LIVE SHOW REVIEW AND PHOTOS: EXTREME

KISS – FREEDOM TO ROCK TOUR

Local metallers Extreme would take the stage for one of only a couple North American dates in 2016 at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom in Hampton, NH. Nestled up against the short Atlantic coastline of New Hampshire, the Casino Ballroom provides a great setting for a show. On the contrary of today’s definition of a casino when it was built in 1899, casino used in the Italian sense meaning “summer house”, and came to describe a social gathering place. Over the years some of the biggest names in history have graced the intimate stage in Hampton, including Black Sabbath, Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. It was also ranked #23 in the top 100 Worldwide Club Venues by Pollstar in 2010. It’s a great place to see a show with not a bad vantage point in the house. I also recommend booking a room and spending the day where you can enjoy the beach as well as many choices for a beverage and the newest addition – an actual casino in the form of today’s definition.

Formed in the mid-eighties outside of Boston, MA, vocalist Gary Cherone and drummer Paul Geary would acquire guitar virtuoso Nuno Bettencourt and bassist Pat Badger after an altercation between their groups over a dressing room. After developing a strong local following and being named “Outstanding Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Act” at the Boston Music Awards in ’86 & ’87, they would be signed by A&M Records. Following moderate sales of their debut, they recorded, what would become their breakthrough album, Pornograffitti. It garnered the smash hit “More Than Words” followed by “Hole Hearted”. They went on to record a couple more records before going on hiatus in the mid-nineties. During this time, Cherone landed the ultimate, albeit short, gig as Van Halen frontman, while Bettencourt would take on many projects including Mourning Widows. In 2007, they reunited with a new drummer as Paul Gary landed on the business side of things, managing bands including Godsmack. He was replaced by Kevin Figueiredo. Now entering their fourth decade, there is still a strong demand for the Boston boys, as seen on this evening.

The Boston boys took the stage in front of a sold-out crowd anxiously awaiting their arrival. Now I’ve taken in quite a bit of 80’s rock over the past month, and one thing I noticed right away this is not your typical washed up 80’s group; these guys are in shape and highly energetic, especially frontman Gary Cherone. Being in the photo pit, I think I burned more calories tracking him down than I do during my daily workout; it was awesome to see. And their sound, if I didn’t know any better, I would accuse them of lip-syncing; they sounded phenomenal as they took us through a 19 song, two-hour set, with some time for each of their five albums. Fresh off the Generation Axe Tour with Tosin Abasi, Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai & Zakk Wylde, virtuoso Nuno Bettencourt was mesmerizing as his fingers effortlessly worked the fretboard; it was absolutely amazing to watch. Seeing Extreme live made me realize how much I miss this band and how good they are. To really appreciate them, you need to see them live, but don’t let that stop you from picking up one of their five albums: Saudades De Rock, Waiting For The Punchline, III Sides To Every Story, Extreme II: Pornograffitti or their self-titled debut; you can’t go wrong with any of them. Now, lets hope this is the start of more shows in 2016 for North America; if so, do not miss Extreme. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Setlist: