Mr. Big Wraps Up Big Finish Farewell Tour
After an illustrious career spanning over three decades, American rock band Mr. Big wrapped up their Big Finish farewell tour on Friday at the Way Too Far Rock Festival in Romania. The band members, including bassist Billy Sheehan, guitarist Paul Gilbert, and drummer Nick D’Virgilio, took to social media to express their gratitude and reflect on their incredible journey.
A Grateful and Reflective Mood
Sheehan, known for his energetic stage presence and impressive bass skills, wrote on Instagram: "Romania!!! Crowd was a little bit light, but they made up for it in enthusiasm! The last Mr. Big show (not my last show, goddammit!!) What a great run we’ve had since 1988. We made great memories and millions (literally) of friends all around the world. My unlimited love and respect to all who listened, watched, purchased records, tickets, and T-shirts. Without you, we would have been nothing. Fact. Moving on now to other adventures, but never forgetting this amazing experience."
A Legacy of Rock ‘n’ Roll
Gilbert, who has been with the band since its inception, shared his own thoughts on the tour’s conclusion: "What an adventure! Mr. Big wraps up over a year of touring! Many thanks to all! I’ll get home just in time for my son’s 10th birthday. I hope he remembers who I am! And special thanks to Ibanez guitars for getting beautiful instruments to me after my touring guitars were stolen."
Drummer Nick D’Virgilio’s Reflections
D’Virgilio, who joined the band in 2023, expressed his gratitude for the experience: "I’ve been able to rock ‘n’ roll all over the world with the guys, and I will be forever thankful. Big Love for Mr. Big!"
The History of Mr. Big
Mr. Big formed in Los Angeles in 1988, initially comprising Gilbert, Sheehan, singer Eric Martin, and late drummer Pat Torpey. The band’s 1989 self-titled debut was a modest success, peaking at No. 46 on the Billboard 200. However, their sophomore album, 1991’s Lean Into It, sold over a million copies in the United States and spawned the chart-topping ballad "To Be With You," as well as the Top 20 hit "Just Take My Heart."
A Legacy of Hits
Mr. Big’s popularity dwindled as grunge overtook hard rock and glam metal, but they continued releasing albums throughout the ’90s and early 2000s before disbanding in 2002. They reunited in 2009, launching a reunion trek in Japan. Several albums and tours followed, but the band went on hiatus after Torpey’s death in 2018 of complications from Parkinson’s disease.
The Big Finish
The band confirmed in 2023 that they would embark on another reunion tour. Mr. Big released their 10th studio album, the aptly titled Ten, in July. A live album culled from their farewell tour, titled The Big Finish Live, will arrive on September 6.
Eric Martin’s Thoughts on the Tour’s Conclusion
In a recent interview with Radio Kiss FM, Martin stated that the Big Finish will mark the definitive end of Mr. Big’s touring activities. "When we say ‘the Big Finish’, it’s not, like — hey, more power to Motley Crue or when Kiss kept going. We really are men of our words. It’s gonna be it. We’re not touring anymore. That’s it. We are putting out a new record. We’re not even gonna tour on it. We’ll play some songs from it as the tour progresses. I mean, it will end in August. And we’ve got a live album coming out. But that’s it. That’s it."
Conclusion
Mr. Big’s Big Finish farewell tour marks the end of an era for the American rock band. With a legacy spanning over three decades, the band has left an indelible mark on the music industry. As the band members move on to new adventures, they will always be remembered for their incredible music, energetic live performances, and dedication to their craft.
FAQs
Q: What was the final show of Mr. Big’s Big Finish farewell tour?
A: The final show of Mr. Big’s Big Finish farewell tour was held at the Way Too Far Rock Festival in Romania.
Q: How long has Mr. Big been together?
A: Mr. Big formed in 1988 and has been together for over three decades.
Q: What is the name of Mr. Big’s latest album?
A: Mr. Big’s latest album is titled Ten and was released in July.
Q: Will Mr. Big continue to release music after the Big Finish tour?
A: Yes, Mr. Big will release a new album, but it will not be accompanied by a tour.
Q: What is the name of Mr. Big’s live album?
A: Mr. Big’s live album is titled The Big Finish Live and will be released on September 6.
