Mr. Big / Osaka, Japan 2014 Complete

Following the release of “…The Stories We Could Tell” and the band’s most critical situation in the history of the band, the live performance at Grand Cube Osaka (Osaka International Convention Center Main Hall) on November 12th, which was a completely sold-out concert along with the Budokan and can be said to be the highlight of this Japan tour, was recorded in full for 140 minutes, from the background music before the show to the meaningful outro that played after the show, with a superb level of ultra-high quality audience recording. The recorder is the familiar “West Japan’s Strongest Taper”, who is known as “the man when it comes to Osaka performances”. This work is the best one of Mr. Taper’s past recordings! You can relive this live performance with an amazing sound that can be said to be the best in every sense as a concert audience recording, which can only be said to be the best in all senses, as all the favorable conditions can only be thought of as coming together. Along with the news of the Japan performance decision, various speculations were circulated among fans about the words “The most important tour in the band’s history is about to begin now,” but the fact that was made public was too shocking. Drummer Pat Torpey has Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is an incurable disease, and in modern times, the cause is unknown, there is no cure, and the progressive disease can be fatal to drummers. This Japan tour was held under such circumstances, but the band’s professional attitude and wonderful stage, which did not give any sense of anxiety, greatly moved the fans. The most important tour in the band’s history was also the most wonderful tour in the history of Japan performances. This year was also the 25th anniversary of the band’s formation, so the set list also summarized the history of the band. You can enjoy the diverse songs created by the band at once, including up-tempo songs that make full use of high techniques, catchy and pop songs, bluesy and soulful songs, and beautiful ballads. Six songs from the new work, whose direction has caused mixed reactions among fans, were also performed. The simple songs reminiscent of the hard rock of the 1970s on the new work are even more prominent in live performances. The beauty of “East/West,” which was written by Pat Topey with the bond with Japanese fans in mind, is particularly noteworthy. Matt Starr, the drummer who accompanied us this time, has worked with former KISS Ace Frehley and former GUNS N’ ROSES Gilby Clarke, and is currently a member of BURNING RAIN, led by former WHITESNAKE Doug Aldrich, and is a more than adequate substitute for Pat with his solid playing. The other members also play perfectly as usual. Pat Torpey, whose health was a concern, appears from “Alive And Kickin'” with light movements that make it hard to believe he has an incurable disease, and appears every song except for “The Monster In Me” in the middle and “As Far As I Can See”, showing his energetic appearance as a percussionist and chorus. He performs twin vocals with Eric Martin in “The Light Of Day”, and is the main vocalist for the JUDAS PRIEST cover “Living After Midnight” during the fun time when the members exchange instruments and play. His sunglasses and leather jacket and the MC asking “Breaking The What?” during the song make you think he is quite a maniac. The most moving part of this concert was Pat Torpey’s drumming in “Just Take My Heart”, “Fragile” and “Mr. Big”. His movements were awkward, probably due to his illness, but his power and technique showed no signs of decline. Pat gave us a wonderful performance, doing the best he could. I would like many rock fans to hear the image and play of a musician who never gives up despite his tragic fate. The recording was made from the Paul Gilbert side of the first floor, row 5. The sound quality is crystal clear and bright, of course, but the separation of each instrument is also perfect. The vividness of the guitar and bass is exciting to listen to. The sound is high sound pressure and full of directness due to the front seats, but the sound, which is also combined with the high quality air and echo of the hall, can be said to be the pinnacle of pure audience recording. In addition to the excellent sound quality, there is no annoying singing or applause even though it is a front seat. Apart from the audience noise heard from a distance between songs, this is a miraculous recording that does not make you feel the presence of any audience. After the show, Billy Sheehan thanks the fans and those involved, and after a message from the band stating how wonderful it is to have Pat Torpey there, the outro QUEEN song “The Show Must Go On” is very meaningful. Given Pat’s situation, this is their last visit to Japan, and there are rumors of a hiatus or disbandment, so perhaps the meaning behind this song was a message to the fans that the band will continue to be active? This is a must-listen for all Mr. Big fans, a moving and tearful documentary of the Osaka performance. Live at Grandcube Osaka, Osaka, Japan 12th November 2014 ULTIMATE SOUND(from Original Masters) Disc 1 (66:55) 1. Intro 2. Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy (The Electric Drill Song) 3. Gotta Love The Ride 4. American Beauty 5. Undertow 6. Alive And Kickin’ 7. I Forget The Breath 8. Take Cover 9. Green-Tinted Sixties Mind 10. Out Of The Underground 11. Guitar Solo 12. The Monster In Me 13. Rock & Roll Over 14. As Far As I Can See Disc 2 (72:39) 1. MC 2. Wild World 3. East/West 4. Just Take My Heart 5. Fragile 6. Around The World 7. Bass Solo 8. Addicted To That Rush 9. Band Introduction 10. To Be With You 11. Colorado Bulldog 12. Living After Midnight 13. The Light Of Day 14. Mr. Big 15. MC from Billy Sheehan Eric Martin – Vocal Billy Sheehan – Bass, Vocal Paul Gilbert – Guitar, Vocal Matt Starr – Drums, Percussion, Vocal Pat Torpey – Drums, Percussion, Vocal