Mr. Big (band)

Mr.

Mr. Big is an American hard rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1988. The original lineup featured Eric Martin, Paul Gilbert, Billy Sheehan, and Pat Torpey. The group became best known for its 1992 hit “To Be with You.”

History

Mr. Big formed in Los Angeles in 1988 and built its reputation during the late 1980s and 1990s. The band's name comes from the song “Mr. Big” by Free. The band later broke up in 2002, reunited in 2009, and continued to release new material, including Ten in 2024.

Musical style

The band is generally classified as hard rock, with a sound that also includes melodic songwriting, vocal harmonies, and softer ballads. Their technical playing and accessible hooks helped distinguish them from many contemporaries.

Breakthrough and success

Mr. Big’s commercial peak came with “To Be with You,” which became a major hit in 1992. Other notable songs include “Just Take My Heart,” and the band maintained an audience through the 1990s. The group released its self-titled debut album in 1989.

Lineup changes

The classic lineup included Martin, Gilbert, Sheehan, and Torpey. Paul Gilbert later left and Richie Kotzen joined on guitar for a period; the group later reunited and continued with later personnel changes.