Eric Martin, the legendary front-man of the American rock super-group, ‘Mr Big’ is back in Dimapur city for an unplugged concert at Niathu Resort, 7th Mile, Dimapur, on
November 1.
His first visit to Dimapur was in 2009 when Mr Big reunited for a world tour after the band members made their separate ways in 2005.
Eric, the synonym for Mr Big, who has been touring solo for the past few years is in the city with Marcus Grahamburg, a Swedish with Sri Lankan origins as his tour guitarist.
Speaking to media persons during a press conference at Niathu Resort, Monday, Eric said he was excited to be back in the city and performing for his fans in the state.
Undisputedly one of the most prolific and recognizable voice in the history of rock music Eric has been able produce some of the most loved and evergreen songs with his band Mr Big.
Although their list of hits would be lengthy, ‘To Be With You’, is the chartbuster scoring no 1 single in 15 countries simultaneously after its release in 1992 which have never been equalled by any other rock band so far.
Eric currently resides in Marine County, San Francisco, US, but spends most of his time touring the globe.
He described his journey to India and Nagaland as exciting, challenging with a lot of nice foods, places and beautiful clothes.
Answering to a question on his second journey to the region, Eric said he liked to take up challenges besides doing what he loved to do, which was singing.
He said, “Initially I was scared to tour solo since I had relied on my friends Billy Sheehan and Paul Gilbert (his bandmates), I wanted to take up the challenge of doing solos, I wanted to experience me. I could say and do whatever I wanted in my solo tours. I get nervous sometimes but that’s what thrills me and keeps me going.”
On being asked about the road condition, Eric said it had become worse than how it was when he visited way back in 2009. He described the road as “brutal” and wished he could talk to someone from the government about it.
Answer to a question, Eric said he felt overshadowed by Mr Big, nevertheless, he added, “who wouldn’t” feel overshadowed by a band that scored no 1 in 15 countries. He went on to say that Mr Big had also served as an umbrella and that he was proud to be part of the supergroup.
Born in 1960 in Long Island, New York, Eric was at the top when Mr Big ruled the rock and roll world in between 1989 to 1997 and becoming a global phenomenon.
He recalled of how he released his first record ‘Electro Asylum’ in 1985 and his first gig which was at a senior prom.
On a note to the aspiring singers, he said, “Keep hanging in, work hard, keep a fan base, keep it fun, don’t leave school, don’t drink, drop your vices and thing will work out for you when you least expected it. And most importantly be patient because it takes time and that’s why it’s called ‘experience’ and your time will come.”
He further announced that he would be singing most of the Mr Big hits during his show on Tuesday night.
The Eric Martin unplugged concert was organized by LiveNow.
Eric’s next stop will be in Kohima where he is scheduled to play at the main arena in Kisama heritage village on November 2.
(Aneila Seyie Keretsü)
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