The Big Finish begins in America early next year
After kicking off their farewell tour with several stops around the globe, Mr. Big have confirmed the first round of U.S. dates for their final run. The Big Finish begins on January 12, 2024 at Rise Rooftop in Houston, Texas and wraps up on February 24, 2024 at the Diamond Ballroom in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
“We wanted to do a proper farewell, and this seems like the right way to do it,” asserts Billy Sheehan.
Eric Martin adds, “If we were in the movie business, we’d just put it all up in lights and say, ‘Welcome to The BIG Finish!’ Seriously, I’m glad we’re getting a chance to do it all onstage together as MR. BIG again and raise a flag to everything we’ve done as a band over the years.”
A unique treat for fans on this upcoming final run that the band is also stoked about is the decision to perform their breakthrough platinum-selling album Lean Into It from start to finish, in addition to other hits and fan favorites. The 1991 LP Lean Into It is the perfect litmus testament to the band’s inherent dexterity at blending a variety of styles together, whether it’s the heady rocking brew of “Green-Tinted Sixties Mind,” the power-drilled and power-chorded identity checklist “Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy,” or the truly heartfelt sentiments found within “To Be With You,” Mr. Big’s chart-topping, worldwide No. 1 smash hit single.
“I love playing the entire Lean Into It record,” says Paul Gilbert. “We’ve never done that until now, and the songs flow together really well. It’s a first-class seat in the time-travel-machine back to 1992! I was amazed that during my guitar solo, the whole audience started singing along with me! That was the first time that has ever happened! That’s what a live show is about!”
Joining Mr. Big on drums for this special final world tour will be longtime friend of the band Nick D’Virgilio (Spock’s Beard, Big Big Train), stepping in for founding drummer/vocalist Pat Torpey, who sadly passed away in 2018 following his heroic battle with Parkinson’s disease.
“We found a wonderful drummer in Nick, and he’s got a great voice too,” confirms Sheehan. “Nick has a vocal range similar to Pat’s, and he’ll be able to do the parts Pat did with a similar finesse. It’s a big relief because MR. BIG has always been heavy on the harmonies. When the band began, we really relied on each other. We knew each guy would do exactly what he needed to do vocally and to do it righteously, on key, and in time. It’s difficult to find a drummer who sings in that range, but Nick has the voice we really need onstage.”
Fri January 12 – Houston, TX – Rise Rooftop
Sat January 13 – Dallas, TX – The Factory In Deep Ellum
Wed January 17 – Key West, FL – Rokisland Fest
Sat January 20 – Orlando, FL – The Plaza Live
Sun January 21 – Clearwater, FL – Capitol Theatre
Tue January 23 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse
Wed January 24 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
Fri January 26 – Cincinnati, OH – Ludlow Garage
Sun January 28 – Warrendale, PA – Jergel’s Rhythm Grille
Tue January 30 – Portland, ME – Aura
Wed January 31 – Patchogue, NY – Patchogue Theater
Fri February 2 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
Sat February 3 – Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse
Tue February 6 – New York, NY – Sony Hall
Wed February 7 – Derry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall
Fri February 9 – Glenside, PA – Keswick Theatre
Wed February 14 – Wabash, IN – Honeywell Center
Fri February 16 – Des Plains, IL – Des Plains Theatre
Sat February 17 – Green Bay, WI – Epic Event Center
Tue February 20 – Detroit, MI – Royal Oak Theatre
Wed February 21 – Minneapolis, MN – Fitzgerald Theater
Fri February 23 – Wichita, KS – The Cotillion
Sat February 24 – Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom
Tickets and VIP Passes are on sale now HERE