What a treat. Two quintessential late ’80s bands Blues Traveler and Big Head Todd and the Monsters partnered up this summer for their rockin’ Blue Monsters tour and made their way to St. Louis on August 18, 2023.
The packed Chesterfield Amphitheater saw the two bands perform under a starry night with a late summer evening breeze that kept the temperature perfect. Nearing the end of their 27-city tour, both bands sounded tight and boasted smiles throughout each of their sets.
Big Head Todd and the Monsters kicked off the night under the setting sun at 7:30 p.m. for a 15 song 80-minute set of fan favorites that started with “Josephina,” mixed in “Bittersweet” and “It’s Alright,” and ended with a cover of Ramones’ “I Wanna Be Sedated.” Playing together for 37 years, the band continues to tour each year and makes it through St. Louis often. The crowd, full of mostly Gen Xers swayed, cheered, and sang along throughout their easygoing, rock ‘n’ roll blues-based jams.
Blues Traveler’s 80-minute set filled the night air with the sweet trilling harmonica sounds that put this band on the map. John Popper continues to impress with his mastery of the instrument. Starting their set with the catchy, bouncy “Run-Around,” they easily transitioned to the heavier, jammy “Looking Up” and then slid into Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.” Each member of the band got their moment in the spotlight during the several extended jams. The end of the night saw Todd Park Mohr joining in during “Carolina Blues.”
Waking up the day after, this photographer’s head was full of Blues Traveler and Big Head Todd and the Monster mash-ups — not a bad way to start the day.
All photos from the night https://bit.ly/BlueMonsterTour23cz
Big Head Todd and the Monsters setlist https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/big-head-todd-and-the-monsters/2023/chesterfield-amphitheater-chesterfield-mo-13a5fd5d.html
Blues Traveler setlist https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/blues-traveler/2023/chesterfield-amphitheater-chesterfield-mo-ba5fd52.html
