Addicted to That Rush

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins the high-octane track Addicted to That Rush by Mr. Big from their debut album Mr. Big! This song is a shredder’s paradise, kicking off with a jaw-dropping bass solo by Billy Sheehan that sets the tone for the band’s virtuosic flair. In a 1990 interview with Musician magazine, Sheehan shared that the song’s raw energy was intentional, designed to showcase the band’s technical prowess while grabbing listeners’ attention. The track’s double-time groove, reminiscent of Van Halen’s Hot for Teacher, was a deliberate nod to their influences, as noted in a 2016 Moving the River blog post. Fans on Reddit have called it one of the catchiest choruses of the era, with its infectious “I’m addicted to that rush” hook that demands to be shouted along.

Another cool tidbit comes from Billy Sheehan’s interview on Nikki Sixx’s Sixx Sense radio show, where he revealed that the album’s track Wind Me Up was inspired by Roy Orbison’s Oh, Pretty Woman played backward, and Addicted to That Rush shares that same experimental vibe. The band fought to make it the lead single over a more melodic choice, a bold move that paid off when it hit No. 39 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. A 1989 St. Louis Post-Dispatch interview quoted Sheehan recalling Atlantic Records’ skepticism about the song’s heavy sound, yet its airplay success proved the band’s instincts right. On Facebook, the band celebrated the song’s legacy with a 2023 Record Store Day post, noting its role as a defining track for their self-titled album.

Mr. Big came together in 1988 in Los Angeles, a supergroup born from the vision of bassist Billy Sheehan, who’d just left David Lee Roth’s band. Sheehan, already a legend for his work with Talas and Roth, teamed up with Paul Gilbert, a guitar prodigy from Racer X, after a jam session sparked instant chemistry. They recruited vocalist Eric Martin, whose soulful voice had powered his solo career and the Eric Martin Band, and drummer Pat Torpey, a session veteran who’d played with Belinda Carlisle and The Knack. As detailed on Wikipedia, the band’s name was inspired by a song from the British rock band Free, a nod to their classic rock roots. Signing with Atlantic Records, they dropped their debut album in 1989, blending hard rock melodies with jaw-dropping musicianship that made them a standout in the late ’80s scene.

While Addicted to That Rush showcased their shredding chops, Mr. Big became huge in Japan, a phenomenon noted on Genius, where their popularity outshone many peers. Their technical skill and catchy hooks kept them touring relentlessly, even as musical trends shifted. Fans can connect with the band on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and memories. For Zoo Freaks wanting more, check out fan communities like the Mr. Big Fan Club on Facebook or dive into discussions on Reddit’s hairmetal community, where devotees keep the band’s legacy alive.