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Gary Cherone – HURTSMILE 2011 Tour
One of the tragically timed bands in existence… Extreme. They were too good to be lumped in with the “hairband” era, yet with their power ballads as their primary radio coverage – that’s what they got labeled. Then grunge came along and washed well-produced, melodic art-rock out to sea…
I was lucky enough to catch their Saudades de Rock tour in Cincinnati a few years ago (with King’s X, too!). Extreme’s power duo of Gary Cherone (vocals for Extreme & one-time Van Halen) and Nuno Bettencourt (guitars) are one of my favorite duos to watch – period. They work sooo well together. Well, Nuno is now a hired gun on tour (currently Rihanna); so Gary is heading out on the road with his side-band: Hurtsmile. It also has Gary’s brother Markus on guitars (who I saw in 1995 with the band FLESH with Nuno’s brother Paulo on vocals… incestuous Boston music scene – for sure!).
I shant be lucky enough to catch this tour… but if you’re in one of these spots in the U.S. or Japan, check it out. Gary is an impressive performer. 
Their self-titled debut album came out in February (see link to the right for sound samples).
Hurtsmile 2011 Tour
- May 13 – the Cube Club – Newark, DE
- May 14 – M3 Rock Festival – Columbia, MD
- June 3 – Club Red – Phoenix, AZ
- June 4 – Casino Del Sol – Tuscon, AZ
- June 24th – The Bottom Line / NAGOYA
- June 25th – Red Box / KURASIKI
- June 26th – Caravan Sary / KOCHI
- June 27th – Bigcat / OSAKA
- June 29th – Live House enn 2nd / SENDAI
- June 30th – OEast / TOKYO
- July 1st – Live Space C-moon FUKUSHIMA
- July 2nd – STB139 / TOKYO
- July 21 – B.B. Kings – New York, NY
- July 22 – Showcase Live – Foxboro, MA
http://www.hurtsmile.com/
~Dan – np: Placebo – Sleeping With Ghosts 
Extreme – DVD, new music, tour in 2010
News about EXTREME was just posted by Gary Cherone on the band’s Facebook page…
Other than the occasional Nuno post, I have been absent from the conversation. So consider this my new years resolution.
That being said, while Rihanna is introducing the pop world to the greatest guitar player on the planet!… there are things happening in the Extreme camp. As you know we are putting out our first official Take Us Alive DVD/CD including 4 bonus videos slated for late March/April [2010]. Yeah I know hurry up! And don’t be surprised when you hear some new music from the band as well as seeing some live dates in 2010!
As for me, I’ve been busy recording new material with [side-band] Hurtsmile, which I’m really excited about. Two of these songs will be featured in a movie/documentary coming out in March (more on that later). One of the songs is an acoustic version of ‘Danny Boy’. Stay tuned.
Sweet!
~Dan – np: Guns ‘n’ Roses – Appetite for Destruction
Nuno & Jason Segel (How I Met Your Mother)
Nuno Bettencourt (of rock band Extreme) is starring in a music video with Jason Segel for the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother. Known for their love affair with “songs that are awesome,” HIMYM have re-created the famous Extreme video “More Than Words.” Other cast members including Neil Patrick Harris, Cobie Smulders, Alyson Hannigan and Josh Radnor will also appear in the video.
The episode airs tonight (Oct 12th) on CBS at 8/7c. Here’s the behind the scenes video:
Official video from the show:
~Dan – np: Explosions in the Sky – All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone (Remixes)
Swell Season, Alice in Chains, Extreme
The two singer-songwriters behind the movie ONCE, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova (aka The Swell Season), are out and about promoting their new record, Strict Joy. It’s available for pre-order on Amazon. It is set to be released on September 29th.
They just did a Tiny Desk Concert for NPR. Its available over here or as a podcast (do a search for “NPR Live Concerts” in iTunes). They do some new songs in the NPR studio as well as some faves.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Alice in Chains‘ new one, Black Gives Way to Blue, is also available for pre-order…
It’s out September 29th as well…
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
And rounding things out… Blabbermouth reports that Extreme recently recorded their August 8th show at the House of Blues in Boston for a DVD release later this year.
