Chaos Or Genius - Billy Sheehan Describes His Time With David Lee Roth

Here is the link to their 10th album “TEN”

Mr. Big, formed in 1988, is a rock supergroup known for their blend of virtuosic musicianship and melodic songwriting. The band’s original lineup consisted of four accomplished musicians: Billy Sheehan (bass), Paul Gilbert (guitar), Eric Martin (vocals), and Pat Torpey (drums). Before forming Mr. Big, each member had already established themselves in the rock world. Billy Sheehan had gained fame as the bassist for Talas and David Lee Roth’s band, playing on albums like “Eat ’Em and Smile.” Paul Gilbert was known for his guitar work with the metal band Racer X. Eric Martin had a successful solo career with hits like “Sucker for a Pretty Face,” and Pat Torpey was an experienced session and touring drummer, having worked with artists such as Ted Nugent and The Knack.

Mr. Big quickly gained a reputation for their tight live performances and musicianship. Their self-titled debut album “Mr. Big” (1989) introduced the band to the rock scene with tracks like “Addicted to That Rush.” However, their breakthrough came with the release of their second album, “Lean into It” (1991), which featured their most famous hit, “To Be with You.” This ballad reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in multiple countries, catapulting the band to international fame. The album also included rock hits like “Green-Tinted Sixties Mind” and “Just Take My Heart.”

They followed up with the albums “Bump Ahead” (1993), which featured the hit “Wild World,” a cover of Cat Stevens’ song, and “Hey Man” (1996), continuing their success, particularly in Japan and other parts of Asia, where they enjoyed massive popularity.

After their initial run, internal tensions led to the departure of Paul Gilbert in 1997, Martin once said “He’s never said it, but I know he left because of me and Billy butting heads all the time,” and the band disbanded in 2002. However, the original lineup reunited in 2009 for a world tour and released new music, including the album “What If…” (2011) and “…The Stories We Could Tell” (2014).

Sadly, drummer Pat Torpey passed away in 2018 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease, but the band’s legacy continues through their influential catalog, particularly their musicianship and the enduring appeal of hits like “To Be with You.” Mr. Big remains one of the standout rock bands of the late 80s and 90s, especially for fans of virtuosic rock.

[chriscox]

Huge influence for me, as a sincere kind and sharing personality Billy still inspires me at 65, I'm still learning
and using his advice in so many aspects in playing approach and attitude to life, Thankyou.

[JayGuitars]

Billy is an awesome person, and even more awesome bass player!

[scotabot]

Very smart and driven man. Never quit!! Great interview with Billy. What a Monster player, WOW!!!

[kclif]

billy is a great musician who keeps it real.

[luvbasses]

Underneath the glam and glittery is just a regular guy. Luv it!

[petenestor]

Great interview with a legend. He seems pretty happy -go-lucky. Superb bassist who took the bass to another level. Capable of soloing with Steve

[gener]

My first experience watching Billy play was in my high school gym (St. Joe’s) it was life changing

[jaegerjae]

Love watching Billy play, so entertaining and such an amazing talent. I got to meet him once back in the 90's at a local music store. Very sweet and gracious.

[ROOKTABULA]

"Eat 'em _Up_ And Smile"! 🤣

[hippomancy]

his comment "you can be 80, and start a band and have a hit"... makes me look forward to his 80-y-o self topping the charts again... off the cuff comment... or plan?

[Srode]

Just a note to Billy if he reads these comments: supermarket flowers are of the same quality of flowers that you get at most florists shops. The supermarkets buy bazillions of flowers and get much better pricing than your independent florists.

[notinconceivable]

Why on earth don't you ask him why he stole another band's name? Or are you completely unaware that there was already a band called Mr Big? They had a huge hit with a song called "Romeo" in 1977. They were a great band and they had their name stolen by Sheehan and co, and it has caused them a huge nightmare. I despise Sheehan and co for doing that. Why do they never get confronted about it in interviews? It's pathetic. They need to be confronted about it. Please find out who the original Mr Big are (I have videos for two of their best songs on my channel), and confront Sheehan about why he stole their name.

[AndrewGrey]

I don't know the man, but Billy annoys me for some reason. Some people are just too good. I don't envy them, I just find it annoying. Show offs. Like Yngwie. Paul Gilbert is awesome though.

[mmgreen]

The worst frontman of any band in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.