The rock band, Mr. Big, announced today that its drummer, Pat Torpey, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and unfortunately will be unable to perform all of his normal drumming duties on the band’s upcoming World Tour in support of the band’s new album, …The Stories We Could Tell.
“I’ve been dealing with Parkinson’s symptoms for the past couple of years and only recently received a confirmed diagnosis as symptoms worsened. I intend to fight the disease with same intensity and tenacity that I drum and live my life by and will continue recording and performing, as always, to the best of my ability,” stated Torpey.
Mr. Big intends to announce a drummer in the near future whom will handle most of the drumming duties on the Fall 2014 tour and expects Torpey to jump on the drums on suitable live songs as well as participating in the groups acoustic set.
16 Responses
Why does shit like this happen to good guys? Met Pat back in the early 90s at a gig and he couldnt have been nicer (unlike Paul Gilbert.)
Wishing you well, Pat. And thanks for some great tunes!
I stayed after a Mr. Big show a few years ago in Denver to meet the band. Billy Sheehan was literally chatting with fans and drinking a beer about two seconds after the house lights came up. Pat was super nice, posed for photos, chatted, etc… Eric Martin was outside chatting with fans. Paul Gilbert came out about 90 MINUTES later and had the biggest rock star vibe of the four of them.
God Bless You, Pat! Mr. Big has always been one of my favorite bands, ever since their debut album. Pat’s drumming has always been a big part of their sound, and he will definitely be missed. Hopefully, he can beat this thing and come back soon!
Had a chance to interview Pat, while I was on college radio. Incredibly nice guy. He even got me backstage passes, for their NY show.
Needless to say, this is absolutely horrible, and I hope he can soldier on, through this ordeal. I wish him nothing but the best.
It always chapped my ass that Mr. Big was not even bigger here in the US considering they are phenomenal players. After seeing them for the first time back in 1989…I was blown away! I never had the honor to meet Mr. Torpey, but as a drummer I have studied his incredible playing for years-this man is a tactician of the drum set, has chops for days and is SO musical. This is such bullshit……why is it always the good ones??!?!
My thoughts go out to you and your family.
Poor Pat my heart go’s out to him and his family! He a rocker and rocker are strong fighters!!!