Reporting for The Metal Voice on the East Coast Kenny Kessel sat down with Mr. Big Frontman Eric Martin at Daryl's House in Pawling, NY doing an acoustic set on Dec 16 2021.
Martin spoke to him about touring with Geoff Tate, singing on the next Avantasia album, the legacy of Mr. Big, Rush and the passing of MR. Big drummer Pat Torpey plus a much more.
All Photos By Kenny Kessel and The Metal Voice
Watch Full Interview Here
When asked if there are any new plans to work on a new Avantasia Album "I just sang on the new Avantasia record, I just did that me and Tobie (Tobias Sammet) and through Avantasia I got to be really good friends with Geoff Tate."
When asked about the upcoming Geoff Tate Tour in 2022 " Both of us are flying to Germany (Geoff Tate and Eric Martin) and rehearsing with Avantasia (End of May 2022 about). Then June, July, August 2022, about 15 shows with Avantasia. Now in between those things Geoff goes off to Ireland and I am playing all over Europe doing acoustic. I might be out there for three months in Europe. Then when I come home August 2022 I don't know if I can say this or not but then I 'm going to go out with Geoff Tate for three months in the USA."
Avantasia's last album "Moonglow" was released in February 2019 via Nuclear Blast. The album debuted at No. 1 in Germany and also cracked the Top 10 in Sweden, Switzerland, Austria and Spain. "Moonglow" featured guest appearances by Geoff Tate (QUEENSRŸCHE), Ronnie Atkins (PRETTY MAIDS), Jørn Lande (MASTERPLAN), Eric Martin (MR. BIG), Michael Kiske (HELLOWEEN), Bob Catley (MAGNUM), Candice Night (BLACKMORE'S NIGHT), Hansi Kürsch (BLIND GUARDIAN) and Mille Petrozza (KREATOR).
Mr. Big is an American glam metal band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1988. The band was originally composed of Eric Martin (lead vocals), Paul Gilbert (guitar, backing vocals), Billy Sheehan (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Pat Torpey (drums, percussion, backing vocals). Though primarily a metal band, they are most known for scoring softer hits. Their songs are 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. Wikipedia
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