Mr. Big Live in Dimapur, 2009 
Paul Gilbert
Mr. Big from L to R: Paul Gilbert, Pat Torpey, Eric Martin & Billy Sheehan
‘Shillong’ by far is the most happening place in the nation for rock and roll, giving equal or more numbers of International rock artist vis against Bangalore, if not less. Consecutively for 2 years with the onset of winters, they have attracted many International rock artists, amongst them is Mr.Big. It was last year (2008) when Mr. Big had visited shillong in their first reunion tour; this year (2009) they showed up with their yet another 2nd reunion tour. However, this time, they added ‘Dimapur’ in their list to perform in lieu of Mumbai, other places being Bangalore and Shillong. Like usual, shillong always had the best crowd both in number and decency, but, it was different for Dimapur. One of my sources expressed that the gig was unbelievable and unprecedented, perhaps, the most largest assemblement ever in the history of ‘Rock and roll concert’ in the entire of Nagaland. Written below is a review about the Mr. Big concert held at Dimapur, hope you would like it.
October 14, 2009 will always be kept in mind in Dimapur for music lovers from all over Nagaland and other neighboring states contributed their participation and broke all attendance records estimated between 25,000 to 30,000. There were three to four thousand spectators outside the stadium, who couldn’t get inside as all the tickets were sold out yet they enjoyed just by listening to it. It was indeed a very big day for Nagaland to host such a big international band in its small city which may not be recognized nationwide but if it’s getting recognition for Music, great achievement! What else could have been a bigger achievement than defeating Mumbai to host this show? (Mr. Big had chosen to perform in Dimapur in lieu of Mumbai).
As the gig began, bands such as Junkyard Groove (Chennai), Mother Jane ( Cochin ) and Dementia (Nagaland), warmed the crowd with some good music. Mr. Big finally arrived on stage by 6 p.m. as the crowd swelled to its zenith. The effect was electrifying and scintillating when the band took charge of the stage.
Mr. Big comprised - Billy Sheehan (bassist), Eric Martin (lead vocalist), Pat Torpey (drummer) and Paul Gilbert (guitar virtuoso). They started the gig with the drill song “Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy”, then “Take Cover”, next “Green Tinted Sixties Mind”, “Alive and Kickin” “Price You Gotta Pay” and “Temperamental” while the crowd sang along with Mr. Big till the end had their die hard fans elated sky-high. Guitarist Paul Gilbert and bassist Billy Sheehan also displayed their instrumental artistry that had the crowd truly impressed.While on with the number “Just Take My Heart”, vocalist Eric Martin, let the crowd sing along and the union of their vioces echoed the packed stadium. The crowd were having a fantastic time and Mr. Big allowed that to happen. The fever inside the stadium rose when Mr. Big shifted to their popular hit “Wild World”.
The evening was perfect with clear weather though the receding sultry air was made denser by the singing and chanting of the crowd. As the time to sign off crept in, Mr. Big rendered “Addicted To That Rush” which had the crowd now roaring and not wanting Mr. Big to go. It was a very great experience to see Mr. Big Live.
October 14, 2009 will always be kept in mind in Dimapur for music lovers from all over Nagaland and other neighboring states contributed their participation and broke all attendance records estimated between 25,000 to 30,000. There were three to four thousand spectators outside the stadium, who couldn’t get inside as all the tickets were sold out yet they enjoyed just by listening to it. It was indeed a very big day for Nagaland to host such a big international band in its small city which may not be recognized nationwide but if it’s getting recognition for Music, great achievement! What else could have been a bigger achievement than defeating Mumbai to host this show? (Mr. Big had chosen to perform in Dimapur in lieu of Mumbai).
As the gig began, bands such as Junkyard Groove (Chennai), Mother Jane ( Cochin ) and Dementia (Nagaland), warmed the crowd with some good music. Mr. Big finally arrived on stage by 6 p.m. as the crowd swelled to its zenith. The effect was electrifying and scintillating when the band took charge of the stage.
Mr. Big comprised - Billy Sheehan (bassist), Eric Martin (lead vocalist), Pat Torpey (drummer) and Paul Gilbert (guitar virtuoso). They started the gig with the drill song “Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy”, then “Take Cover”, next “Green Tinted Sixties Mind”, “Alive and Kickin” “Price You Gotta Pay” and “Temperamental” while the crowd sang along with Mr. Big till the end had their die hard fans elated sky-high. Guitarist Paul Gilbert and bassist Billy Sheehan also displayed their instrumental artistry that had the crowd truly impressed.While on with the number “Just Take My Heart”, vocalist Eric Martin, let the crowd sing along and the union of their vioces echoed the packed stadium. The crowd were having a fantastic time and Mr. Big allowed that to happen. The fever inside the stadium rose when Mr. Big shifted to their popular hit “Wild World”.
The evening was perfect with clear weather though the receding sultry air was made denser by the singing and chanting of the crowd. As the time to sign off crept in, Mr. Big rendered “Addicted To That Rush” which had the crowd now roaring and not wanting Mr. Big to go. It was a very great experience to see Mr. Big Live.
Mr. Big gave in to sing the favourite “To Be With You”. The crowd inside and outside the stadium went wild. It was hard to find anyone who was not mesmerized by the atmosphere. Finally, when it was time for Mr. Big to wind up, they sang their final number “Colorado Bulldog” , the crowd joined in till the end with love and admiration until the band bade goodbye to their loving fans.
Great review, very well written, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHello Mr. Gohain, How do you do? interesting blog on Mr. Big you have written. I have one on their Dimapur show as well and it was a delight writing on them. You may want to check it out at my blog. I assume diversity rules and all the more for the rock faithfuls! Keep blogging.
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