Mr. Big’s Pat Torpey – suffering from Parkinson’s Disease

I was very saddened to hear the terrible news that a huge influence of mine, Pat Torpey is suffering with Parkinson’s Disease. The Mr. Big website has released the following statement –

To our fan’s around the world:

Pat Torpey, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and unfortunately will be unable to perform all of his normal drumming duties on our upcoming World Tour in support of our new album, …The Stories We Could Tell.

From Pat: “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.”

We intend to announce a drummer in the near future whom will handle most of MR BIG’s drumming duties on the Fall 2014 tour but expect Pat to jump on the drums on suitable live songs as well as participating in the our acoustic set.

Thank you for your unwavering support and we’ll see you out there soon!

MR. BIG

Not only an incredible drummer, Pat’s vocals and songwriting skills are legendary. Even David Lee Roth used Pat’s backing vocals back in the day. An illness such as Parkinson’s is a drummer’s worst nightmare, slowly, yet unwaveringly losing the physical dexterity that has taken decades to craft.

Wishing you all the very best Pat.

Chris x