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
Unfortunetly, his drumming and recording days are over. I suppose he is simply putting on a couragous face, but it’s all over for him.
I agree, this is incredibly heartbreaking. Pat Torpey is a great drummer and seems like an even better human being. I wish him nothing but positivity on his new journey and pray that he will recover the best that he can.
Dana from ET.com 🙂
Pray all you like, but there isn’t any recovering from this terrible disease.
As a local band drummer for many years it was a tough blow when I got the early Parkinsons news. I noticed stiffness in my right hand which started to affect my timing and fine motor skills so keeping a beat was difficult for long periods of time.It’s been over 2 years now and not much has changed regarding progression but I really miss playing 3-4 sets of rock ! Good luck Pat and remember, we don’t die from Parkinson’s, we die with it and lots of exercise and a positive attitude will kick it like a 26″ bass drum
Why good people get s–t? My mother in law has that s–t too and is horrible!!!It really broke my heart to hear about Pat’s bad and sad news. Mr. Big is one of my five favorite bands ever. 90 and 91 were very very special years in my life and Mr. Big were part of those years. God Bless Pat Torpey!!!