Tag: Eric Martin
0 UFO Lands on Monsters of Rock Cruise
The Monsters of Rock Cruise announced the addition of UFO to their star studded lineup which includes Cinderella, Tesla, Kix, Keel, Stryper, Lynch Mob, Y&T, Firehouse, Faster Pussycat, XYZ, Bang Tango, Black N’ Blue, Eric Martin and Jon Corabi.
The Monsters of Rock departs Fort Lauderdale on February 25th, 2012. For more info, please visit, MonstersofRockCruise.com
0 MR. BIG Embarking on U.S.Tour
Their First U.S. Tour by the original band in 15 years!
New Release “What If… ” Out Now!
MR. BIG will once again unleash their brand of brutal fury on their first U.S. tour in 15 years starting July 30th, in SanDiego at the 4th & B. Returning fresh from a successful run of tour dates overseas, vocalist Eric Martin, guitarist Paul Gilbert, bassist Billy Sheehan, and drummer Pat Torpey, will be hitting the road in the United States this summer in support of the band’s new album, WHAT IF… “Man, it’s been a long time,” states guitarist Paul Gilbert. I can’t wait to play our first show in AMERICA in about 15 years. It’s gonna be huge!”
«What If… » is MR. BIG’s first all original album since the reunion of the four original members, Eric Martin, Paul Gilbert, Billy Sheehan and Pat Torpey back in early 2009. Sixteen years after the release of « Hey Man », the new recording is set to bring back MR. BIG on the height of the current Hard Rock scene.
Guitarist Paul Gilbert said: “This is the first MR. BIG album I have been a part of, since fourteen years and it was done in a snap. It was fun and we had really a good time in making this one”. Continues Billy Sheehan “It’s so great to be back with Paul, Eric and Pat too. We wrote this record like we did in the old days for the first 2 records. Jamming together in the same room to write songs”. Pat Torpey adds ““Some of the recording process is different now from what we were used to in the old times. But I think this record really managed to capture the performances of the band, not of the individual musicians”.
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”, “Just Take My Heart”, and a host of heavy metal songs that were played mostly during their live performances: “Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy”, “Addicted to that Rush”, “Colorado Bulldog”, and “Take Cover”.
“What If…” is released in a special edition CD + DVD in digipak, regular CD, vinyl and digital download and in a limited edition luxury box including the CD, DVD, LP and exclusive memorabilia.
“What If…” track-listing includes: Undertow; American Beauty; Stranger In My Life; Nobody Takes the Blame; Still Ain’t Enough for Me; Once Upon a Time; As Far As I Can See; All The Way Up; I Won’t Get In My Way; Around The World; I Get The Feeling; Unforgiven (exclusive bonus track for Europe / North America – not on vinyl edition).
The DVD will include the video clips of “Undertow” and “All the Way Up” plus a documentary “Making of” the album including interviews and exclusive behind the scenes features of the four members.
In other Mr. Big news, the next single from the new album, “American Beauty,” will ship to radio in July in support of the tour.
MR. BIG on tour:
JULY
30 San Diego, CA 4th & B
31 Agoura Hills, CA The Canyon Club
AUGUST
2 Tempe, AZ Marquee Theatre
4 Santa Ana, CA Galaxy Theatre
5 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
6 Modesto, CA Xclamation Festival
8 Salt Lake City, UT The Complex
9 Denver, CO Summit Music Hall
12 Chicago, IL House Of Blues
13 Columbus, OH Al Rosa Villa
16 Pittsburgh, PA Trib Total Media Amphitheatre
17 Cleveland, OH House Of Blues
19 Buffalo, NY Town Ballroom
20 Detroit, MI Harpo’s
23 New York, NY BB King’s
24 Foxborough, MA Showcase Live
26 N. Myrtle Beach, SC House Of Blues
27 Lake Buena Vista, FL House Of Blues
30 Houston, TX House Of Blues
31 Dallas, TX House Of Blues
For more information please visit: www.mrbigsite.com
2 Sin-Atra (2011)
Call me an old soul if you will, but I have always liked Frank Sinatra. When I first heard about the Sin-Atra CD , I knew I would have to add it to my collection when it came out. This CD features the vocals of some of the best singers in hard rock including Dee Snider, Robin Zander, Glenn Hughes, Joey Belladonna, Geoff Tate, Tim “Ripper” Owens, Eric Martin, Jani Lane and dUg Pinnick.
