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Extreme & Living Colour in Winnipeg

The Club Regent Event Centre in Winnipeg was pulsating with anticipation on the night of September 18th, as hard rock fans gathered for an epic night headlined by the legendary Extreme, with the iconic Living Colour as the opener. The atmosphere was electric, and from the moment fans stepped into the intimate venue, it was clear they were in for a treat.

Living Colour

The night kicked off with Living Colour, a band that has remained a cornerstone in the world of rock and funk metal since the late ‘80s. Led by the magnetic vocalist Corey Glover, Living Colour hit the stage with all the intensity fans have come to expect from them. They wasted no time diving into their set, opening with the explosive “Leave It Alone.” Glover’s powerful voice filled the room, instantly captivating the crowd.

 

The band’s trademark fusion of genres—blending rock, funk, and metal with insightful, often politically charged lyrics—was on full display. Guitarist Vernon Reid, with his lightning-fast solos and experimental style, mesmerized the audience, creating a perfect storm of sound. His guitar work during the band’s timeless anthem “Cult of Personality” was nothing short of extraordinary, earning massive cheers from the crowd as the familiar riff began to echo through the venue.

 

Bassist Doug Wimbish and drummer Will Calhoun formed the backbone of the performance, laying down thunderous grooves that kept the energy high. Wimbish’s funky, bass-heavy intro to “Time’s Up” had the crowd moving, and Calhoun’s expert drumming elevated each track. As their set came to a close, the audience was left wanting more. Glover’s vocals, Reid’s incendiary guitar work, and the band’s dynamic stage presence set the tone for the night. Living Colour delivered a fierce, genre-defying performance that left the crowd energized and ready for the main event.

Extreme

Extreme has always been a band that marries technical virtuosity with infectious, melodic rock. And after several years without new material, fans in Winnipeg were eager to witness the band live again, particularly with their recent release of Six, their first album in 15 years. The band hit the stage with an explosion of energy, opening with the high-octane “It’s A Monster,” and set the stage for a fantastic show.

 

Nuno Bettencourt’s reputation as one of rock’s premier guitarists was well earned throughout the evening. His blistering solos and jaw-dropping technical ability were on full display, especially during fan favorites like “Get the Funk Out” and “Decadence Dance.” Bettencourt played with effortless precision, blending shredding with tasteful melodic lines, creating a perfect balance between showmanship and musicality. His finger-tapping solo during “Flight of the Wounded Bumblebee” left the audience in awe, highlighting his ability to push the boundaries of what a guitar can do.

 

Frontman Gary Cherone commanded the stage with the charisma and energy of a man half his age. His soaring vocals on tracks like “It (‘s a Monster)” and “Hole Hearted” had the crowd singing along, proving that the band’s blend of hard rock and acoustic ballads has a lasting appeal. Cherone’s chemistry with Bettencourt was palpable, with the two exchanging smiles and interacting with the crowd throughout the set.

 

Bassist Pat Badger and drummer Kevin Figueiredo rounded out the rhythm section, providing the tight foundation that allowed Bettencourt and Cherone to shine. Badger’s basslines were punchy and powerful while Figueiredo, the band’s newest member, brought a youthful energy to the performance, hammering out complex rhythms with precision and power.

The setlist was a blend of new material and timeless classics, offering fans a journey through the band’s catalog. From the powerful riffage of “Play with Me” to the reflective “More Than Words,” Extreme showcased their ability to seamlessly move between genres and moods. The acoustic ballad “More Than Words” was a highlight, with Bettencourt and Cherone sitting side by side, delivering an intimate, stripped-down performance that had the entire audience singing along.

 

While the night was full of nostalgia, Extreme’s new material from Six stood out as some of the strongest moments of the night. “Rise” was a fierce closer, while tracks like “#Rebel” and “Other Side of the Rainbow” brought fresh energy to the set. These songs fit seamlessly into the band’s catalog, proving that Extreme is far from a nostalgia act—they continue to evolve and push their sound forward.

 

The audience at the Club Regent Event Centre was as diverse as Extreme’s music. Fans young and old packed the venue, a testament to the band’s cross-generational appeal. Throughout the night, the crowd was fully engaged, singing along to every word and cheering for every solo. Bettencourt’s interactions with the audience, including moments where he tossed guitar picks into the crowd, made the performance feel intimate and personal despite the venue’s size.

 

Fans were also thrilled with the setlist, which was a perfect blend of classic hits and new material. Many longtime fans were especially vocal during songs from Pornograffitti, the band’s breakthrough album, while others were excited to hear live renditions of songs from Six for the first time. The band’s ability to balance nostalgia with fresh material kept the energy high throughout the entire performance.

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