With Mr. Big’s eighth studio album, …The Stories We Could Tell, coming out in September, they’ll sadly be touring in support of it without original drummer Pat Torpey behind the kit. The 60 year-old has admitted that he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. The4 band plan on finding a replacement drummer shortly. Here’s what the press release says:

The rock band, Mr. Big announced today that its drummer, Pat Torpey, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and unfortunately will be unable to perform all of his normal drumming duties on the band’s upcoming World Tour in support of the band’s new album, …The Stories We Could Tell.

“I’ve been dealing with Parkinson’s symptoms for the past couple of years and only recently received a confirmed diagnosis as symptoms worsened.  I intend to fight the disease with same intensity and tenacity that I drum and live my life by and will continue recording and performing, as always, to the best of my ability,” stated Torpey.

Mr. Big intends to announce a drummer in the near future whom will handle most of Mr. Big’s drumming duties on the Fall 2014 tour and expects Torpey to jump on the drums on suitable live songs as well as participating in the groups acoustic set.

It’s good to hear that at least Torpey plans on touring with the band and jumping in when he can. The band has been playing with its original lineup, which also includes vocalist Eric Martin, guitarist Paul Gilbert and bassist Billy Sheehan. Torpey has played with John Parr, Belinda Carlisle, The Knack and Robert Plant.