This collection is put out by the same folks who did the We Wish You A Metal X-Mas Christmas CD. That CD has become a metal staple during the holidays at my house, so I knew this had to be good. Sin-Atra is not just another cover CD. The musicians involved in this project put their own unique spin on Frank Sinatra’s songs making it a must have for most hard rock fans.
Former Deep Purple, and current Black Country Communion singer, Glenn Hughes shows off his impressive vocal range on the Old Blue Eyes classic “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”
“It Was A Very Good Year” features Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider on vocals. This is a really cool, heavy version of this song. Bob Kulick’s guitar work is awesome, and Dee Snider gives this song a great vocal performance.
Mr. Big’s Eric Martin takes the Sinatra staple, “Lady Is A Tramp” and helps turn it into a real rockin’ tune. This version is 100% different from the original, but is a very fun spin on this song.
Tim “Ripper” Owens takes the song “Witchcraft” to new heights with an over the top metal vocal.
Do I dare say that I like the version of “High Hopes” from Scars of Broadway front man, Franky Perez better than the original? I do….this version is less cheesy than the original version.
I can’t hardly hear “Love And Marriage” without thinking about the TV Show, “Married With Children”. This version is a very heavy, up tempo number. Nonpoint front man, Elias Soriano does a pretty good job with it.
The CD closer “That’s Life” features the blazing guitar work of Richie Kotzen, and a solid vocal performance by former Warrant front man, Jani Lane.
Overall, I have been enjoying Sin-Atra, and I think many of you will too. Long time fans of Frank Sinatra will probably hate this, and I am pretty sure Frank Sinatra (god rest his soul) is probably rolling around in his grave. Hard rock and metal fans will be sure to enjoy these unique spins of the classic Sinatra tunes!
You can listen to this CD in its entirety for a limited time at this link. Check it out!!
Rating:
Out of 10
Track Listing
- New York, New York (Devin Townsend)
- I’ve Got You Under My Skin (Glenn Hughes)
- Summerwind (Geoff Tate)
- It Was A Very Good Year (Dee Snider)
- Witchcraft (Tim “Ripper” Owens)
- Fly Me To The Moon (Robin Zander)
- Lady Is A Tramp (Eric Martin)
- Strangers In the Night (Joey Belladonna)
- High Hopes (Franky Perez)
- I’ve Got The World On A String (Dug Pinnick)
- Love And Marriage (Elias Soriano)
- That’s Life (Jani Lane)
Band Lineup:
Bob Kulick – guitar
Brett Chassen – drums
Billy Sheehan – bass
Doug Katsaros – keyboards & orchestrations
Richie Kotzen – Lead Guitar on “That’s Life”
0 Hard Rock Hideout’s Pushking Giveaway!
PUSHKING has released The World As We Love It, the Russian band’s star-studded new album. The World As We Love It also includes guest appearances from Paul Stanley (Kiss), Steve Vai, Udo Dirkschneider (Accept), Steve Lukather (Toto), Alice Cooper, Billy F. Gibbons (ZZ Top) among many others.
Hard Rock Hideout has three copies of The World As We Love It to giveaway!
Submit your name and email address in the box below to enter!!!
0 MR. BIG at the HOLLYWOOD HOUSE OF BLUES SATURDAY, APRIL 2ND
Their First US show by the original band in 15 years!
New Release What If… Out Now!
MR. BIG will once again unleash their brand of brutal fury to the masses in Hollywood, Saturday April 2nd at the House Of Blues with their very first US show in 15 years! “Man, it’s been a long time,” states guitarist Paul Gilbert. I can’t wait to play in L.A… actually, I can’t wait to play our first show in AMERICA in about 15 years. It’s gonna be huge!”
