Drummer Pat Torpey, who was in Mr. Big from its formation in 1988, died today at the age of 64. He passed from complications from Parkinson’s disease, which he was officially diagnosed with in 2014. Torpey’s last album with the band was 2017’s Defying Gravity, where he served as drum producer, and he’d still toured with the band as a percussionist, backing Ace Frehley drummer Matt Starr. His family, the band and management request privacy, a press release says.
Before joining Mr. Big, he’d played for John Parr, Belinda Carlisle and The Knack. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, drums were programmed for their 2014 album …The Stories We Could Tell. Mr. Big’s chart-topping ballad “To Be With You” was a big hit in 1991. Mr. Big bassist Billy Sheehan shared his condolences.
