Following the release of their 2017 album, Defying Gravity, Mr. Big set out on tour to promote the new release. By this time, drummer Pat Torpey’s battle with Parkinson’s Disease had been made public, but Pat toured with the band regardless and sat behind the drum kit for selected songs, while also providing background vocals, tambourine, etc. on other tracks when Matt Starr was taking his turn on the kit. Sadly, this would be one of Pat Torpey’s last performances with the band as he passed away from complications due to Parkinson’s in early 2018. A mix of ‘best of’s’ and more recent stuff, on Live from Milan, we get a band at the height of their powers. The years have been kind, although Eric has aged most…he looks 21 now rather than 12 as he did when they were charting regularly! You know what to expect; bass and guitar solos from the always entertaining Billy Sheehan and Paul Gilbert, great singing (especially on the superb Green Tinted 60’s Mind) from Martin and solid drumming from Starr and Torpey. There are highlights aplenty: Rock And Roll Over, Defying Gravity, American Beauty and even the solos. ‘Take Cover’ is my personal favourite with everything gelling just right. They also have the perfect audience participation song with, ‘To Be With You’, although it does fall a little flat, but I think that is the mix. The set captures a special moment in time for the band and also serves as a “greatest hits” of sorts as they hit on all their classic songs from the early albums as well as material from newer releases.
Not the best live album ever, but if you are a Mr Big fan, then this is a great record of the band in 2018.
