Mr. Big (L-R): Billy Sheehan, Eric Martin and Paul Gilbert (Photo: Stephen van Baalen; used with permission)
Mr. Big have announced that they’ll be putting on their signature top hats and old shoes one last time for a worldwide tour, aptly titled “The BIG Finish.” Since the band’s original drummer and co-founder, Pat Torpey, lost his battle with Parkinson’s disease in 2018, the band felt it was time to mark the end of this chapter of their legacy. The first leg will take the band to Japan and Southeast Asia in July and August 2023, while shows in South America, Europe, and the U.S. will launch in early 2024 and will be announced soon. Their nightly set will include a performance of their 1991 breakthrough album, Lean Into It, including their #1 smash, “To Be With You,” in its entirety.
After 35 years, the band felt it was finally time to come together for one final, extended curtain call. “We wanted to do a proper farewell, and this seems like the right way to do it,” said bassist-vocalist Billy Sheehan in the March 6 announcement. Guitarist-vocalist Paul Gilbert added, “We’re in the process of making sure we come up with a suitably big entertainment extravaganza to go along with our music.” Lead vocalist Eric Martin said, “If we were in the movie business, we’d just put it all up in lights and say, ‘Welcome to The BIG Finish!’ Seriously, I’m glad we’re getting a chance to do it all onstage together as Mr. Big again and raise a flag to everything we’ve done as a band over the years.”
Joining Mr. Big on drums for the special tour will be longtime friend of the band Nick D’Virgilio (Spock’s Beard, Big Big Train), stepping in for Torpey. “Nick has a vocal range similar to Pat’s, and he’ll be able to do the parts Pat did with a similar finesse,” said Sheehan, who turned 70 on March 19. “It’s a big relief because Mr. Big has always been heavy on the harmonies. When the band began, we really relied on each other. We knew each guy would do exactly what he needed to do vocally and to do it righteously, on key, and in time. It’s difficult to find a drummer who sings in that range, but Nick has the voice we really need onstage.”
Said Martin, “I love playing with these guys. And if I’m being honest, I don’t want it to ever end. I’m the guy who just knows we still have that special spark together, and I always want to keep the torch burning. But if it really is the end, then I want us all to have a happy ending together. We’re a great live band. I want everybody to come out and see us, because we want to blow you away and have you all think as you’re leaving, ‘Mr. Big really is the real thing.’”
Mr. Big 2023 Tour (Tickets will be available here)
Jul 20 – Nagoya, Japan – Nagoya Shimin Kaikan
Jul 22 – Osaka, Japan – Osaka Maruzen Intec Arena
Jul 25 – Tokyo, Japan – Budokan
Jul 29 – Seoul, Korea – Yes24 Live Hall
Jul 31 – Hong Kong, China – Southorn Stadium
Aug 02 – Taiwan – Zepp New Taipei
Aug 04 – Singapore – Marina Bay Sands Theater
Aug 05 – Singapore – Marina Bay Sands Theater
Aug 07 – Bangkok, Thailand – Show DC Hall
Aug 09 – Manila, Philippines – Skydome
Aug 12 – Kemayoran, Jakarta – The 90’s Festival
Aug 14 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Zepp Kuala Lumpur
More dates to be announced.
Related: Links to 100s of current classic rock tours
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