What If… is MR. BIG’s first all original album since the reunion of the four original members, Eric Martin, Paul Gilbert, Billy Sheehan and Pat Torpey back in early 2009. Sixteen years after the release of Hey Man , the new recording is set to bring back MR. BIG on the height of the current Hard Rock scene.
Guitarist Paul Gilbert said: “This is the first MR. BIG album I have been a part of, since fourteen years and it was done in a snap. It was fun and we had really a good time in making this one”. Continues Billy Sheehan “It’s so great to be back with Paul, Eric and Pat too. We wrote this record like we did in the old days for the first 2 records. Jamming together in the same room to write songs”. Pat Torpey adds ““Some of the recording process is different now from what we were used to in the old times. But I think this record really managed to capture the performances of the band, not of the individual musicians”.
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”, “Just Take My Heart”, and a host of heavy metal songs that were played mostly during their live performances: “Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy”, “Addicted to that Rush”, “Colorado Bulldog”, and “Take Cover”.
What If… is released in a special edition CD + DVD in digipak, regular CD, vinyl and digital download and in a limited edition luxury box including the CD, DVD, LP and exclusive memorabilia.
What If… tracklisting includes: Undertow; American Beauty; Stranger In My Life; Nobody Takes the Blame; Still Ain’t Enough for Me; Once Upon a Time; As Far As I Can See; All The Way Up; I Won’t Get In My Way; Around The World; I Get The Feeling; Unforgiven (exclusive bonus track for Europe / North America – not on vinyl edition).
The DVD will include the videoclips of “Undertow” and “All the Way Up” plus a documentary “Making of” the album including interviews and exclusive behind the scenes features of the four members.
For more information go to www.mrbigsite.com.
0 Eagle Rock To Release SIN-Atra CD – March 29, 2011
What would timeless songs like “New York, New York,” “Lady Is A Tramp,” and “Fly Me To The Moon,” sound like cranked out of Marshall stacks, crooned by members of Cheap Trick, Twisted Sister, Deep Purple, Anthrax, Mr. Big, or Queensrÿche? This can now be experienced on SIN-Atra, a brand new album to be released by Eagle Rock Entertainment on March 29, 2011. [MSRP $13.98]
This all-star project, created from the team that brought you the merry, molten melodies of We Wish You A Metal Xmas, reinvents the classic songs that the great Frank Sinatra performed and, in turn, made famous. These twelve cherished tunes, written by some of the greatest songwriters of all time, are given a radical hard rock/heavy metal treatment, resulting in electrically charged versions of the classics.
Some of the most potent and recognizable voices of rock rework such legendary gems as “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Strangers In The Night,” and “That’s Life,” including Dee Snider, Robin Zander, Glenn Hughes, Joey Belladonna, Geoff Tate, , Tim “Ripper” Owens, Eric Martin, and dUg Pinnick. Producers Bob Kulick, of KISS and Meat Loaf fame, and Brett Chassen, recreated these songs on guitar and drums, respectively, rounded out by Billy Sheehan (bass) and Doug Katsaros (keyboards, orchestration). Also making an appearance as lead guitarist on “That’s Life” is renowned rock guitarist Richie Kotzen.
These familiar favorites are beloved the world over, but they’ve never been heard like this before! “A fantastic CD,” says executive producer Wendy Dio, “keeping the era alive with today’s musicians.”
Eagle Rock Entertainment is an international media production and distribution company operating across audiovisual entertainment programming. Eagle Rock Entertainment works directly alongside talent to produce the highest quality programming output covering film, general entertainment and musical performance. Eagle Rock Entertainment has offices based in London, New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Hamburg, & Paris.