~Dan – np: Dream Theater – Master of Puppets
Favorite Concerts of 2008
Well, shockingly, I don’t have any concerts on the calendar for December 2008 (next up is Zappa Plays Zappa on Jan 2nd). Of course, Sam Bond’s may book a jazz show that I don’t find out about until a week prior. Eh, anyway, I’ve seen 42 concerts and 91* artists perform so far in 2008 (which is oddly considered a “slow year” for me).
Assuming no other shows pop up out of nowhere and blow me away, here are my favorite concerts for 2008:
- Extreme & King’s X – Union Center Blvd Bash – Cincinnati, OH {10 Aug} [review with pictures]
- Jude Christodal, opener: Ryan Andrew – Aladdin Theater – Portland, OR {6 June} [review with pictures]
- Secret Chiefs 3 with Secret Chefs 3, Diminished Men – Doug Fir Lounge – Portland, OR {3 Aug} [review with pictures]
- Sigur Rós with Parachutes – Arlene Schnitzer Hall – Portland, OR {6 Oct} [review with pictures]
- Ornette Coleman – Arlene Schnitzer Hall/PDX Jazz Fest – Portland, OR {15 Feb} [review]
- SFJazz Collective with Dave Douglas, Joe Lovano, Miguel Zenon and more focusing on the music of Wayne Shorter – Newmark Theatre/PDX Jazz Fest – Portland, OR {15 Feb} [review]
- Ani DiFranco, openers: Animal Prufrock, Judy Grahn – McDonald Theatre – Eugene, OR {16 Apr} [review]
- My Brightest Diamond with Clare & the Reasons – W.O.W. Hall – Eugene, OR {21 Nov} [review with pictures]
- Nellie McKay, opener: Amorèe Lovell – Doug Fir Lounge – Portland, OR {15 Aug} [review with pictures]
- Orange Tulip Conspiracy – Samurai Duck – Eugene, OR {17 Nov} [review with pictures]
- Bill Frisell / Eyvind Kang / Rudy Royston – The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts – Eugene, OR {7 June} [review with pictures]
- Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket with J.Kingham – W.O.W. Hall – Eugene, OR {21 Feb} [review]
- Branford Marsalis and the Philharmonia Brasileira – The Hult Center – Eugene, OR {2 Oct} [review]
- Medeski Martin & Wood – McDonald Theatre – Eugene, OR {15 Nov} [review with pictures]
- Talkdemonic with Heavenly Oceans – Sam Bond’s Garage – Eugene, OR {9 Feb} [review]
Runners Up: God of Shamisen at Samurai Duck, EARTH at WOW Hall, Radiohead at White River Amphitheatre, Skerik’s McTuff & Skerik’s Maelstrom Trio at Sam Bond’s Garage, and Raquy and the Cavemen at Cozmic Pizza.
Shows I’m bummed I missed… Beck in Bend, Tegan & Sara in Salem and/or Portland, Sunn 0))) in Portland, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey (twice) in Eugene, Glen Phillips in Portland, Chali 2Na & Ozomatli in Portland, Steven Bernstein’s Millenium Territory Orchestra at Seattle’s Earshot Jazz Fest, and next week’s Charlie Hunter in Portland (I wish it weren’t on a Monday). :( Oh well, maybe next year…
Of my concert photos this year, I think these are my faves (in no particular order):
- Jude Christodal
- Silhouetted Secret Chiefs 3
- Jason Schimmel & Timb Harris from Secret Chiefs 3
- Sunspot Doug Pinnick & Ty Tabor from King’s X
- Nuno Bettencourt from Extreme
- Nellie McKay
- Ninja, laser-eyes Lee Smith from God of Shamisen
- Jónsi Birgisson from Sigur Rós
I’m definitely looking forward to 2009… Dweezil Zappa & Co playing Frank’s music, trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, the SF Jazz Collective (with Dave Douglas & Joe Lovano), and Madeleine Peyroux are already on the calendar…
~Dan – np: John Zorn – Film Works XXII: The Last Supper
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*– This was also the first year in 11 years that I haven’t seen Over the Rhine. I wish I was able to make it to their reunion show with Ric Hordinski, but alas, I shan’t be able to go.
