Thirty-five years ago, a new “supergroup” was announced featuring Billy Sheehan (fresh from his time with David Lee Roth), Eric Martin (a strong solo career), Paul Gilbert (guitar god from Racer X), and Pat Torpey (The Knack, Impellitteri), Mr. Big released their debut record to modest success. Their second record, 1992’s Lean Into It, made them a household name. As they wind down The Big Finish tour, they stormed into Ridgefield, CT for their next-to-last ever American show and celebrated Lean Into It and their storied history. Scroll down for Mr. Big photos and more!
With no opening band, Mr. Big began promptly at 8:00. Fittingly, the show kicked off with their debut single “Addicted to That Rush” and you were immediately reminded of what makes this band great. Paul Gilbert and Billy Sheehan are simply the best there is. Watching them effortlessly play the intricate runs in that song makes you think you can go home and do it, although no one can actually match their skill. Eric Martin is a consummate frontman while new addition Nick D’Virgilio on drums is the perfect replacement for the late Pat Torpey.
After an opening salvo that also included 1996’s “Take Cover” and 1993’s “Price You Gotta Pay”, the band launched into playing Lean Into It in its entirety. I was always a huge fan of this record, and 30+ years later, Mr. Big still makes these songs sound fresh. From the driving rhythm of “Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy” to the psychedelic trip of “Green-Tinted Sixties Mind” and the bluesy stomp of “A Little Too Loose” these songs brought back fun memories while showcasing a collective talent rarely seen in one band.
The highlight of the record is, of course, its last track, the monster hit “To Be With You”. The crowd was on its feet singing along throughout the song. While “To Be With You” was the most popular song in the set, another single from the record “Just Take My Heart” may have been the actual highlight. Watching Paul Gilbert play the harmonic-laden introduction to that song was one of the most beautiful guitar moments I’ve seen live in a very long time. Mr. Big has always proven that if you have true talent, you don’t need tracks, Gilbert and Sheehan can literally play anything on their instruments.
The final part of the set showed the band having fun and putting their skills on display. The first post-Lean Into It track was Cat Stevens’ “Wild World” (covered by the band on 1993’s Bump Ahead), showing off Gilbert’s acoustic guitar prowess. “Colorado Bulldog” was surrounded by two mindblowing solo spots, first was Gilbert, and after was Sheehan. The sounds and sonic textures that these two can get from their instruments are just mesmerizing.
The solos were followed by a run of covers, including “Shy Boy” (Talas & David Lee Roth), and Humble Pie’s “30 Days in The Hole”, which was also on the debut Mr. Big release. It was the classic “Good Lovin'” where the fun started. Martin took over on bass, Gilbert on drums, D’Virgilio on guitar, and Sheehan on vocals. You could see the smiles on their faces as they played each other’s roles for a song. The night ended with The Who classic “Baba O’Riley”, the keyboard part played by Gilbert on guitar.
I first saw Mr. Big in May of 1989 opening for Rush at the Hartford Civic Center. It’s hard to believe that 35 years later, this could be the last time I see them. While many one-off projects have featured top musicians, Mr. Big is and always was a true band. There was a period when the great Richie Kotzen replaced Paul Gilbert but the feel wasn’t the same. Another drummer filled the spot when Pat Torpey became ill but could never quite pull it off. Nick D’Virgilio is a great choice for the role, a top-notch drummer and an amazing singer. I have had the pleasure of interviewing all four current members multiple times, you will not find four nicer people, four better musicians, or one better band. Thanks for the memories, Mr. Big.
