Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Music Box • Music

Mr. Big (band)

Mr.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Mr. Big is an American hard rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1988. The band is best known for its 1992 hit “To Be with You.”

What it is

Mr. Big is a hard rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1988. The original lineup included Eric Martin, Paul Gilbert, Billy Sheehan, and Pat Torpey. The band's name comes from the song “Mr. Big” by Free. They are known for both hard rock and melodic ballads.

Why it matters

Mr. Big achieved international fame with the single “To Be with You” in 1992, which reached number one in multiple countries. The band's technical playing and accessible hooks helped it stand out in the late 80s and 90s rock scene. Other notable songs include “Just Take My Heart.”

Key details

The band disbanded in 2002 but reunited in 2009 and continues to release new music, including the album Ten in 2024. Paul Gilbert left and was replaced by Richie Kotzen for a period. The band remains active as of 2024.

In short

  • Formed in LA in 1988
  • Best known for “To Be with You”
  • Original lineup: Martin, Gilbert, Sheehan, Torpey
  • Reunited in 2009 after 2002 breakup
Canadian angle

Mr. Big has had international chart success, so it is familiar to Canadian rock audiences through mainstream radio and album sales, though it is not a Canadian band.

Quick questions

What kind of band is Mr. Big?
Hard rock, also known for melodic ballads and vocal harmonies.
When was Mr. Big formed?
1988 in Los Angeles, California.
What is its best-known song?
“To Be with You,” a major international hit in 1992.

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Big_(American_band)
    Supports: Formation in Los Angeles in 1988; original lineup; genre; major songs; album history; breakup and later activity; name origin.
  2. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Big_(American_band)
    Supports: “To Be with You” as a major hit; other notable songs; studio albums and career timeline.
  3. Louderhttps://www.loudersound.com/features/the-untold-story-of-mr-big-the-band-who-survived-everything
    Supports: Band history and status as a supergroup; career overview.
  4. Apple Musichttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/mr-big/157174
    Supports: Origin, formation year, genre, and artist overview.