Mr. Big – Back to Budokan
Frontiers Records
www.mrbigsite.com 

Rating: B 

Lumped in, somewhat unfairly, with the hair bands of the 80's and 90's, Mr. Big brought real musicianship to the table of a sub-genre of music known more for flair than for talent.  The band enjoyed a nice run before personalties became more important than musical principals, tearing apart the band.   

Mr. Big, best known for the power ballad, “To Be With You” never really were respected for what was going on behind the vocals.  Bass player Billy Sheehan is one of the best bass players on the planet while guitarist Paul Gilbert can burn the frets with the best of them and drummer Pat Torpey is a madman behind the sticks.  Eric Martin, whose boyish good looks and soulful voice often took center stage from the fan’s point of view, had a touch of lead singer disease that the rest of the band just couldn’t stomach.  The fact that Mr. Big, while enjoying a nice run of success, were not a household name made the odds of a full blown reunion unlikely.  However, the band are back.  They seem more mature and they seem to be playing music for the right reasons and keeping their priorities in proper perspective.  

The DVD and CD are both equally good.  Of course, the visual aspect of seeing these three great musicians perform before your eyes is just damn cool but the double live CD sounds amazing in the car stereo.  “Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy,” “Green-Tinted Sixties Mind,” “Alive and Kickin’” and “Addicted to that Rush” all show Mr. Big are a damn good band.  The solo section of Sheehan and Gilbert jamming their asses off can only be described as sweet.  Throw in a few uniquely blended remakes such as “Wild World,” “Hold Your Head Up,” “Smoke on the Water” and “Baba O’Riley” and, of course the classic “Shy Boy” with the song that made it all possible, “To Be With You.” and you have one hell of a good concert.   

– Jeb Wright