Written by: Alex Green

Pat Torpey, one of the founding members of Mr. Big has died.

According to his publicist Amanda Cagan, the drummer’s death (Feb. 7) was due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.

Torpey was 64.

A bona fide supergroup who took their name from the title of a Free song, Mr. Big got their start back in 1988. Their 1991 #1 single “To Be With You” topped the charts in 15 countries. Torpey and his fellow Mr. Big bandmates (Eric Martin, Billy Sheehan, Paul Gilbert) put out Defying Gravity, their ninth studio effort, in the summer of 2017.

A respected drummer who was cited by Rush’s Neal Pert as an inventive force behind the kit, the Cleveland-born Torpey played with everyone from Robert Plant to Belinda Carlisle to The Knack.

On Facebook singer Graham Bonnet paid tribute to his fallen friend: “I’m absolutely gutted to learn that my friend and former band mate Pat Torpey has succumbed to Parkinsons Disease. Pat was incredibly kind, professional and so pleasant to work with. His work ethic was was unparalleled and he was a monster behind the kit. I’m so sad for his family and friends. Rest in peace, Pat. You will never be forgotten.”