Jakarta, IO – Jakarta should feel so lucky for having Mr. Big perform its ultimate farewell tour, “The Big Finish,” at the 90’s Festival event at Gambir Expo, Kemayoran, Jakarta, last Saturday, August 12, 2023.
Eric Martin (singer), Paul Gilbert (guitarist), Billy Sheehan (bassist), and Nick D’Virgilio (drummer) left a memorable event for their Jakarta fans by performing “Addicted to That Rush” to open the concert.
The fans, dominated by the 90s generation, screamed and jumped up and down during the intro of the song from its first album, Mr. Big (1989). Nick’s drumbeats and Paul’s screeching guitar sound accompanied the audience as they sang along with Eric.
“Hello, Jakarta, we are back. Mr. Big is coming back to Indonesia!” greeted Eric between his performances.
Eric, Paul, Billy, and Nick went on to rock the audience with their various beat songs, “Take Cover” (1996), “Undertow” (2010) and “Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy” (1991).
Eric paid respect to his former drummer, Pat Torpey, while singing Take Cover. “Our legendary and greatest drummer, Pat Torpey, has a very iconic drum beat; play it, Nick!” exclaimed the frontman, rousing the audience. During the song “Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy,” Paul performed his “ritual” by playing his guitar strings with an electric drill and was responded to by the audience’s roars, screams, and cheers.
“This is a special night. I can still feel your energy, Mr. Big Fan! We’re delighted to be here,” added Eric, at 62 years of age.
As if to show that age is just a number, Eric and the band rocked the songs and warmed up the crowd, playing “Green-tinted Sixties Mind” (1991), “Alive and Kickin” (1991), and “Never Say Never” (1991). Eric and Mr. Big were blown away by the crowd’s excitement, “Thank you for being very energetic tonight.”
Mr. Big started to slow down the beat in “Just Take My Heart” (1991); the song that was much awaited by thousands of singing-along crowds. Eric appeared moved by his fans’ passion during the song.
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Mr. Big finally played their most favorite hit of all time, “To Be With You,” followed by “Lucky This Time,” “My Kinda Woman,” and “A Little to Lose.” Mr. Big continued to sing their other hit songs and performed Paul’s guitar solo and a bass solo from Billy. “Baba O’Riley” (1971) concluded Mr. Big’s performance before their Jakarta fans.
“You are always in our hearts,” added Billy, who clasped his hands, knelt, and said, “Terima kasih.”
Mr. Big previously visited Jakarta and Surabaya in 1996, when they took part in the Java Rockin Land in Ancol, Jakarta. Thirteen years later, in 2009, they revisited Indonesia in 2011 and performed in three major cities: Medan, Surabaya, and Makassar. Mr. Big returned to Indonesia this year to hold this emotional and memorable tour before wrapping up their musical journey. (Aini Tartinia)