Alcatraz Line up: 2018

In 1988 Eric Martin (vocals), Paul Gilbert (guitar), Billy Sheehan (bass) and Pat Torpey (drums) formed Mr Big. Their self-titled debut dropped the following year but it was their sophomore effort, ‘Lean into It’, that catapulted the quartet into stardom thanks to hit single ‘To Be with You’, a ballad that topped the charts in 15 countries. Their success waned in the late 90s and they disbanded in 2002. In 2009 the original line-up got back together and presented ‘What If...’ in 2011. The first Mr Big album in a decade showcased all of the band’s old strengths: vocal harmonies, intricate bass-lead guitar interplay, Eric Martin’s soulful rock vocals and Gilbert’s minimalistic solos with each note in its rightful place. ‘Defying Gravity’ is the latest addition to their catalogue and the last to feature a contribution by Pat Torpey, as a drum producer. Torpey, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s several years ago and had been unable to play for some time, succumbed to Parkinson’s-related complications in February of this year. His replacement Matt Star has been with the band for some time but still has huge shoes to fill...