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Mr Big’s Big Finish – Patchogue Theatre 1.31.24

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Ive stated before, Im not very good at writing “reviews”. I dont like to criticize and I feel that stating my opinions about music would be too cliche! What I prefer is putting together blogs/articles of what the band means to me and how I relate to them or how their music makes me feel.  Mr Big’s Big Finish is no different and I have a personal connection to not just their music but their personnel as well.  Hope you enjoy it.

They say, whoever “They” are, “its a small world”!  And I guess in the music industry, as big as it may seem, it kinda is!  As most of you know, I was the Entertainment Manager for the Niagara Casino & Resorts which had 2 – 2200 seat Performing Arts Centers and a small, 476 seat Greek style Theater.  We hosted live events on a weekly basis which doesnt include “Club 101” which served as a bar – atmosphere style stage located at the center of the gaming floor.  Although our backline was quite extensive, we still had artists that needed to have certain types of equipment that we didnt have, i.e. congos, Leslie/Hammond B3 or a Fender Reverb Deluxe tube amp!  One of our backline providers was owned by a gentleman named Sebastian Marino.  Seb was quite quiet and very down to earth and at times unapproachable. It literally took a couple years before we actually had a decent conversation.  I would soon learn that Sebastian had been the lead guitarist for Anvil and Overkill!  We talked about guitarists and were soon talking about Paul Gilbert, whom he had taken lessons from while he attended GIT – Guitar Institute of Technology in California.  As many know, Paul was also the shredder from Racer – X during the 80’s and was among many other guitar virtuosos that I was delving myself into including other notables as Alex Masi, David T Chastain, Greg Howe, Tony McAlpine, Vinnie Moore and of course Yngwie Malmsteen. He found it amusing yet frustrating that he was taking lessons at a Tech school from a kid that was younger than him!

Years later, once I moved to Long Island, I grabbed my camera and headed to The Iridium to see Talas V2 featuring Billy Sheehan. I stood in the green room as I met Billy for the first time and asked Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal to take a pic.  Out of the corner of my eye, in the background, I noticed a bald-headed gentleman with glasses walk by and thought to myself, “that dude looks familiar”!  It wasnt until I grabbed my seat from where I was going to be shooting from, Seb nodded over to me when I looked his way!  I couldnt believe it and from the look on his face, he couldnt believe it as well!  We said our pleasantries before the show and gave him a hug goodbye when the show was over.  It was great to see him, unfortunately it would be my last. May he RIP..

But I tell you all this as I mentioned its a small world! Here, Seb was doing sound for Talas, traveling to NYC but was taught guitar by none other than Mr “Frenzy” himself, Paul Gilbert!  

The two are now on their Mr Big – Big Finish tour!  They, along with Eric Martin on vocals and Nick D’Virgilio on drums put on a clinic or better yet, took us to school to show us what a rock show should be!  The crowd sat in “awe” as the two traded licks, perfectly in sync with each other. Not to be out-done, Eric jumped on Billy’s bass while Billy played the harmonica, it should be noted, Billy did not shed his bass! In true fashion with keeping in sync, as most of you know, Paul has been known to put a drill motor to guitar to create a sound only he can emulate. Ok, maybe I’m wrong with that statement, EVH also did that, but who did it first *hint hint – Paul did when he was with Racer X!!  But I digress, no sooner did Paul bring out his drill, Billy’s guitar tech handed one off to him, not to be out done!  True showmanship by both masters of their craft!

The tour has been touted as “Playing the ‘Lean Into It” album in its entirety, to which they did flawlessly if not better!  

I would like to thank Michelle Rizzo-Berg for her hospitality and opportunity to cover this performance!!  Along with a small gallery, I have provided the setlist including additional favorites:

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