Mr. Big is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1988. The band was originally composed of Eric Martin (lead vocals), Paul Gilbert (guitar), Billy Sheehan (bass), and Pat Torpey (drums). Though primarily a hard rock band, they are also known for softer songs. Their music is often marked by strong vocals and vocal harmonies. Their hits include "To Be With You" (a number-one single in 15 countries in 1992) and "Just Take My Heart". The band takes its name from a song by Free, which it covered on the 1993 album "Bump Ahead."
In 2023, Mr. Big put on their signature top hats and old shoes for the launch of their final worldwide tour–aptly titled "The BIG Finish." The first leg kicked off in Nagoya, Japan, where the band went on to perform for thousands of loyal fans throughout Southeast Asia at 11 sold-out shows. Joining on drums for this special final world tour has been longtime friend of the band Nick D'Virgilio (Spock’s Beard, Big Big Train), stepping in for founding member Pat Torpey–who sadly passed away in 2018 following a battle with Parkinson's disease.
The BIG Finish Live captures the band's performance in Budokan, Tokyo on July 26, 2023, where they played their million-selling Lean Into It (1991) album in its entirety plus additional classics like “Addicted To That Rush,” "Big Love," and more.
The BIG Finish Live will be available in a variety of high-resolution physical editions, including LP, MQA-CD, SACD, Blu-Ray, and Ultra-HD Blu-Ray. These formats highlight the album's exquisite sound engineering, enhancing the listening experience to a new level.
We at IAA are thrilled to offer the entire he 26-track collection as an exclusive immersive digital download through our online shop, with high-resolution 48-khz/24-bit Dolby TrueHD/Atmos MKV file!
Immersive Audio Album offers immersive digital downloads in the lossless Dolby TrueHD format. While streaming services offer convenience and access to a vast library of music, they also severely compress the audio to save bandwidth. With lossless TrueHD, the inner detail and sonic clarity is much better preserved for home listeners.
Though it’s a live recording, the Dolby Atmos of The BIG Finish Live is surprisingly immersive. Eric Martin’s vocals are almost completely isolated in the center speaker, with D'Virgilio drum kit spread across the front stage. Ambient sound from the drums extends up into the height array–making the kit sound massive–while the audience mics are similarly spread all around and above the listener, giving the impression of actually being in the venue. Harmony vocals seem to be mixed partially to the front height speakers, hovering above the lead in the center.
Overall, The BIG Finish Live is a fitting swan song to the band’s 35-year career and the Dolby Atmos mix is undoubtedly the best way to experience this landmark concert. After 35 years of bringing the Mr. Big sound across the world and back, it’s time to come together for one final curtain call with a live album to live on for the ages.
Purchase The BIG Finish Live and other recordings from Mr. Big in the IAA Shop!
