American rockers to perform in Bangalore city.


Ever since the hard rock super group, Mr. Big, broke up in 2002, there has been a huge curiosity among fans about a possible reunion. But little did anyone expect that waiting for the next wave would just be a matter of time, for the band is back to rock and shred with their heavy music that has shaken the world for almost two decades.  

Call it a faith or destiny, but the band is back with their original line up, and are travelling the world with their Reunion Tour. They are all set to perform today in Bangalore, Palace Grounds. After Bangalore the band will perform in Shillong (Meghalaya), and Dimapur (Nagaland) in the country.

Legendary bassist, Billy Sheehan, and the guitar virtuoso Paul Gilbert spoke to the media at a press conference before their gig. The other two members of the band, Eric Martin and Pat Torpey were expected to arrive later in the city. Gilbert and Sheehan spoke about their reunion and their first tour to India.   

When asked if the reunion was prompted because of their love for music, or the chemistry the band shared, Gilbert is quick to reply saying, both! “Things are inevitable, and few things are there that cannot be stopped. We don’t look back at the years gone, but look what lies ahead. It has been a nice experience to be performing together after quite some time.” he added


Suhael G.M., of Neoclasse, corroborates, “We wanted the country to get some real music, and the band is performing with the original line up after a long time. I am sure the country will have fun seeing them performing. After this we are heading to Shillong and Dimapur for the performance.”  

Mr Big have remained active and popular for over two decades, despite internal conflicts and changing music trends. They broke up in 2002, but after requests from fans reunited in 2009; their first tour was in Japan, in June 2009, and Gilbert says the crowd has really grown up over the years

Following their almost sold out shows in countries like Indonesia and Japan, Mr. Big is finally here. Mybangalore also caught up with Gilbert post the conference for a quick tete e tete. Best known for his thunder shredding and lighting tapping, he is today known as one of the best guitarists in the world. Excerpts from the interview.



How has been the reunion so far?
Paul: Very nice. We have been solo artists for quite some time, but we always knew there was something missing. Now we know what the reason was – it’s Mr. Big.

What makes you say that?
Paul: Mr. Big sounds Mr. Big when it’s the four of use performing – Billy, Eric, Pat and I. We have always shared a strange strange chemistry between us, which is tough to be explained.  

So, you are happy with the reunion?
Paul: Yes, we are; very much indeed. It has been always nice to be playing together – the four of us.  



Now when you are together, can we also expect an album soon?
Paul: That’s too early to say anything. We are just playing and have been in a tour for quite some time; Billy and I have just returned from a long tour in Europe, and now we have been touring countries, all around, with just the four of us.   

You guys have been together for two decades now. How has been the audience now? Do you see a lot of familiar faces, or it’s the same?
Paul: Its Mr. Big crowd, you know (laughs). No matter where and when we perform, when it comes to our fans, we have always had the matured lot, people who know and understand music.

How has been the tour this season?  
Paul: Absolutely fantastic. We had a great time performing at Indonesia. Japan too, was good.



Looking forward to India?
Paul: Well, that’s precisely why we are here. We have heard a lot about this country, and simply love being here. It feels nice. Bangalore is a place that we’ve heard of often. We definitely look forward to a nice performance tomorrow.

You are also performing in Shillong and Dimapur. It’s a small place, yet you guys decided to be there...
Paul: It depends on the music and the crowd. We didn’t know that Shillong is that small a place, but again, when we perform, everything remains the same – be it the guitaring, or the vocalist, it really doesn’t matter.  



What have you liked the most in India so far?
Paul: India is a beautiful place, with a rich culture. That’s something nice when you are a musician, you know. You go through a lot of unusual time. We get to see a lot of places, places that are so different that one another.

I am foodie, and I’ve heard a lot of Indian cuisines. So, I’m going to make the most of it (laughs). Also, Indian tea is great, and being here, I’m definitely not going to miss this opportunity.  

What do you want your crowd to expect from the show tomorrow?
Paul: We will do all our original numbers, things that we have played when we were together before parting. You can expect Mr. Big music.

But you are Mr. Big, aren’t you?
Paul: Yes, I guess, when it’s just the four of us, we do sound Mr. Big. Otherwise, it’s not the same. It’s, I think, the same with other bands too. When there is s change in the band’s line up, there is a change in their music too. All the four of are specialised in our own fields, and when we play together, it’s the individuality that retains. 

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