It seems that MR. BIG is gearing up to hit the studio for the recording of a brand-new studio album, aligning with the final dates of the band’s farewell tour
This Saturday (December 16), Billy Sheehan, the bassist for MR. BIG, offered a glimpse into the band’s next chapter by sharing a photo from Sweetwater Sound, a top-notch recording studio situated in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Accompanying the image was the message: “Here we are at Sweetwater Music in their amazing recording studio with ( from left to right) engineer Lindsey, a brilliant Sweetwater Engineer, myself, drummer extrodinaire Nick DiVirgilio, behind him producer/mixer Grand Master Jay Ruston , and the incredible Paul Gilbert ( Eric will be joining us later) Working on a NEW MR BIG record to commemorate our farewell tour. We’re having a blast and playing our BEST for you!!!!”
Presenting “The BIG Finish,” MR. BIG‘s worldwide farewell tour, a poignant culmination to a legendary chapter in their musical journey. This final endeavor, named in honor of their ongoing legacy, serves as a tribute to the band’s co-founder and original drummer, Pat Torpey, who bravely battled Parkinson’s disease until 2018.
The tour’s initial leg ignited the stages of Japan and Southeast Asia in July and August, where MR. BIG captivated hundreds of thousands of dedicated fans across 11 sold-out shows, including a mesmerizing performance at the iconic Budokan in Tokyo, Japan. Now, the band is set to bring the grand finale, “The BIG Finish,” to the United States, with the inaugural series of shows kicking off on January 12, 2024, at the Rise Rooftop in Houston, Texas.
In a heartfelt transition, MR. BIG welcomes the accomplished Nick D’Virgilio (SPOCK’S BEARD, BIG BIG TRAIN) as the drummer for this special tour, graciously stepping into the role left vacant by the late Pat Torpey. Nick, known for his diverse musical journey, has collaborated with a spectrum of artists and bands, from TEARS FOR FEARS and Sheryl Crow to Peter Gabriel and Eric Burdon and the ANIMALS.
Notably, he replaced Phil Collins in GENESIS for their “Calling All Stations” album in 1996. Nick has also left an indelible mark in the progressive rock realm through his contributions to SPOCK’S BEARD and BIG BIG TRAIN.
Prior to his association with Sweetwater, Nick spent nearly five years touring with Cirque Du Soleil’s “Totem,” showcasing his prowess as a drummer, vocalist, and assistant bandleader.
When D’Virgilio‘s addition to MR. BIG was first announced in March 2023, Sheehan said in a statement: “We found a wonderful drummer in Nick, and he’s got a great voice too. Nick has a vocal range similar to Pat‘s, and he’ll be able to do the parts Pat did with a similar finesse.
“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.”
Gilbert commented: “Nick gets close to the spirit of Pat Torpey. Billy, Eric [Martin, vocals] and I have been really happy with the music we’ve already shared back and forth. I’m impressed with Nick‘s level of musical adaptability and breadth of skill. He and I have done some recording together, and I was blown away with his groove, and how he just played what fit the song. If the song requires him to be more progressive and stand out, he will stand out.
“But if the song requires him to groove, he will groove. That’s actually a rare thing, and it really fits in with what we do in MR. BIG.”
Martin added: “I love the fact that Nick was a fan of Pat Torpey and wants to keep our BIG sound intact. When I first saw his audition demo video of the ‘Lean Into It’ song ‘Lucky This Time’, Nick was playing drums with those signature Pat snare hits and singing harmonies spot on to what Pat used to do. It gave me goosebumps!! I am so thrilled to have this man who will be filling some mighty BIG shoes join us on our last tour.”
MR. BIG‘s farewell tour is a poignant journey that pays homage to their past triumphs, featuring a special highlight in the form of the complete performance of their platinum-selling 1991 album “Lean Into It.” Each show becomes a celebration of the band’s illustrious career, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans as they bid farewell to this iconic musical legacy.
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