Back to Budokan cover

Back to Budokan

Mr. Big · 2009

294 min · 64 tracks · hard rock

A vibrant fusion of technical prowess and melodic hooks, showcasing the band's dynamic hard rock sound in a live setting.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Addicted to That Rush — This track exemplifies the band's signature blend of intricate guitar work and catchy melodies, making it a standout moment in their live repertoire.
  • →
    To Be With You — As one of their biggest hits, this track highlights the band's softer side and showcases Eric Martin's vocal prowess amidst powerful instrumentation.
  • →
    Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy (The Electric Drill Song) Start here — This song is a quintessential Mr. Big track that captures their playful energy and complex arrangements, often a crowd favorite during live shows.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • energetic live performance atmosphere
  • electrifying guitar solos throughout
  • dynamic setlist with variety
  • engaging sing-along moments
  • nostalgic vibes for fans

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer short, concise albums
  • dislike extended instrumental sections

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows the band's continued vitality and musicianship after a long hiatus.
Themes
Japanese concert culture· live rock revival· nostalgic fan reunion
Career context
Back to Budokan marks Mr. Big's return to the live album format after a significant hiatus, following their 1992 release, Live and Kickin'. At this point in their career, the band was reuniting after years of intermittent activity, attempting to reignite their fan base while celebrating their legacy. This concert was recorded during their 2008 tour in Japan, underscoring their enduring popularity in the region.
Stylistic neighbors
Extreme· Toto· Aldo Nova
New to Mr. Big? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy (The Electric Drill Song) Start here 4:49
  • 2 Take Cover 4:46
  • 3 Green‐Tinted Sixties Mind 3:53
  • 4 Alive and Kickin’ 5:40
  • 5 Next Time Around 4:32
  • 6 Hold Your Head Up 5:37
  • 7 Just Take My Heart 4:46
  • 8 Temperamental 5:56
  • 9 It’s for You / Mars 3:44
  • 10 Pat Torpey Drum Solo 5:04
  • 11 Price You Gotta Pay 5:28
  • 12 Stay Together 3:39
  • 13 Wild World 4:18
  • 14 Goin’ Where the Wind Blows 5:15
  • 15 Take a Walk 4:28

Disc 2

  • 1 Paul Gilbert Guitar Solo 3:46
  • 2 Paul Gilbert & Billy Sheehan Duo 3:10
  • 3 Double Human Capo 1:09
  • 4 The Whole World’s Gonna Know 4:03
  • 5 Promise Her the Moon 4:16
  • 6 Rock & Roll Over 4:13
  • 7 Billy Sheehan Bass Solo 6:05
  • 8 Addicted to That Rush 9:04
  • 9 Introducing the Band 2:00
  • 10 To Be With You 3:59
  • 11 Colorado Bulldog 4:50
  • 12 Smoke on the Water 6:33
  • 13 I Love You Japan 1:55
  • 14 Baba O’Riley 6:05
  • 15 Shyboy 5:12
  • 16 Next Time Around (studio version) 3:38
  • 17 Hold Your Head Up (studio version) 4:36
  • 18 To Be With You (acoustic version) 3:50

Disc 3

  • 1 Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy (The Electric Drill Song) Start here 4:48
  • 2 Take Cover 4:46
  • 3 Green‐Tinted Sixties Mind 3:53
  • 4 Alive and Kickin’ 5:39
  • 5 Next Time Around 4:31
  • 6 Hold Your Head Up 5:37
  • 7 Just Take My Heart 4:46
  • 8 Temperamental 5:56
  • 9 It’s for You / Mars 3:43
  • 10 Pat Torpey Drum Solo 5:04
  • 11 Price You Gotta Pay 5:28
  • 12 Stay Together 3:39
  • 13 Wild World 4:18
  • 14 Goin’ Where the Wind Blows 5:14
  • 15 Take a Walk 4:29
  • 16 Paul Gilbert Guitar Solo 3:46
  • 17 Paul Gilbert & Billy Sheehan Duo 3:09
  • 18 Double Human Capo 1:08
  • 19 The Whole World’s Gonna Know 4:02
  • 20 Promise Her the Moon 4:16
  • 21 Rock & Roll Over 4:13
  • 22 Billy Sheehan Bass Solo 6:04
  • 23 Addicted to That Rush 9:04

Disc 4

  • 1 To Be With You 3:58
  • 2 Colorado Bulldog 4:49
  • 3 Smoke on the Water 6:32
  • 4 I Love You Japan 1:55
  • 5 Baba O’Riley 6:05
  • 6 Shyboy 5:12
  • 7 Next Time Around (video clip) 3:38
  • 8 Acoustic Live at Hard Rock Cafe – February 2009 4:29

What to play next

What If...
Listen next

What If...

2010

Continues the vibrant energy and melodic hard rock style of 'Back to Budokan'.
Live at Budokan
Go back to

Live at Budokan

1997

Sets the stage with a similar live experience and sound dynamics.
Full Mr. Big discography Where to start with Mr. Big Artists like Mr. Big
hard rock

If this landed

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Live at Budokan

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Captures the same live energy and musicianship, celebrating a dedicated fanbase in Japan.

Skin and Bones

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Blends technical proficiency with melodic hooks in an intimate live setting, echoing reunion vibes.

Viva! Hysteria

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Def Leppard

Delivers a nostalgic, high-energy live performance that resonates with long-time fans and rock revival themes.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata