Extreme at the Forum

A sticky-floored Forum played host to one-time rock stars Extreme, performing their most successful album Extreme II: Pornograffiti in full, much to the delight of the packed house. Considering Pornograffiti was released almost 25 years ago, some punters seemed quite young, but most were just trying to relive their youth. As Extreme entered into darkness, the crowd erupted in rapturous applause, and hearts were sent shuddering by a throbbing bass and a tinkling, wandering piano line.

This was album opener Decadence Dance: beginning with full gusto, the band awash in blazing light, and lead man Gary Cherone standing with arms aloft, a scarf wrapped around his neck and a pair of big black sunglasses on. The track ended with Nuno Bettencourt shredding a solo on his guitar, something he’d be doing a lot of, and it was clear everyone in the audience were already glad they’d paid the admission price. And fair enough, the band were full of professionalism, and still playing with the enthusiasm and energy of younger men.

Most of the show kept the same furious pace, however things slowed down for hit single More than Words, and the audience got a first real chance to test their own vocal chops. Vocally, Cherone struggled  to stand out, opting to allow the crowd to belt out their beloved tracks more often than not.

The album itself is a curious mix of funk, metal and glam-rock, reminiscent of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Metallica and Aerosmith all at once. It isn’t all great, but it means there is a nice stylistic variety to the tracks.

Cherone was a great showman, and Nuno and company were always on point. If anything, the concert played it too safe, and by the end what had transpired was a proficient if not slightly dull performance. There weren’t enough theatrics here to accompany the musicianship, and Cherone tired noticeably by the end.  

Still, you wouldn’t hear too many in the audience complaining. Penultimate track Song for Love, received a rousing display from the crowd as they harmonised every word, and after a quick cover of Queen’s Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Extreme were back on stage for a greatest hits encore.

Piri Eddy
Photos: Kate Pollock

For further information and future events visit Extreme’s website here.

Watch the video for More than Words here: