MR. BIG has set "Defying Gravity" as the title of its new album, tentatively due this fall via Frontiers Music Srl. The follow-up to 2014's "...The Stories We Could Tell" is being produced by Kevin Elson, who helmed all of MR. BIG's early LPs, including "Mr. Big" (1989), "Lean Into It" (1991) and "Bump Ahead" (1993). "Defying Gravity" will feature MR. BIG's original lineup — Paul Gilbert on guitar, Eric Martin on lead vocals, Billy Sheehan on bass and Pat Torpey on drums — with a special guest appearance by drummer Matt Starr. Starr has been filling in on the road for Torpey, who has had limited involvement with MR. BIG on the road since he was told he had Parkinson's disease in 2014. The 57-year-old drummer told CrypticRock.com about his diagnosis: "What was really great about it is that I found out how many people really care about me and the great support system I have around me with the guys in the band, our management, and especially my wife. My wife is my guardian angel; she basically saved me. It was tough, but I am doing much better. I found a way, and I'm trying to do it every day." "…Stories We Could Tell" was produced by Pat Regan, known for his work with DEEP PURPLE, WARRANT and KEEL. Formed in 1988, MR. BIG forged its place in hard rock history by combining trademark "shredding" musicianship with awesome vocal harmonies. The original lineup produced numerous hit songs that ranged across a wide array of rock genres, be it ballads, heavy metal, or blues rock. Their hits included "To Be With You" (Billboard Hot 100 number one single in 15 countries for weeks, in 1991, propelling the band the band to huge international success and record sales in the multi-millions), "Wild World", "Green-Tinted Sixties Mind" and "Just Take My Heart".
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