Pat Torpey
Encyclopedia
Pat Torpey is an American
rock and roll
drummer
, known as the drummer
of the hard rock
band Mr. Big
. He has also played for Impellitteri
, The Knack
, David Lee Roth Band
and the Exile Social Club. He is noted by Neil Peart
for composing unique rhythms such as that of "Take Cover", a rock song from Mr. Big.
In high school, Torpey immersed himself in all available music programs, concert, orchestra, marching and stage bands. About his teenage years, he says: "I wanted to play everything percussion and I convinced my mother to buy me a used drum-kit for my thirteenth birthday.” Torpey's family moved to Phoenix, where he then began honing his skills in local bands, from rock, to funk, to jazz, to pop.
and Solid Gold TV shows performing with Benny King, Mike + The Mechanics, Melissa Manchester
, Bob Geldof
, and a few I can't even remember."
1985, Torpey auditioned for the British pop–rock singer John Parr
, who was riding high on his #1 hit "St. Elmo's Fire
" and had landed the opening slot for Tina Turner
on her Private Dancer tour. When that tour ended he became the drummer for Belinda Carlisle
on her first solo tour, opening for Robert Palmer.
Pat narrates further, “1987, I was doing a television show with Roger Daltrey
and Bobby Columby from Blood, Sweat and Tears approached me and asked me if I was available to do some studio work. Columby was producing a couple tracks for The Knack
, and their original drummer had just left the band. I loved their music and what great fun for a drummer. They asked me to join the band."
was the pathway to Mr. Big
. Billy Sheehan
and Paul Gilbert
were starting a new band and were on the hunt for a drummer. They saw Pat playing with The Knack and were impressed with his energy and style. "I loved playing with The Knack but when Billy approached me I jumped at the chance."
Mr. Big secured a recording contract with Atlantic Records
but before the band started work on the first CD Torpey was tapped to play drums with Robert Plant on his Now and Zen tour. "Led Zeppelin was such a huge influence and the guys in Mr.Big knew what a fantastic opportunity it was and they gave me their blessing. "Communication Breakdown' every night, what a rush!!!"
In 1992, Mr. Big's international hit song "To Be With You" was no.1 in the U.S. and fifteen other countries and top five in many more. For fourteen years Mr. Big toured the world, headlining as well as opening for Aerosmith
, Rush, Bryan Adams
and The Scorpions
to name a few, garnering a reputation for their world class musicianship and totally 'live' performances.
In 2004, he toured with Richie Kotzen
as drummer for his UK club tour; he also played with Billy Sheehan in Johnny Hiland's first self-titled album, Johnny Hiland.
Torpey also played for Chris Impellitteri
.
In the end of 2006, Pat joined "The Exile Social Club", a particular kind of band that relives old Rock'n'Roll hits. This band is formed also by Chuck Wright, from Quiet Riot, Jason Hook and David Victor.
.
Mr. Big
Impellitteri
Richie Kotzen
Videos
Clinics
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
rock and roll
Rock and roll
Rock and roll is a genre of popular music that originated and evolved in the United States during the late 1940s and early 1950s, primarily from a combination of African American blues, country, jazz, and gospel music...
drummer
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
, known as the drummer
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
of the hard rock
Hard rock
Hard rock is a loosely defined genre of rock music which has its earliest roots in mid-1960s garage rock, blues rock and psychedelic rock...
band Mr. Big
Mr. Big (band)
Mr. Big is an American rock supergroup, formed in Los Angeles, California in 1988. The band is a quartet composed of Eric Martin , Paul Gilbert , Billy Sheehan , and Pat Torpey ; Mr. Big also included Richie Kotzen, a reputable blues-based guitarist who replaced Gilbert in 1999...
. He has also played for Impellitteri
Impellitteri
Impellitteri is a heavy metal band from USA formed and led by guitarist Chris Impellitteri. Since inception, the band has released numerous albums to critical praise, mainly due to Chris Impellitteri's speed/shred style of playing....
, The Knack
The Knack
The Knack was an American New Wave rock quartet based in Los Angeles that rose to fame with their first single, "My Sharona", an international number one hit in 1979.-Founding :...
, David Lee Roth Band
David Lee Roth
David Lee Roth is an American rock vocalist, songwriter, actor, author, and former radio personality. Roth was ranked nineteenth by Hit Parader on their list of the 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Singers of All Time....
and the Exile Social Club. He is noted by Neil Peart
Neil Peart
Neil Ellwood Peart , OC, is a Canadian musician and author. He is the drummer for the rock band Rush.Peart grew up in Port Dalhousie, Ontario . During adolescence, he floated from regional band to regional band in pursuit of a career as a full-time drummer...
for composing unique rhythms such as that of "Take Cover", a rock song from Mr. Big.
