Pat Torpey Mourned by Fellow Musicians

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When news spread that drummer and founding member of Mr. Big, Pat Torpey, died Wednesday (Feb. 7), many among the rock drumming fraternity, and other musicians, took to social media to pay tribute to one of their own.

Torpey was just 64. We’ve picked a handful that we felt were particularly meaningful. First, of course, was the announcement tweeted by his bandmates.

With breaking hearts we tell you that our brother, friend, drummer and founding member, Pat, passed away Wednesday, February 7 from complications of Parkinson’s disease. Family, band and management request privacy at this very difficult time. Services are pending. pic.twitter.com/SQNpCW9LXw

— Mr Big (@mrbigmusic) February 9, 2018

From Carmine Appice, via Facebook:

I am very sad to hear an old friend Pat Torpey pass away today. He was always so healthy . Until Parkinson Disease hit him . He was Killer drummer. Nice guy and a really good looking guy .
RIP my friend.

From Deen Castronovo, drummer for Journey, Bad English, and others:

Just heard the news of Pat Torpey’s passing.. I was blessed to know him and tour with he and Mr Big in 1992.
A solid Gentleman and one amazing drummer/vocalist!
Rest In Peace Brother…

— Deen Castronovo (@DeenTheDrummer) February 9, 2018

Pat Torpey…..RIP old friend.

Why is it always the really really nice guys?
I was honored to have know him and have played with him and called him a friend…
My condolences to Mr Big and all the family…

— Steve Lukather (@stevelukather) February 9, 2018

So Sad to hear about fellow drummer and friend of 30+ Years Pat Torpey’s passing ,We came up together in the 80’s , He passed The Cult gig to me while forming Mr, Big , I owe him my career , A beautiful intelligent soul and amazing musician #RIP

A post shared by Matt Sorum (@mattsorum) on Feb 8, 2018 at 8:23pm PST

From Graham Bonnet, formerly of Rainbow and the Michael Schenker Group:

So sad to learn the tragic news that Pat Torpey has passed. Rest in peace, brother.

— Graham Bonnet (@TheGrahamBonnet) February 9, 2018

From Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater:

So shocked and saddened to hear of #PatTorpey’s passing…my heart goes out to his family and all of his bandmates and friends who I know are all completely devastated over this…my deepest condolences @BillyonBass, @PaulGilbertRock @Richie_Kotzen Eric Martin @mrbigmusic 😢 pic.twitter.com/DTYti7urqq

— Mike Portnoy 🤘 (@MikePortnoy) February 9, 2018