Mr. Big (Demo / Wildcard Remaster)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the rare gem Mr. Big (Demo / Wildcard Remaster) from Mr. Big's 1993 album Bump Ahead, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this one. This track, a cover of the song by the British rock band Free, holds a special place in the band’s history. According to a 2017 interview with frontman Eric Martin on Loudersound, the band was heavily influenced by Free, with Martin noting, “The one band we all agreed on was Free.” The song Mr. Big inspired the band’s name, and their decision to cover it on Bump Ahead was a nod to their roots. The demo and Wildcard Remaster versions add a raw, gritty edge, showcasing the band’s early energy and technical prowess, with Paul Gilbert’s shredding guitar and Billy Sheehan’s thunderous bass lines taking center stage.

One piece of trivia about the song comes from fan discussions on the Classic Rock Forum, where users point out that Mr. Big was a staple in the band’s live performances, especially in Japan, where they enjoy a cult following. The remastered version, included as a bonus track on some reissues, was reportedly unearthed from early recording sessions and polished for fans craving a glimpse into the band’s creative process. While no direct quotes from social media tie specifically to this demo, Mr. Big’s official Facebook page often shares throwback posts about Bump Ahead, with fans commenting on the album’s heavier tracks like Colorado Bulldog and Wild World, suggesting the remaster of Mr. Big was a fan-favorite for its unpolished vibe. The band’s love for Free’s blues-rock swagger shines through, making this track a bridge between their hard rock sound and their melodic influences.

Mr. Big got their start in 1988 in Los Angeles, born from the vision of bassist Billy Sheehan, who had just left David Lee Roth’s solo band. Sheehan, often compared to Eddie Van Halen for his bass virtuosity, teamed up with Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records, a label known for shred-heavy acts. According to their bio on Last.fm, Sheehan recruited vocalist Eric Martin, a seasoned Bay Area singer with a soulful rasp, after hearing Martin’s track I Can’t Stop the Fire from the 1984 Teachers soundtrack. Martin had previously fronted the Eric Martin Band, releasing albums like Sucker for a Pretty Face in 1983. Guitarist Paul Gilbert, fresh from the metal outfit Racer X, and drummer Pat Torpey, who’d played with Belinda Carlisle and The Knack, rounded out the lineup. By 1989, this supergroup had signed with Atlantic Records, releasing their self-titled debut, which hit No. 46 on the Billboard 200, driven by the single Addicted to That Rush.

The band’s early days were marked by their blend of melodic hard rock and technical skill, a mix that set them apart from the glam metal scene. As noted in a 2017 InsideHook article, they were a “dream team” of musicians, with Martin’s powerful vocals complementing Gilbert’s nimble guitar work. Despite tensions, particularly between Sheehan and Martin, as mentioned in the LouderSound interview, their chemistry produced hits like To Be with You, a 1992 chart-topper. Mr. Big became a phenomenon in Japan, where they still sell out tours, earning them the “Big in Japan” label. Their official social media accounts—Facebook, Instagram, and X—keep fans updated with tour news and nostalgic posts. Fans also gather on the Mr. Big Rocks (Official Fan Page) Facebook group, sharing memorabilia and concert stories, while sites like Metal Storm offer detailed discographies for diehard Zoo Freaks to explore.