This is only a preview. The auction will open on: 10/28/2026 1:00:00 PM
Offered Here: Mr. Big 1992 Atlantic Records In-House Billboard No.1 Single Plaque Presented to Paul Gilbert
Item Details: This lot features a premier piece of 1990s rock history sourced directly from the inner circles of the music industry. This is an authentic, Atlantic Records in-house executive wood plaque presented to the virtuoso guitarist of Mr. Big, Paul Gilbert. The award was specially commissioned by the label to congratulate Gilbert on the monumental occasion of the group's classic power ballad, 'To Be with You,' reaching the coveted number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart in 1992. As a direct artist-presentation piece, this trophy carries an elite level of provenance and desirability that separates it from standard commercial memorabilia. The plaque measures approximately 13 1/2 by 19 inches, offering a classic, high-quality presentation that perfectly captures a definitive milestone in the band's career.
Mr. Big formed in Los Angeles in 1988, uniting vocalist Eric Martin, drummer Pat Torpey, bassist Billy Sheehan of Talas and David Lee Roth's band, and guitarist Paul Gilbert of Racer X, whose technical precision made the group a reference point for virtuoso hard rock musicianship. Their acoustic ballad "To Be with You," from the 1991 album "Lean into It," reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1992, a success that contrasted with the band's reputation for high-speed playing, including Gilbert and Sheehan's use of electric drills on "Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy." The song's crossover appeal brought Mr. Big to a mainstream audience at the close of the hard rock era, and the band went on to keep a particularly strong following in Japan.
Condition: The plaque is in excellent condition, showing only common signs of wear, aging, and storage. The wood finish remains smooth and has minor signs of wear, the commemorative text and graphics are clean and fully legible, and the overall structural integrity of the piece has been beautifully preserved over the decades, making it ready for immediate display in any elite collection.
SKU: JDL1055