Mr Big - O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, London - 20th September 2011 (Live Review)
Monday, 26 September 2011
Written by Rob Sleigh (Photos: Anthony May)
Forget Nirvana – for a few moments at least – and think back 20 years to 1991… Remember it well? Maybe not, but it certainly mustn’t be forgotten that it was a great year for rock. OK, so that may have been largely due to the aforementioned Seattle grungers, but they aren’t the only ’90s rock band to be celebrating the 20th anniversary of their breakthrough album this year.
Also in ‘91, LA rockers Mr Big experienced their own first taste of worldwide success with the release of their second album ‘Lean Into It’. Although that initial hint of international prestige wasn’t to last, it appears that after two decades, it wasn’t all for nothing. Now, the band are back and shredding like grunge never happened.
Following the release of their seventh album – not to mention their first in 10 years – ‘What If...’ earlier this year, Mr Big have returned to the UK again for another string of dates. Judging by the substantial crowd in the Shepherds Bush Empire, people aren’t getting tired of their big return just yet either. Kicking off with ‘Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy’, the opener from their fan favourite ‘Lean Into It’, the group are back on top form with an action-packed and hit-fuelled set. Although 8:15 seems like a surprisingly early start for a headlining act, it clearly had to be in order to squeeze as much as possible into their generous two-hour slot.
After a lively intro, Mr Big continue the celebration of their classic album’s 20th birthday with the opener’s two succeeding tracks, ‘Alive and Kickin’ and the hit single ‘Green Tinted Sixties Mind’, much to their old school fans’ delight. Bassist Billy Sheehan along with guitar player Paul Gilbert frequently impress with their astonishing playing techniques, occasionally coming together for a bit of lighthearted hard rock duelling. Songs from ‘What If...’ such as ‘Undertow’ and ‘Once Upon A Time’ also make an appearance during the evening and seem to please as much as the older material.
Singer Eric Martin’s voice seems as powerful as ever, as do the skills of his bandmates, particularly Gilbert and Sheehan, who each perform spectacular solo segments during the show. After a short interval, the band return for the predictable inclusion of their smash hit ballad ‘To Be With You’, which receives a welcome sing-along, before the quartet continue with a cover of Deep Purple’s ‘Smoke On The Water’. During the latter track, Sheehan takes over on vocals while his four bandmates all switch places, with Gilbert ending up on drums. Halfway through the song, they switch again as drummer Pat Torpey provides vocal duties.
An amusing and well-received end to a thoroughly enjoyable performance. Mr Big may not have taken over the world 20 years ago, but they certainly took over the Shepherds Bush Empire tonight by proving that, after a 10-year break, playing live rock music is still as fun as ever.
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
Also in ‘91, LA rockers Mr Big experienced their own first taste of worldwide success with the release of their second album ‘Lean Into It’. Although that initial hint of international prestige wasn’t to last, it appears that after two decades, it wasn’t all for nothing. Now, the band are back and shredding like grunge never happened. 
