There are legendary bands that mark entire generations that buy records and t-shirts of this group and live with the illusion of being able to see it live someday. The years pass and that hope is mutating to resignation to think that this dream will never be possible until when they least expect it, the visit of their idols is announced and everything is emotion and euphoria. That is undoubtedly the framework that preceded the visit of MR. BIG which resulted in an unforgettable concert in a ROOM Corona packed with fans.
No opening act, no delays or anything like that: The first date is not forgotten and everything had to be perfect, so at 9:30 pm the lights go out and the expectation is felt in the atmosphere. The Los Angeles natives make an appearance and immediately start with power with "Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy" and of course the effect of Paul Gilbert's drill to make the strings vibrate immediately appears. American Beauty and "Undertow" are the next songs to be played and it is at this point that Pat Torpey steals people's hearts upon arrival: As we all know, the Cleveland-born was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 3 years ago, which prevented him from continuing to command the drums, but not by continuing to be part of the band smiling while playing the tambourine or simple percussions. Even so in a song he exchanges place with Matt Starr Current live battery manager and people go out of their way to yells and claps.
Alive and Kickin and "Moody" The evening continues and it is truly impressive how after each song people scream and melt into passion releasing so many years of waiting. "We have composed many ballads but this is undoubtedly very special for us" he comments Eric Martin with everything and her masquerade of skulls around her neck and sniff sighs of the females with the mellow "Just Take My Heart". “This is incredible Mexico, this show has truly exceeded all our expectations; they're great!" the singer comments visibly excited and the night continues with Take Over the quasi-spatial start of Green-Tinted Sixties Mind and from there to the funky and catchy beat of "Everybody Needs a Little Trouble". For "Price You Gotta Pay" the vocalist wears a flash superhero cap that someone has thrown off the track and takes over on the bass so that the legendary Billy Sheehan play the harmonica in a dedicated way.
One cannot speak of MR. BIG not to mention the majestic and virtuous of each of its members. And it is that "It is not a bird, it is not an airplane, it is Paul Gilbert”–Phrase with which at some point in the concert Eric Martin would introduce the guitarist- perfectly summarizes how impressive and superhuman it is to see him on stage: All the time he gestures exaggeratedly and his mouth opens as big as the riff is, and he is a type that exudes charisma from his skin in unthinkable concentrations , in addition to possessing a technique worthy of a God that makes his solo seem like an otherworldly orchestra locked between its strings. Paul can play with his tongue, with his guitar on his shoulders and countless more luck that is worth it with loads of applause from the people. After this individual talent show Take a Walk and its 100% hard rock sound and cover a Wild World original from Cat Stevens they maintain the effervescence to everything that gives.
Rock and Roll Over it is played next and then the speed rises sharply with "Arround the World" where Matt Starr with everything and the fighter's shirt Mil Mascaras beats the drums and does not give rest to the cymbals in an overwhelming way. And then it would be time for the other great titan of the strings to shine and the bass solo of Billy Sheehan it is a machine gun of heavy sounds and implausible combinations to be created by a mere mortal; You have to have a pact with some other deity to be able to play like this! He only serves as a hook so that the adrenaline does not decay to the rhythm of "Addicted to that Rush"; and then a moment of sublime ballad and melodic applause to the rhythm of the beat floods the ROOM Corona with "To Be With You".
Billy Sheehan He begins to bite his instrument and make barking sounds, which is a warning that the dog has released its chain and is ready to take a good bite with it. Colorado Bulldog, an extremely powerful song that even has a rhythm that sometimes borders on more aggressive genres such as thrash in its most crossover format. “We know that it took us a long time to come, and that although we would have liked to touch on this subject in that decade, it was not possible; but today they are and we are here and we can go back to that time "Eric invites us to take the time machine and return to" 1992 "After presenting it one by one to the members of the band the vocalist jokes saying that" We had not been able to come but we are already here and we have given them their first time so friends: Today they have stopped being virgins ”stealing a cartload of applause and laughter. The singer still retains that gallantry that in the past - and perhaps still still - earned him the ability to steal many more virginities, in an even more literal sense as evidenced by the way in which the women present allow themselves to be carried away with their immaculate voice through the weather.
“The time has come to leave, you really are the best. But I promise that we will return ”he announces MR. BIG and his game is big with the cover of "Baba O´Riley" from another rock giant like it is The who. Billy Sheehan spreads a Mexican flag with the group's logo painted and the band gathers to thank people before retiring. An unrepeatable show, with a plethora of virtuous musicians who have you moving your face from one side to another because you do not know who to focus on without wanting to stop seeing the magic from next door. In the end there are fans crying, people of all ages hugging each other and most of them gawking at the hint of talent witnessed. An absolutely BIG concert. Thus, with capital letters as the name of the band is written.
Photos by Alfredo Alvarado
