Mr. Big

Mr. Big formed in Los Angeles in 1988 around four players: vocalist Eric Martin, guitarist Paul Gilbert, bassist Billy Sheehan and drummer Pat Torpey. Their sound is mostly hard rock, with strong lead vocals and tight harmonies, and they were just as happy to slow down for softer songs. "To Be with You" went to number one in 15 countries in 1992, and "Just Take My Heart" was another hit. The band took its name from a Free song, which they covered on Bump Ahead.

Their best-known records are Lean Into It, Bump Ahead, Mr. Big and Hey Man. Gilbert left in 1999 and Richie Kotzen stepped in for two albums before the band split in 2002. They reunited in 2009, made What If... in 2010, and carried on through Torpey's illness and death in 2018. Ten, their final album, came out in 2024. Their enduring following in Japan is a big part of their story.