Billy Sheehan, often cited as one of the world's best rock bassists, is best known as a member of the celebrated American rock band Mr. Big.
Before gaining international fame with Mr. Big, Billy made a name for himself as a part of the band Talas in Buffalo during the late '70s and early '80s. Talas earned a reputation as a dynamic live act, largely due to Sheehan's virtuosic bass playing. His complex bass solos became a hallmark of the band's performances.
In 1985, he joined forces with David Lee Roth when Roth decided to leave Van Halen and form his own band. Along with guitarist Steve Vai and drummer Gregg Bissonette, they released the platinum-selling album, "Eat 'Em and Smile."
In 1988, Billy co-founded Mr. Big and the band went on to have international success, most notably with the hit power ballad, "To Be With You," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1992.
Over the years, he has earned countless accolades for his distinctive style, which blends rock, jazz, and fusion techniques. His innovative use of chording, two-handed tapping, right-hand "three-finger picking" technique and controlled feedback have influenced many contemporary rock bassists.
Billy, heads to Asia with Mr. Big for a final bow with their epic “The Big Finish” World Tour.
The tour signifies a profound chapter-end for the band, following the loss of original drummer and co-founder, Pat Torpey, to Parkinson’s disease in 2018.
We speak to Billy about his signature sound, Mr. Big and what the tour means to the band.
Mr. Big will be hitting stages across Japan and Southeast Asia with performances in Singapore’s Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands on 4 and 5 August 2023.
Presented by Base Entertainment Asia, ticket sales are available via Marina Bay Sands and SISTIC.