Exclusive Artist Interview: Paul Gilbert of Mr. Big

Guitar Virtuoso Chats About His New Record The Dio Album and Mr. Big’s Upcoming Farewell Tour

It was the summer of 1989 and I was working a closing shift at my job in a local music store. Since the boss and his daughters went home early, I tuned the office radio to a favorite rock channel to help pass the time. The disc jockey was talking about a song from a newly formed supergroup that was getting a lot of requests and he said local legend bassist Billy Sheehan ( I’m originally from Buffalo, NY) was a part of it. My ears perked up and I ignored the phone lines for a few seconds when I heard the opening bass line and guitar riffs of “Addicted To That Rush” and needless to say I was addicted. That was the first time I remember hearing the work of Paul Gilbert. Since then, he has become a staple in my listening library from vinyl to CD to streaming with Mr. Big and Racer X’s music and his solo work earning permanent spots in my collection. Go check out his 2019 solo release Behold Electric Guitar and well, simply, behold.

Paul’s approach to the guitar is a unique one. If you’ve ever heard someone say, he can make that guitar talk, then you understand what I mean. He cannot only play wicked riffs and leads but also have his guitar take on the quality of a human voice, which is no easy feat. His instrumentals are breathtaking and tomorrow he releases one of his best albums yet The Dio Album.

After seeing a Dio baseball hat, Paul got the idea of recording nothing but Ronnie James Dio songs and replicating Ronnie’s voice with his guitar for an album. I mean why not take on one of the most iconic vocalists in rock history, right? Well, Paul did and the result is an amazing sonic journey that you won’t want to miss. The Dio Album features 12 amazing instrumentals of Ronnie’s most revered songs from his time in Black Sabbath and Rainbow as well as his solo career. This is truly an album like no other.

In addition to the new album, Paul is also going to be busy hitting the road with Mr. Big for tour dates in Asia with the promise of more dates including North America to come. Shutter 16 Magazine had the chance to chat with Paul and get the inside scoop on The Dio Album and the latest on Mr. Big. Click below to watch the interview in full.