Track Listing:
1.) New York, New York – Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad)
2.) I’ve Got You Under My Skin – Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple)
3.) Summerwind – Geoff Tate (Queensrÿche)
4.) It Was A Very Good Year – Dee Snider (Twisted Sister)
5.) Witchcraft – Tim “Ripper” Owens (Judas Priest, Iced Earth)
6.) Fly Me To The Moon – Robin Zander (Cheap Trick)
7.) Lady Is A Tramp – Eric Martin (Mr. Big)
8.) Strangers In The Night – Joey Belladonna (Anthrax)
9.) High Hopes – Franky Perez (Scars on Broadway)
10.) I’ve Got The World On A String – dUg Pinnick (King’s X)
11.) Love And Marriage – Elias Soriano (Nonpoint)
12.) That’s Life – Jani Lane (Warrant)
0 MR. BIG HIT IT BIG (AGAIN) WITH STRONG CHART DEBUTS ABROAD FOR NEW ALBUM “WHAT IF…”
ALBUM FINDS ALLFOUR ORIGINAL BAND MEMBERS REUNITED
“WHAT IF…” NOW SET FOR FEBRUARY 15TH RELEASE IN NORTH AMERICA
Shredder rock-pop metallers Mr. Big are back with brand new album WHAT IF…The new studio release finds all four original band members reuniting for their first album in 14 years. Produced by Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith, Rush, Iron Maiden), WHAT IF…will now be released in North America on February 15th. The first single from the album, “Undertow,” will impact at radio this week. Released last month overseas, WHAT IF…has hit the European album charts with strong respective debuts including: #36 in Switzerland, #50 in Germany, #71 in Austria, #71 in Italy and #75 in Sweden.
WHAT IF…will be released in a special edition CD + DVD in digipak, regular CD, vinyl and digital download and in a limited edition luxury box including the CD, DVD, LP and exclusive memorabilia. The DVD includes videos of “Undertow” and “All the Way Up” plus a documentary “making of” the album including interviews and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the four band members. Please see below for the complete album track listing.
In other Mr. Big news, the band will play their first U.S. show in more than 14 years on April 2nd at the House Of Blues in West Hollywood, CA. More U.S. tour dates will be announced later this year.
Formed in 1988, Mr. Big forged its place in hard rock history by combining trademark virtuosic musicianship with stellar vocal harmonies. The original (and now reunited) line-up features vocalist Eric Martin, guitarist Paul Gilbert, bassist Billy Sheehan, and drummer Pat Torpey. The quartet produced numerous hit songs that ranged across a wide array of rock genres, including the ubiquitous “To Be With You,” which was a Billboard Hot 100 #1 single in 15 countries for weeks, propelling the band to huge international success and record sales in the multi-millions.
WHAT IF… track listing:
- Undertow
- American Beauty
- Stranger In My Life
- Nobody Left To Blame
- Still Ain’t Enough For Me
- Once Upon A Time
- As Far As I Can See
- All The Way Up
- I Won’t Get In My Way
- Around The World
- I Get The Feeling
- Unforgiven
4 Mr. Big – What If… (2011)
The album cover really says it all. It depicts a flying pig, which indicates when fans thought that a fully reunited Mr. Big would release a new record. Much to their surprise, the band did reunite with all of the original members, and returned with one rocking record. What If… is the first album with all of the original bandmates since 1996. That’s quite a lot of time gone by. Mr. Big makes up for it in a big, big way, with a solid release that is ear pleasing and juice squeezing!
One point of amazement is how solid and sharp Eric Martin’s voice still sounds. Even after rocking the scene for more than three decades, his vocal prowess would put most (younger) modern rock singers to shame. Martin’s ability with his pipes is clearly evident and decorates What If… with class, making it a noteworthy record, not some lame reunion rehash that tends to happen when 80s hair metal bands “reunite”.
Slapping the bass like it’s the late 80s all over again, Billy Sheehan still has a unique, undeniable style. His funk-o-matic, slap bass, party sound is still going strong and even more enjoyable than can be remembered. What If… gives Sheehan a chance to really show off his talent while not stealing the spotlight entirely. That is a big part of what makes Mr. Big’s latest album so enjoyable.
