Road to Ruin

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Road to Ruin" by Mr. Big from their iconic album Lean Into It, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this hard rock gem. This track, tucked into the back half of the 1991 album, showcases the band’s vocal harmonies and creative arrangements. One juicy piece of trivia comes from a 2023 playthrough video by bassist Billy Sheehan, where he celebrated the song’s 30th anniversary, diving into its intricate basslines. Sheehan’s video, shared on X, highlights how the song’s acapella intro proves the band’s vocal prowess beyond lead singer Eric Martin’s soulful pipes. Reviewers on Metal Planet Music noted that "Road to Ruin" kicks off with this striking vocal opening, blending huge riffs and lush harmonies into a killer chorus that’s quintessential Mr. Big.

Another cool tidbit surfaced in a restored live performance video from a 1991 Tokyo NHK Hall concert, posted by @amass_jp on X in 2021. The 13-minute clip, featuring Paul Gilbert’s blistering guitar solo, was remastered to mark Lean Into It’s 30th anniversary, giving fans a front-row seat to the song’s live energy. Fans on Facebook went wild, with comments calling it a hidden gem compared to the album’s chart-topping singles like "To Be With You." The song’s placement on the album, described by Mike Ladano’s review as a creatively arranged piece, shows Mr. Big’s knack for balancing virtuosity with catchy hooks, making it a favorite for diehard Zoo Freaks.

Mr. Big formed in Los Angeles in 1988, a supergroup born from raw talent and industry connections. Bassist Billy Sheehan, fresh from David Lee Roth’s band, teamed up with Shrapnel Records’ Mike Varney to build a new project. Sheehan recruited vocalist Eric Martin, whose soulful voice caught his ear from Martin’s solo track "I Can’t Stop the Fire." Guitarist Paul Gilbert, known for his shredding with Racer X, and drummer Pat Torpey completed the lineup. Their shared love for hard rock, blended with melodic sensibilities, set them apart from the glam metal scene. Their 1989 debut album gained traction, but Lean Into It in 1991 catapulted them to fame, especially with "To Be With You" hitting number one in 15 countries. Despite being labeled a one-hit wonder in the U.S., their consistent popularity in Japan earned them the "Big in Japan" tag, with sold-out tours and Japan-exclusive live albums like Live at Budokan.

Stay connected with Mr. Big through their Facebook, where they boast over 257,000 likes and share tour updates, or their Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots. Their X account keeps fans in the loop with posts about performances and anniversaries. For Zoo Freaks wanting more, check out fan-driven spaces like the Mr. Big Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts swap stories and rare merch. The Metal Storm webzine also offers a fan hub with forums to dive deeper into the band’s legacy. Whether you’re rocking out to "Road to Ruin" or exploring their discography, Mr. Big’s official site is the go-to for news and tour dates.