast seeing you play when you’re in town. I’ve been trying to make it out to one of your shows at Red Rocks. I haven’t made it yet, but one of these days I want to experience it out there as well.
Rob: It’s definitely worth the road trip. It’s such a great venue and something that everybody should see at least one in their lifetime.
ZRock: Last year you played the Austin City Limits Festival. How much festival action do you usually see over a summer?
Rob: It kind of depends on which way we go. Some summers we do festivals on the weekend here and there and other summers we’ve spent on a regular tour across the country. It all depends. It looks like this summer we probably will end up doing quite a few festival-type dates.
ZRock: Does your musical approach change when preparing for the club or theater shows as opposed to festivals? Are there big differences from the stage point of view?
Rob: No, it’s fairly similar. On a festival situation, usually we’re flying in for the weekend and end up using rental gear. That can affect things a little bit. Often times, depending on the festival, we may have a shorter set length. It changes it up for us as well to be able to go on tour and do our own thing. We may be able to present a longer show or a different show than what we can do at a festival.
ZRock: You have some dates set for Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. Any other international plans?
Rob: Not right now. The latest record, Crimes of Passion, got great reviews over in England. We did go over once, but we haven’t scheduled anything as far as going back yet. But that’s something we would be interested in at some point.
ZRock: In the past, the band’s approach to taping and downloads has been different from the bands who strictly forbid that type of activity. Is that still the case on this tour?
Rob: It is, yes. We’re basically all about getting the music out there as much as we can. We think it’s great when people share it with one another, tape the shows, and pass it along to their friends. Anything to get the music out is what we’re all about.
ZRock: That’s great to hear. With the progression of internet downloading, do you think that’s played a role in your product sales?
Rob: I’m sure that it has. It’s affected our entire industry. The whole industry is down as far as overall sales. On the other hand, too, it’s an ongoing debate. There’s an article in USA Today talking about how many people are out there file sharing. And that’s spreading the word about the music as well. There are good points and bad points about it. If it’s helping spread the music, then it’s a great thing.
ZRock: I agree. A lot of times people hear the name of a band, but never hear the music. If they hear some of the songs people have taped, they may go out and buy the current album or some of your earlier stuff so they can truly experience it.
Rob: Exactly. It’s a great way to introduce our music to new fans.
ZRock: [i]Plus when you’re coming to a town, it can help give news fans a taste of what to expect. I appreciate you taking the time to check in today. I’m looking forward to a great show tonight. Best wishes on a great tour and have a safe trip throughout the country.
Rob: Cool. Hey, thanks, Jarrod, we appreciate it.
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Big Head Todd and the Monsters official website
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