Complete List Of Mr. Big Band Members

Feature Photo: Adrián Pérez from Helsinki, Finland, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Mr. Big was formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1988. The band quickly established itself with a combination of musicianship and vocal harmonies, gaining fame both in the U.S. and internationally with hits like “To Be with You,” a Billboard Hot 100 number-one single in 15 countries. Mr. Big has released nine studio albums, several live albums, and numerous compilations. Known for their energetic live performances and technical skills, the band’s music spans a variety of genres, from hard rock to ballads. Mr. Big has undergone several lineup changes over the years, with reunions that included original members. Their impact on rock music includes influencing numerous aspiring musicians with their blend of virtuosic instrumentation and melodic pop rock.

Paul Gilbert

Paul Gilbert joined Mr. Big in 1988 as one of the founding members. Renowned for his stunning guitar playing, Gilbert played a crucial role in the band’s sound, contributing to their first several albums including their self-titled debut Mr. Big (1989), Lean Into It (1991), and Bump Ahead (1993). He left the band in 1997 to pursue a solo career and other projects, including the band Racer X, but rejoined Mr. Big in 2009 for a reunion that resulted in several more albums, such as What If… (2011) and …The Stories We Could Tell (2014). His guitar work is characterized by fast arpeggios and precision, making him a significant figure in the guitar community.

Billy Sheehan

Billy Sheehan, the band’s bassist, is another founding member of Mr. Big. Known for his technical skills and the use of harmonics in his bass play, Sheehan has been a part of all Mr. Big albums. Before Mr. Big, he was well-known for his work with David Lee Roth and Talas, bringing a wealth of rock performance experience to the band. Sheehan’s playing style has been a foundational element of Mr. Big’s sound, particularly evident in songs like “Addicted to That Rush” and “Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy.”

Eric Martin

Eric Martin was the lead vocalist for Mr. Big from its inception in 1988. His powerful and versatile vocal abilities were pivotal in hits like “To Be with You” and “Just Take My Heart.” Martin has been involved in all the band’s major releases and remains a central figure in their ongoing activities. Outside of Mr. Big, he has enjoyed a successful solo career and has participated in various musical collaborations and projects around the globe.

Pat Torpey

Drummer Pat Torpey was also a founding member of Mr. Big, playing on all the band’s albums until his health began to decline due to Parkinson’s disease. Despite his diagnosis, Torpey continued to contribute to the band as a drum producer and providing backing vocals, and live support as a percussionist when he could no longer perform full drum sets. Torpey’s contributions were vital until his death in 2018.

Richie Kotzen

Richie Kotzen joined Mr. Big in 1999 following Paul Gilbert’s departure, playing on the albums Get Over It (2000) and Actual Size (2001). Kotzen brought a different guitar style to the band, incorporating more blues and soul elements into their music. After his stint with Mr. Big, he continued his prolific solo career and later became a member of The Winery Dogs, another supergroup involving Billy Sheehan and drummer Mike Portnoy.

Matt Starr

Following Pat Torpey’s health issues, Matt Starr was brought on as a touring drummer, helping to fulfill live performance duties while Torpey was limited in his ability to play. Starr contributed significantly during live shows, supporting the band’s dynamic performances during Torpey’s illness and after his passing.

Nick D’Virgilio

Nick D’Virgilio joined Mr. Big as a touring drummer after the passing of founding member Pat Torpey. D’Virgilio, known for his work with the progressive rock band Spock’s Beard and other projects like Genesis, brought his extensive drumming expertise to Mr. Big. While not a studio member contributing to the albums, his role as a live performer helped sustain Mr. Big’s reputation for high-energy and technically proficient concerts. D’Virgilio’s addition ensured that the band could continue to perform with the excellence expected by their fans, even in the face of losing a key member like Torpey.