Paul Gilbert is definitely back at home with Mr. Big. His guitar work never sounded better and his tantalizing solos were all crafted with an elegance meant to compliment Billy Sheehan’s bass playing like no other guitarist can. It’s a true win for the fans to see these wizards back in action again. The finger picking exchange and solo trade off, follow the leader, of guitar and bass on “Around The World” make this album worth the money spent to own it. It’s an amazing moment of musical record and one that demands repeat listens. Without a doubt the best track on What If… and one of the best songs in Mr. Big’s career.
While What If… may not contain a monster hit like “To Be With You” or “Green Tinted Sixties Mind” what is apparent is the fact that Mr. Big has released a record of solid tracks that all have merit. What If… is an album that not only feels right mixed in with the other glam bands, it also fits in with mainstream radio and modern rock releases. The album was well thought out, well performed, and well recorded. Mr. Big has a big hit in What If… as long as they can get a little bit of promotion behind the record. Long time fans are going to love this record. For those of us that may have forgotten all about Mr. Big, it’s time to pay them another visit.
Key Tracks: Stranger In My Life, As Far As I Can See, Around The World
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
- Undertow
- American Beauty
- Stranger In My Life
- Nobody Left To Blame
- Still Ain’t Enough For Me
- Once Upon A Time
- As Far As I Can See
- All The Way Up
- I Won’t Get In My Way
- Around The World
- I Get The Feeling
Mr Big Is:
Eric Martin – Vocals
Paul Gilbert – Guitars
Billy Sheehan – Bass
Pat Torpey – Drums
0 New Video – Mr. Big – Next Time Around
Mr. Big released a video “Next Time Around” in support of their live CD, Back To Budokan. “Next Time Around” is one of the two new songs that can found on their new CD. Check out the video below.
0 Video – Mr. Big – Wind Me Up
Last night I was inspired by Hard Rock Nights interview with Billy Sheehan. I started looking for some old Mr. Big videos and stumbled on one that I don’t remember seeing.
Check out “Wind Me Up” below. This is the second track off of Mr. Big’s 1989 debut.
Vodpod videos no longer available.
2 Tesla, Twisted Sister to Perform at Annual Charity Show
Tom Scholz (Boston), Aaron Lewis (Staind), Tesla, Twisted Sister, Stryper, Dee Snider and others, along with host are scheduled to perform Monday, February 25th at Dunkin Donut Center in Providence, Rhode Island at the Fifth Anniversary Relief Fund Charity Concert.
The charity event marks the fifth anniversary of the Station Nightclub tragedy in Rhode Island, the fourth largest nightclub fire in US history. 100 lives were lost, 200 others were seriously injured and 65 children lost one or both parents. Five years later, funds available for the survivors are woefully inadequate. Only 15 survivors of the fire qualified for Social Security benefits, and many are still unable to meet their monthly needs.
The Station Family Fund, founded by survivors, family members and community members affected by the fire and the Wake Up To Love Foundation founded by Tesla drummer Troy Luccketta are event organizers. While $100,000 was raised in 2005 from a benefit concert featuring Tesla, Shinedown, Pat Travers and Carmine Appice, those funds are in desperate need of replenishing.
All proceeds from ticket sales and charity auctions benefit the Station Family Fund, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) charitable organization founded by survivors of the Station Nightclub fire. The Station Family Fund is committed to providing survivor relief, including costs of ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.
Additional artists scheduled to perform on February 25th include Carmine Appice’s Slam, Eric Martin, Gary Hoey, Chicago drummer Danny Seraphine. Other artists will be announced over the next few weeks.
Organizers would like to acknowledge the incredible generosity of the Dunkin’ Donuts Center http://www.dunkindonutscenter.com who has graciously donated the venue free of charge for the charity event as well as East Coast Lighting, WHJY and the many acts who are donating their time in putting together this event.
Tickets go on sale Friday, January 4th at Ticketmaster.com. Prices range from $41 to $61.
For further information on the Station Family Fund and their work, please visit: www.stationfamilyfund.org.
For further information on Troy Luccketta’s Wake Up To Love Foundation, please visit: www.wakeuptolove.com.