Early years
Pat Torpey was born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 13, 1959. At age 7, he first played the drums. He tells the story: "I was at a family and friends picnic and there was a polka band. I was sitting on a railing behind the drummer and was fascinated at what I saw and heard. I went home and fashioned my own 'signature' drum sticks out of a fallen tree branch from our front yard".In high school, Torpey immersed himself in all available music programs, concert, orchestra, marching and stage bands. About his teenage years, he says: "I wanted to play everything percussion and I convinced my mother to buy me a used drum-kit for my thirteenth birthday.” Torpey's family moved to Phoenix, where he then began honing his skills in local bands, from rock, to funk, to jazz, to pop.
Beginnings of his career
In 1983, Torpey moved to Los Angeles. He recounts the beginning of his career: "I'm a pretty good softball player and joined an entertainment league, and through that I was able to make some new friends and network my way into a couple of gigs. I became a regular on the American BandstandAmerican Bandstand
American Bandstand is an American music-performance show that aired in various versions from 1952 to 1989 and was hosted from 1956 until its final season by Dick Clark, who also served as producer...
and Solid Gold TV shows performing with Benny King, Mike + The Mechanics, Melissa Manchester
Melissa Manchester
Melissa Manchester is an American singer-songwriter and actress. Beginning in the 1970s, she has recorded generally in the adult contemporary genre. She has also appeared as an actress on television, in films, and on stage....
, Bob Geldof
Bob Geldof
Robert Frederick Zenon "Bob" Geldof, KBE is an Irish singer, songwriter, author, occasional actor and political activist. He rose to prominence as the lead singer of the Irish rock band The Boomtown Rats in the late 1970s and early 1980s alongside the punk rock movement. The band had hits with his...
, and a few I can't even remember."
1985, Torpey auditioned for the British pop–rock singer John Parr
John Parr
John Parr is an English musician, best known for his 1985 US #1 hit single "St. Elmo's Fire". Parr has sold 10 million albums worldwide.-Biography:...
, who was riding high on his #1 hit "St. Elmo's Fire
St. Elmo's fire
St. Elmo's fire is a weather phenomenon in which luminous plasma is created by a coronal discharge from a grounded object in an electric field in the atmosphere St. Elmo's fire is named after St. Erasmus of Formiae St. Elmo's fire (also St. Elmo's light) is a weather phenomenon in which luminous...
" and had landed the opening slot for Tina Turner
Tina Turner
Tina Turner is an American singer and actress whose career has spanned more than 50 years. She has won numerous awards and her achievements in the rock music genre have led many to call her the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll".Turner started out her music career with husband Ike Turner as a member of the...
on her Private Dancer tour. When that tour ended he became the drummer for Belinda Carlisle
Belinda Carlisle
Belinda Jo Carlisle is an American singer who gained worldwide fame as the lead vocalist of the Go-Go's, one of the most successful all-female bands and the first such group whose members wrote their own songs and played their own instruments...
on her first solo tour, opening for Robert Palmer.
Pat narrates further, “1987, I was doing a television show with Roger Daltrey
Roger Daltrey
Roger Harry Daltrey, CBE , is an English singer and actor, best known as the founder and lead singer of English rock band The Who. He has maintained a musical career as a solo artist and has also worked in the film industry, acting in a large number of films, theatre and television roles and also...
and Bobby Columby from Blood, Sweat and Tears approached me and asked me if I was available to do some studio work. Columby was producing a couple tracks for The Knack
The Knack
The Knack was an American New Wave rock quartet based in Los Angeles that rose to fame with their first single, "My Sharona", an international number one hit in 1979.-Founding :...
, and their original drummer had just left the band. I loved their music and what great fun for a drummer. They asked me to join the band."
Mr. Big
Playing around Los Angeles with The KnackThe Knack
The Knack was an American New Wave rock quartet based in Los Angeles that rose to fame with their first single, "My Sharona", an international number one hit in 1979.-Founding :...
was the pathway to Mr. Big
Mr. Big (band)
Mr. Big is an American rock supergroup, formed in Los Angeles, California in 1988. The band is a quartet composed of Eric Martin , Paul Gilbert , Billy Sheehan , and Pat Torpey ; Mr. Big also included Richie Kotzen, a reputable blues-based guitarist who replaced Gilbert in 1999...
. Billy Sheehan
Billy Sheehan
William "Billy" Sheehan is an American bassist known for his work with Talas, Steve Vai, David Lee Roth, Mr. Big, and Niacin. Sheehan has won the "Best Rock Bass Player" readers' poll from Guitar Player Magazine five times for his "lead bass" playing style...
and Paul Gilbert
Paul Gilbert
Paul Brandon Gilbert is an American guitarist. He is well known for his technical guitar work with Racer X and Mr...
were starting a new band and were on the hunt for a drummer. They saw Pat playing with The Knack and were impressed with his energy and style. "I loved playing with The Knack but when Billy approached me I jumped at the chance."
