A Rock Reunion Nobody Asked For - But I Can’t Wait!
Yesterday in a response to my Van Halen post, JACK listener Perry asked what ever happened to Gary Cherone? Good question!
Gary Cherone was once frontman for Extreme. Most people know them best as the band behind the chart topping single “More Than Words”, but Extreme were more than that. With a real guitar hero in the form of the amazing Nuno Bettencourt, Extreme combined metal, prog rock, funk, and much more to create a unique sound, one that still holds up to my ears. Their medley of Queen hits at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert still remains a highlight of the day for many.
With the way grunge took hold, Extreme didn’t last past their fourth album, “Waiting For The Punch Line”. Gary Cherone went on to replace Sammy Hagar in Van Halen; that didn’t go over well, to say the least. Nuno did some solo albums, and most recently recorded alongside Perry Farrell on the debut album from Satellite Party (excellent release, in my opinion).
But in answer to the question “where’s Gary Cherone”, this past fall it was announced that he and the other members of Extreme are getting ready to release their fifth album and hit the road in 2008. According to Nuno Bettencourt the new album “will have all the ingredients of an EXTREME record. The music is always Funkier than most rock bands—and born a Bipolar Bastard child of Mr. Zeppelin and Mrs. Beatles.”
I know I can’t wait. I still regard Extreme II: Pornographitti as a solid album that holds up today. Especially “Get The Funk Out”, which you can check out below. How about you? Any interest in an Extreme reunion tour? Or are they just one hit wonders in your book?
Here today’s bonus code: EXTREME
January 31st, 2008 at 6:54 pm
3 Sides To Every Story is one of my top 20 albums of all time.
Solid from beginning to end with the music reflecting the emotions of the lyrics!
February 1st, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Yeah! Back in the day I really got into Extreme as well. Would listen to those CDs for hours at a time. Only one I didn’t enjoy so much was “Waiting for the Punchline”. For me it didn’t have the same energy as their previous works and I just couldn’t get into it. Agree with Mike that “III sides to Every Story” was thought-provoking and a very solid effort top to bottom and agree with Andrew about Extreme II - some unforgettable songs and I enjoyed the energy of that album. Gosh, I think I’m going to search for those right now!
February 4th, 2008 at 9:11 am
I would totally check out a reunited Extreme. The show they did at Massey Hall back in the day was outstanding and Gary is one of the great rock voices of our time. The 3rd side on 3 Sides to Every Story is epic.