Conversations with Missy: Mr. Big's Billy Sheehan
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Mr. Big // Defying Gravity
With their new album Defying Gravity being released on July 21, 2017, Mr. Big is already on the road entertaining fans at every stop they make. Though they may not have as many US tour dates as they have had in the past, fans are lining up and at sold out shows ready to watch these amazing musicians take the stage.
Billy Sheehan on Bass, Paul Gilbert on guitar, Pat Torpey on drums, and singer Eric Martin, make up the band Mr. Big. Forming in 1988, these guys have traveled overseas and across the country performing hit after hit for fans, unleashing an extreme amount of talent and unique skills for all to enjoy.
During their recent performance at The Basement East in Nashville, Tennessee, I finally got to witness the most bad-ass bass player known to man. Sheehan not only has the fastest hands I have ever seen on bass, he brought out a drill and proceeded to shred that bass like no one else. Fans were screaming. They were expecting this moment to arrive and they were not disappointed in the least. One fan standing next to me was in complete disbelief at Sheehan's skills as he kept yelling expletives of sheer surprise as if he could not believe he was witnessing such bad-assery.
The energy these guys have and the chemistry between them ignited the entire crowd. Watching Torpey alone, was enough to delight these adoring fans. Knowing that Torpey has not been able to perform as he once did due to having Parkinson's disease, fans were thrilled to see this legendary drummer take the stage at any level. Then came that moment that every artist anticipates, the crowd singing the song for them. This entire audience seemed to melt the hearts of each band member as they sang loud and proud each lyric of "To Be With You". Well done guys.
For more on this great band, please follow them on social media now. Be sure to check their website for upcoming tour dates and news and do not forget to watch our full conversation with Sheehan now. I have never seen such enthusiasm from an artist on the road. I definitely want to travel more now too. Until next time guys, stay tuned. ~Missy