Past Concert Fave Recap: 2007
REVIEW: King’s X & Extreme @ Union Center Blvd Bash (Cincinnati, OH – – 8/10/08)
FYI… PHOTOS of the SHOW are at the BOTTOM
My wife thinks I’m crazy. I think I agree. I used SkyMiles to fly from Eugene, OR, to Cincinnati, OH, to see two rock bands. I don’t do this often (fly somewhere for a show). Anyway, this time it was for two bands I’ve liked for 15-20 years: King’s X and Extreme. While I love King’s X, I’ve seen them a bunch and they tour a bunch; so the main reason to fly was to see Extreme* – – who broke up 12 years ago.
*– Extreme is much more than that “More Than Words” band (or that “Beethoven jamming in the mall on Bill & Ted’s” band). They wrote great rock songs, great guitars & insightful lyrics, and bordered on art rock in many cases, i.e.- the IIIrd Side (unofficially) starting with “God Isn’t Dead?” and moving into the 23-minute, three-part with orchestration, epic “Everything Under The Sun” on III Sides to Every Story. “Everything Under the Sun” is most likely my 2nd favorite song ever written (Kevin Moore’s “Space-Dye Vest” being #1).
The closest this double-bill tour was coming to me (in Eugene, OR) was Las Vegas… which would mean expensive ticket, expensive hotel, expensive meals, and a city that I find kinda boring (unless you add an expensive Cirque du Soleil show). With that being said, a FREE show with a brother within 2 miles of the festival with a FREE bed to sleep in made this one too good to pass up. [Thanks, David & Alicia!]
The day started with a yummy vegan biscuits & gravy brunch at MELT in lovely Northside and ended with Nuno Bettencourt wailing on guitar in West Chester (home of the Union Center Boulevard Bash). Well, on to the show…
This was my 15th time seeing King’s X. Did I mention I like them? The only thing that’s kept me away from one of their shows within a 200 mile radius would be a wedding. My own wedding. :) Anyway, they put on a great show tonight. Doug Pinnick, Ty Tabor, and Jerry Gaskill are the epitome of a power trio. They put out a wall of sound, heavy, chunky, yet melodic. They were scheduled to play 45 minutes (the ills of a free festival opening slot), but they got a good hour and change to play. Great crowd response, and kudos from Nuno & Co later in the evening. They put on a great set, as usual. And a friend from Nashville texted me unexpectedly while at the show. [It was great to see you, WalruSteve!]
(Doug, Ty, Jerry – not my pic, obviously)
King’s X Setlist:
- Groove Machine
- Alright
- Rocket Ship
- Black Flag
- Move
- Dogman (one of my favs of the set)
- Pray (with Doug on 12-string bass)
- We Were Born to Be Loved
- Go Tell Somebody
- Looking for Love (one of my favs of the set)
- Over My Head
- Encore: King
The spiritually searching lyrics to “Looking for Love” has been a mantra of some sort for me since way back in ’96; so it’s always good when that’s in the set. Doug seemed to be in pretty good spirits. Ty’s hair kept blowing in his face, but that didn’t stop him shreddin’ up the frets. Jerry was killin’ the skins, as usual. The sun was beatin’ down on the band, but they muscled through. Here’s hopin’ this Extreme tour helps them bring some new fans on board.
As for Extreme… This was my 2nd time seeing them. I saw them on their Waiting for the Punchline Tour in 1995 (@ Bogart’s in Cincinnati). They broke up shortly afterwards, as Nuno Bettencourt went on to do some solo stuff and Gary Cherone went on to join Van Halen (which turned out to be a poor choice… as, you know, Van Halen sucks ass). Anyway, when Extreme broke up, it was truly amicable. The band had run its course, the landscape of music wasn’t all that into hardrock with solos (but rather flannel and apathy rockin’ the suburbs), and the guys in Extreme all had different opportunities. A reunion was always a possibility, it was just a function of time…
They had their new CD (Saudades de Rock) at the show… even though it doesn’t come out until Tuesday. Only $10, too. Rock on!!