Mr. Big secured a recording contract with Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz...
but before the band started work on the first CD Torpey was tapped to play drums with Robert Plant on his Now and Zen tour. "Led Zeppelin was such a huge influence and the guys in Mr.Big knew what a fantastic opportunity it was and they gave me their blessing. "Communication Breakdown' every night, what a rush!!!"
In 1992, Mr. Big's international hit song "To Be With You" was no.1 in the U.S. and fifteen other countries and top five in many more. For fourteen years Mr. Big toured the world, headlining as well as opening for Aerosmith
Aerosmith
Aerosmith is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "The Bad Boys from Boston" and "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band". Their style, which is rooted in blues-based hard rock, has come to also incorporate elements of pop, heavy metal, and rhythm and blues, and has inspired many...
, Rush, Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams, is a Canadian rock singer-songwriter, guitarist, bassist, producer, actor and photographer. Adams has won dozens of awards and nominations, including 20 Juno Awards among 56 nominations. He has also received 15 Grammy Award nominations including a win for Best Song Written...
and The Scorpions
Scorpions (band)
Scorpions are a heavy metal/hard rock band from Hannover, Germany, formed in 1965 by guitarist Rudolf Schenker, who is the band's only constant member. They are known for their 1980s rock anthem "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and many singles, such as "No One Like You", "Send Me an Angel", "Still...
to name a few, garnering a reputation for their world class musicianship and totally 'live' performances.
Solo albums
Because of Mr. Big’s popularity in Japan and Asia, Pat released two solo albums overseas, Odd Man Out and Y2K in 1998 and 1999. Pat also has two instructional videos overseas, “Big Drums” with Billy Sheehan and Rock Groove Drumming. Both provide insight into his original and creative drum parts.Gear
Pat uses Tama drums, Zildjian cymbals, and Promark Sticks. During his time with Mr. Big, he used Tama Artstar drums and can be seen in almost all the photos and videos of his drums. More recently, he has been using Tama Starclassic drums as the Artstar series has been discontinued.Other projects
Lately, Torpey has been involved in myriad studio projects, live performances at clinics for Tama drums in Japan, Russia, China, Indonesia, Philippines and many other parts of the world.In 2004, he toured with Richie Kotzen
Richie Kotzen
Richie Kotzen is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter.At a young age, Richie Kotzen was taken by music and first began playing piano at the age of five. At the age of seven he was inspired by the band KISS to learn the electric guitar...
as drummer for his UK club tour; he also played with Billy Sheehan in Johnny Hiland's first self-titled album, Johnny Hiland.
Torpey also played for Chris Impellitteri
Chris Impellitteri
Chris Impellitteri is the lead guitarist and founder of the heavy metal band Impellitteri. In 2008 Guitarworld Magazine officially named Chris Impellitteri as one of the Fastest Guitarists of all time...
.
In the end of 2006, Pat joined "The Exile Social Club", a particular kind of band that relives old Rock'n'Roll hits. This band is formed also by Chuck Wright, from Quiet Riot, Jason Hook and David Victor.
Reunion of Mr. Big
In January 2009, Pat Torpey reunites with his old Mr. Big band-mates Eric Martin, Paul Gilbert and Billy Sheehan for a reunion tour in Japan and possibly the world. They are currently recording a new album with producer Kevin ShirleyKevin Shirley
Kevin Shirley is a music producer and mixer for many artists, such as the bands Journey, Iron Maiden, Rush, Led Zeppelin, Joe Bonamassa, Marya Roxx, Dream Theater, Tyler Bryant, Mr. Big, and Europe.-Biography:...
.
Discography
Solo albums / Projects- Odd Man Out CD (1998)
- Y2K CD (1999)
- Big Drums Instructional Video (????)
- Rock Groove Drumming Instructional Video (????)
- Johnny Hiland CD (2004)
Mr. Big
Mr. Big (band)
Mr. Big is an American rock supergroup, formed in Los Angeles, California in 1988. The band is a quartet composed of Eric Martin , Paul Gilbert , Billy Sheehan , and Pat Torpey ; Mr. Big also included Richie Kotzen, a reputable blues-based guitarist who replaced Gilbert in 1999...
- Mr. Big CD (1989)
- Raw Like SushiRaw Like Sushi (Mr. Big album)Raw Like Sushi is a live album released by the American hard rock band Mr. Big. It was released in 1990.-Track listing:# "Blame It On My Youth"# "How Can You Do What You Do"# "Merciless"# "Rock & Roll Over ~Paul Gilbert Guitar Solo"# "Take a Walk"...
CD (1990) - Lean Into ItLean into ItLean into It is an album by hard rock band Mr. Big, released in 1991. Known as the band's breakthrough release, it peaked at number 15 on the Billboard 200 charts, while the single "To Be With You" became the band's first and only song to hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100...
CD (1991) - Raw Like Sushi IIRaw Like Sushi IIRaw Like Sushi II is a live album by the hard rock band Mr. Big. It was released in 1992.-Track listing:# "Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy"# "Voodoo Kiss"# "A Little Too Loose"# "Road to Ruin "# "CDFF-Lucky This Time "...
CD (1992) - Bump AheadBump AheadBump Ahead is the third studio album by the hard rock band Mr. Big.-Track listing:#"Colorado Bulldog" - 4:14#"Price You Gotta Pay" - 3:55...
CD (1993) - Japandemonium: Raw Like Sushi 3Japandemonium: Raw Like Sushi 3Japandemonium: Raw Like Sushi 3 is a live album by the hard rock band Mr. Big. The performance was recorded at Koseinenkin Hall in Tokyo, Japan October 29, 1993.-Track listing:...
CD (1994) - Channel V at the Hard Rock Live CD (1996)
- Hey ManHey ManHey Man is the fourth studio album by the hard rock band, Mr. Big.-Track listing:# "Trapped in Toyland" - 4:24# "Take Cover" - 4:38# "Jane Doe" - 3:36...
CD (1996) - Take Cover CD (1996)
- Not One NightNot One NightNot One Night is an EP by the hard rock band Mr. Big.-Track listing:# "Not One Night"# "Take a Walk" # "Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy"...
CD (1997) - Live at BudokanLive at Budokan (Mr. Big album)Live at Budokan is a live album by the hard rock band Mr. Big. It was released in 1997.-Track listing:#"Intro/Piano"#"Trapped in Toyland"#"Take Cover"#"Green-Tinted Sixties Mind"#"Jane Doe"...
CD (1997) - Get Over ItGet Over It (album)Get Over It is the fifth studio album by the hard rock band Mr. Big.It is their first studio album to feature guitarist Richie Kotzen.-Track listing:# "Electrified" – 4:12 # "Static" – 3:07...
CD (2000) - Superfantastic CD (2000)
- StaticStatic (Mr. Big album)Static is an album by hard rock band Mr. Big. It was released in 2000.-Track listing:# Static# Static # Superfantastic # Electrified # Hiding Place # To Be With You...
CD (2000) - Deep CutsDeep Cuts (Mr. Big album)Deep Cuts: The Best Of The Ballads is a compilation album by hard rock band Mr. Big. It was released in 2000. The two opening tracks "Where Are They Now" and "I'll Leave It Up to You" are previously unreleased. Tracks 3, 4 & 5 "Had Enough", "Promise Her the Moon" and "Just Take My Heart" are songs...
CD (2000) - Actual SizeActual SizeActual Size is the sixth album by the hard rock band Mr. Big released in August 2001. It was their second and last studio album to feature guitarist Richie Kotzen. Actual Size would be Mr. Big's final album for 10 years, until What If.....
CD (2001) - Mr. Big in Japan CD (2002)
- What If...What If... (Mr. Big album)-Bonus tracks:- Personnel :*Eric Martin – vocals*Paul Gilbert – guitars & backing vocals*Billy Sheehan – bass guitar & backing vocals*Pat Torpey – drums, percussion & backing vocals-Release history:- External links :* * *...
CD (2011)
Impellitteri
Impellitteri
Impellitteri is a heavy metal band from USA formed and led by guitarist Chris Impellitteri. Since inception, the band has released numerous albums to critical praise, mainly due to Chris Impellitteri's speed/shred style of playing....
- Stand In LineStand In Line-Personnel:*Chris Impellitteri – guitar, production*Graham Bonnet – vocals*Phil Wolfe – keyboard*Pat Torpey – drums*Chuck Wright – bass*Bill Freesh – engineering, mixing*Mikey Davis – engineering*Brian Jenkins – engineering*Paul Winger – engineering...
CD (1988)
Richie Kotzen
Richie Kotzen
Richie Kotzen is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter.At a young age, Richie Kotzen was taken by music and first began playing piano at the age of five. At the age of seven he was inspired by the band KISS to learn the electric guitar...
- What Is...What Is...-Track listing:-Personnel:*Richie Kotzen – lead vocals, background vocals, guitar, mandolin, bass, wurlitzer piano, piano, additional keyboards, drums , B3 and whirly solos , B3...
- 1998 - ChangeChange (Richie Kotzen album)Change is the tenth album by guitarist/vocalist Richie Kotzen.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Richie Kotzen – all instruments*Pat Torpey – drums *Billy Sheehan – bass...
- 2003
Videos
- Greatest Video Hits (1996)
- Group Portrait (1993)
- Live in San Francisco (1992)
- Live and Kickin (1992)
- Lean Into It (1991)
Clinics
- Milan, Italy (2007)
- Metro Manila, Philippines (2007)