ERIC MARTIN (MR. BIG): “[Atlantic Records] Didn’t Even Believe In “To Be With You””

Addicted To That Rush

2021 marks the 30th anniversary of Mr. Big’s second studio album Lean In To It . To celebrate the occasion, the band’s landmark album is getting the remastering treatment, complete with bonus studio tracks, demos, and instrumentals courtesy of evoXS [review]. I had the chance to speak with Mr. Big vocalist about making the album, what he’s up to today, and a whole lot more.

Highlights Include

• Discussion of the 30th Anniversary Edition of Lean Into It
• Eric’s first meeting with guitarist Paul Gilbert
• Was it the band’s idea or label’s idea to release the latest edition of the album
• Drummer Pat Torpey’s final tour contributions
• Memories of recording Lean Into It back in 1991
• Meeting Ronnie James Dio at the recording studio (can’t miss story)
• Why Dio wasn’t interested in singing the National Anthem
• How the band’s manager politicked for “To Be With You” to be released
• Eric’s recent tours with Trixter as his backing band
• Eric’s idea on what to call their collaboration band
• Why there was never a follow-up album to Tak Matsumoto Group – TMG 1 (2004)
• Is Eric open to doing another Mr. Big album/tour?
• … and much, much more!

Mr. Big (1991) is

Eric Martin – Vocals
Paul Gilbert – Guitar
Billy Sheehan – Bass
Pat Torpey – Drums