(Pat, Gary, Nuno, KFigg – not my pic, obviously)
Extreme ripped up the stage for almost two hours, playing a good mix of old songs, new songs, hits, fan favs… KFigg did a great job filling in Paul Geary’s drum “shoes.” Pat Badger’s bass playing was superb. Gary’s voice was on. Nuno was Nuno (i.e.- God) — meedley-meedley-meeeeeeeeeeee (Strongbad Email link)…
Extreme X Setlist:
- IIIrd Side Intro Music (strings)
- Decadence Dance
- Comfortably Dumb (new one)
- Rest In Peace (one of my favs of the set)
- Star (new one, with Star-Spangled Banner outro)
- Tell Me Something I Don’t Know
- 1989 medley: Kid Ego /
Little Girls /
Teacher’s Pet /
Play With Me (Nuno’s solo ripped — one of my favs of the set) - Midnight Express (instrumental — one of my favs of the set)
- More Than Words
- Ghost (new one, Nuno on piano)
- Cupid’s Dead
- Take Us Alive
- Am I Ever Gonna Change? (one of my favs of the set)
- Flight of the Wounded Bumblebee (Nuno’s guitar-only take on Tchaikovsky — one of my favs of the set)
- Get the Funk Out (one of my favs of the set)
- Encore: Hole Hearted (one of my favs of the set)
- Communication Breakdown [Led Zeppelin]
Overall… fuppin’ awesome! I am crazy for music, but I love being crazy. :) Being crazy is what keeps me sane.
The Appropriate Linkage:
- http://www.kingsxrocks.com/
- http://www.myspace.com/kingsx
- http://www.myspace.com/dugpinnickpoundhound (bass/vocals)
- http://www.myspace.com/tytabor (guitar/vocals)
- http://www.myspace.com/jerrygaskill (drums/backing vocals)
- http://www.extreme-band.com/
- http://www.myspace.com/extreme
- http://www.myspace.com/garycherone (vocals)
- http://www.myspace.com/nunobettencourt (guitar/backing vocals)
- http://www.myspace.com/pbadger (bass/backing vocals)
- http://www.myspace.com/kfigg (drums)
- http://www.unioncentreblvdbash.com/
Yeah, that’s a lotta links… I took a bunch of pictures of both bands. I hope to have them up soon, once I get back home to Oregon and have a chance to edit and upload ’em…
~Dan – np: Extreme – Saudades de Rock
KING’S X (24 pics) & EXTREME (70 pics) CONCERT PHOTOS
all pictures (cc) 2008 Daniel Temmesfeld,
you may use freely under a creative commons attribution
(click to enlarge)
King’s X Band (6):
More band shots: #3, #4, #5, #6
Doug Pinnick (8):
More Doug shots: #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8
Ty Tabor (8):
More Ty shots: #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8
Jerry Gaskill (2):
Sorry, no more Jerry shots.
Extreme Band (19) + Gear (2):
More band shots: Mourning Widows racks, Drums, Band #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, Bow #18, Bow #19
Gary Cherone (7):
More Gary shots: #3, #4, #5, #6, #7
Nuno Bettencourt (21):
More Nuno shots: #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #18, #19, #20, #21
Yeah, I’m a bit obsessed with Nuno. :)
Pat Badger (2):
Sorry, no more Pat shots.
Kevin Figueiredo (4):
Gary & Nuno (10):
More Gary & Nuno shots: #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10
Nuno & Pat (5):
Extreme… and a Naked Video
Double-packed post… unrelated topics (Extreme & nakedness)… what else is new? For nakedness, skip to the bottom…
First off… yes, I like Extreme. The band from the early 90s. They were awesome. No regrets. They were so much artier than what aired on the radio. I saw them in 1995 (Bogart’s in Cincinnati), and it was one of my favorite shows… EVER. They broke up later that year (or in early 1996).
