Shillong, emerges as the music rock capital of India: Mr Big

Shillong, Oct 26 (UNI) Shillong is emerging as India's music rock capital, Eric Martin, lead vocalist of the international rock band 'Mr Big' said.

''I am glad to perform here for the first time,'' Martin told UNI here today.

The American-born singer is here to perform live for the first time in India at an exclusive concert- ''Festival of Rock: Shillong'' here tomorrow at Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex in Meghalaya.

He will be backed up by his four -Argentinean band members- Charlie Giardine (bass guitar), Christian Vida (guitar) and Pahlo Garrochi (drum sets).

The capital of Meghalaya, known for its passion for Western music, has emerged as a 'hot' destination for international music bands with recent performances by 'Petra', 'Fire House' and 'Michael Learns to Rock' (MLTR).

''I have heard from C J Snare, lead vocalist of 'Firehouse', about the music-loving people of Shillong and we found it to be a beautiful place. We will be keeping this experience in our hearts forever,'' he lead vocalist said.

This famous American band had performed live in Shillong before a packed audience.

Tomorrow's concert will kick off with performances by Magdalene, winners of the Great Indian Rock 2006 and one of the finest rock bands from Mizoram and Meghalaya's leading band Snowhite.

'Indian Idol-3' finalist - Amit Paul and lead vocalist of Snowhite band will sing a duet with Martin to serenade music lovers.

Amit will sing the famous Mr Big song, ''To be with you with Martin'' while Timmy will be singing Wild World with the American singer.

''This is like a festival of music and it will allow everyone to take part in it,'' Director of the Centre Point Entertainment Network Larsing Ming told UNI.

Eric Martin began playing for the rock group Kid Courage in San Francisco, California, and then for Stark Raving Mad in Santa Rosa, California. With Walter (Herbie) Herbert (from Journey) and Sandy Einstein as managers, the band, 415, was formed in the late 1970s.

It recorded one album under The Eric Martin Band, titled Sucker for a Pretty Face.

The LP received a gold disc. ''EMB'' broke up in 1985, after which Martin recorded two solo albums, ''Eric Martin and I'm Only Fooling Myself.'' In 1988, Martin, Billy Sheehan, Pat Torpey and Paul Gilbert formed Mr Big, which achieved great commercial success.

The band, however, broke up in 2001 and its farewell tour to Hong Kong was held in the same year.

''There was some miscommunication, but still I get e-mails or letters from each member of the band,'' Martin said.

Martin's father expired soon after the band members separated.

Drawing inspiration from his wife, Martin later tried to overcome the difficulties that came his way and started participating in stage performances.

Martin released another solo album, I'm Goin' Sane, in 2002. He released two more albums, Pure and his latest, 'Destroy All Monsters.' This music legend is also the lead singer and songwriter for the Tak Matsumoto Group, which released their first album, titled TMG1 in 2004.

UNI