At 56, Eric Martin is still Mr Big of rock vocals

Although a conversation with someone as prolific as Eric Martin, who, as the frontman of the popular 90s American rock band Mr Big, most famous for chart-topping hits To Be With You and Wild World among a string of other popular rock anthems, seems almost surreal and makes you jittery, his rather nonchalant demeanour and sartorial wit puts you at ease. 

“Are you old enough to interview me? I don’t give interviews to high school kids,” he pulls my leg before settling down at a café in Phoenix MarketCity, the venue of his concert as part of his Asian tour. His energy is also infectious, despite having been on a whirlwind tour of the country – his voice, remarkably young after almost four decades in the industry. “Are you saying I’m that old?” he asks before breaking into uninhibited laughter. “I make it a point to sleep well, practise regularly and avoid things I’m allergic to. That’s all there is to it. 

Also, I’ve been practising abstinence for a while now,” he muses, quickly adding, “Abstinence by choice.” Eric Martin shot to fame with Mr. Big that featured legends such as Paul Gilbert (guitar) and Billy Sheehan on (bass), besides Pat Torpey (drums). 

Mr Big forged its place in rock history by successfully combining trademark ‘shredding’ musicianship with melodic vocal harmonies. Their songs covering ballads, heavy metal and blues rock topped the charts. Formed in 1988, the band split in 2002, but reunited with the original line-up in 2009. Since 2014, drummer Matt Starr has been touring with them, as Torpey was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. “We’re not ready to pull the plug yet. 

Although in its nascent stages, we’re planning a world tour from May, 2017, and yes, we hope to bring out an album too,” reveals Martin. Martin, for his part, has had a successful solo career, besides playing with other bands before Mr. Big was formed, and during the years it had disbanded. Martin’s biggest USP as a musician has been song-writing. 

“I feel it’s some kind of a super power because song-writing is so organic and I express myself without any inhibitions. I’m the happiest and whackiest when I’m writing. Something takes over and I can’t explain the adrenalin rush I experience,” he gushes. However, despite owning the stage every time he gets up there, he says there’s a sense of trepidation. “I still get nervous and I think it’s good. It doesn’t make you all overconfident and you don’t take your success for granted. So, during these times, humour comes in handy,” he adds. The veteran, who has concerts lined up in Bengaluru, New Delhi, Manipur and Mizoram in the coming days, is also looking forward to collaborate with Indian artists. 

“I’ve heard a lot about Indian music, movie stars and artistes. I can’t recall their names. But one name that’s stuck in my mind is Preity Zinta. I saw her at my concert back in 2009 in India. She is one of the most beautiful women I’ve seen. And those dimples, they are to die for,” he concludes.