Anyway, they’re back together. New album, new tour. I’ll be flying to Cincinnati (on SkyMiles) to see them at the Union Center Blvd Bash on Sunday, August 10th… as my bro lives, like, 2 miles from there. They just put out a press release for their upcoming album…
(June 9, 2008 ) New York, NY – This summer, EXTREME will release Saudades de Rock (pronounced “sow-dodge“), their first studio album in thirteen years which will coincide with their first world tour in over twelve years. Saudades de Rock will be released on August 12th on Open E Records and distributed by Fontana.
The iconic rock foursome – vocalist Gary Cherone, guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, bassist Pat Badger and new drummer Kevin Figueiredo – recorded their fifth studio offering at NRG Studios in Los Angeles with Bettencourt at the helm as producer and mixer. Saudades de Rock boasts 13 tracks, including the infectious roar of “Star,” the groove-laden, swagger of “King”, a raw funk rock anthem called “Learn To Love”, and the expressive ballad “Ghost.”
“‘Saudades’ was always a beautiful word to me,” Bettencourt explains about the Portuguese album moniker. “It expresses a longing; an underlying sadness for something or someone that’s been missing in your life, and never quite sure if it will ever return. In this case, for us, it’s Rock and Roll. Saudades de Rock.”
Gary Cherone adds, “I like how it expresses that longing we’ve been feeling to play for our fans and be together again.”
The multi-platinum, Boston-bred band’s 2008 ‘TAKE US ALIVE’ world tour gets underway on July 29th at The Chance in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. and will be anchored by a hometown gig two days later at the Bank of America Pavilion. In advance of the tour, Extreme will be a co-headliner on July 11th at the five day Rocklahoma Festival in Pryor, OK.
www.extreme-band.com
www.myspace.com/extremeSaudades de Rock track listing:
1. Star
2. Comfortably Dumb
3. Learn To Love
4. Take Us Alive
5. Run
6. Last Hour
7. Flower Man
8. King Of The Ladies
9. Ghost
10. Slide
11. Interface
12. Sunrise
13. Peace (Saudade)
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And now for the nakedness…
This video is brought to you by the Brighton Port Authority (a pseudonym for Fatboy Slim)… it is both clever, funny, and catchy… and nude… but cleverly so…
THE Brighton Port Authority (aka The BPA)
“TOE JAM” feat. DAVID BYRNE & DIZZEE RASCAL
(no actual nudity,
but still probably not suitable for work)
Delightful…
The Doug, Ty, Jerry, Gary, Nuno, Pat & Kevin Show
Unrelated to my recently posted review… but wicked awesome… Two bands that I’ve been a fan of for, geez, 16 years each or so… well, they’re hitting the road together this year.
As part of a Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp Tour, these two bands will be hitting the road together this summer:
I saw Extreme on their last tour before they went on hiatus in 1995. I’ve recently posted about my excitement of them getting back together for an album in 2008. I’ve seen King’s X many times… they’re a consistent part of my musical life… They’ve got a new (likely kick-ass) album coming out, too.
Anyway, seeing these two great bands on one stage in one night is… UTTERLY FANTASTIC. I may have to swing a roadtrip… :-)
http://www.myspace.com/extreme
http://www.myspace.com/kingsx
http://www.myspace.com/rockandrollfantasycamp
The Blabbermouth story is here.
Thanks for the scoop, Dave!
~Dan
Holy Funk, Batman!!
um… this announcement made me so incredibly happy.
Gary Cherone, Nuno Bettencourt, and Pat Badger (with Kevin from Nuno’s other band Population-1 on drums) are coming back with a new EXTREME album and tour in 2008.
Sweet muscular Jesus, that is AWESOME NEWS!! they’re one of my favorite bands… ever. The only downside is that my brother may get a chance to see them live, and I won’t have that to hold over his head anymore… :-)
~Dan
-Eyvind Kang
-Frank Zappa
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