We Are Story Tellers
Extreme in Vancouver was nothing short of a rock lover’s fantasy, with these legendary icons dominating the Commodore Ballroom stage. The historic venue, with its intimate vibe, felt custom-built for the night’s performance. As part of their Thicker Than Blood tour, Extreme electrified the packed house, celebrating the release of their latest album, SIX. A thrilling blend of nostalgia and high-octane energy, left everyone buzzing with excitement and unforgettable memories.
With an electrifying start, the legendary band Living Colour set the stage. Calling their performance incredible feels like an understatement. Having attended countless concerts over the years, I can confidently say this was one of the most memorable openings I’ve ever seen.
With a powerhouse vocalist like Corey Glover, it’s a tall order for any other member to match that level of energy. Yet, Vernon Reid on guitar, Will Calhoun on drums, and Doug Wimbish on bass did more than just keep up, they elevated the entire performance. The way Reid’s electrifying riffs, Calhoun’s pulsating beats, and Wimbish’s deep grooves intertwined with Glover’s commanding vocals created an atmosphere so intense, it felt as though the audience was transported to an entirely different plane of existence.
Every track in their setlist was executed with flawless precision, leaving no room for a breather. Songs like “Sacred Ground,” “Ignorance Is Bliss,” and “Leave It Alone” had the crowd roaring with enthusiasm. The energy reached a new height with covers of MC5’s “Kick Out The Jams” and The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go?”—both of which had the audience singing along with every word, creating a shared experience that truly highlighted the band’s dynamic performance.
The undeniable highlight of Living Colour’s set was their iconic anthem, “Cult of Personality”. This track, brought the venue to a roaring crescendo the moment it began. The power of the song made it instantly clear why it commands such an explosive reaction. Hearing and seeing “Cult of Personality” performed live was a personal thrill, one that brought an uncontainable smile to my face. Overall, Living Colour’s set was one of the most exhilarating performances I’ve ever witnessed. The only downside was that their incredible show had to end, I could have watched them play forever.
The name Extreme was more than just a label—it was an embodiment of the electrifying experience delivered to concert-goers. The band launched their set with a video backdrop featuring four imposing gorillas, directly inspired by the cover of their SIX album. These powerful creatures, known for their intensity, seemed to represent each member of the band. The visual spectacle set the stage for a performance that was as fierce as the gorillas themselves. It perfectly captured the essence of Extreme’s larger-than-life presence.
Explosive “It’s A Monster,” Extreme ignited with a burst of energy that had fans screaming and cheering from the very first note. The high-octane song, set against a backdrop straight from Extreme II: Pornograffiti, instantly transported the audience to a nostalgic paradise. With that album serving as a cornerstone of the band’s legacy with some of their greatest hits, it was clear that the evening would be a journey through rock history.
Gary Cherone’s commanding voice and undeniable charisma captivated the audience from the start, solidifying his role as the perfect frontman. Nuno Bettencourt, hailed as one of rock’s greatest guitarists, delivered a breathtaking display of technical prowess and infectious energy. His performance was mesmerising, keeping all eyes on him. The rhythm section, with Pat Badger on bass and Kevin Figueiredo on drums, provided tight grooves and explosive fills, driving the music forward and keeping the crowd dancing all night.
With a setlist stretching back to the ’80s, Extreme In Vancouver was no shortage of hits. Classics like “Play With Me,” “Hole Hearted,” and “Get The Funk Out” seamlessly mingled with newer gems from SIX, including “#REBEL,” “OTHER SIDE OF THE RAINBOW,” and the aptly titled “THICKER THAN BLOOD”. But it was one song in particular that sent the audience into a frenzy: the band’s biggest hit, “More Than Words”. This iconic ballad, celebrated as one of the greatest love songs ever, encapsulates raw emotion and has a way of sticking in your head. The track has been covered by everyone from Jack Black and Jimmy Fallon to Mike Myers in The Love Guru, proving its impact and universal resonance.
As explosive as Extreme’s set had been, it was the encore that truly set the night on fire. In a twist so unexpected, it left the entire audience in stunned disbelief, Chad Kroeger of Nickelback, joined Extreme on stage for a cover of Van Halen’s “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love”. The sheer shock and thrill of the moment had everyone, including myself, pinching ourselves to confirm we weren’t dreaming. This unexpected collaboration was the game-changing highlight of the night, and left the crowd with a story to tell for years to come.
Closing out the night with SIX’s track “Rise,” Extreme truly rose above all expectations, delivering Vancouver a flawless evening of rock. The high-octane performance left the crowd electrified and buzzing as they exited the venue. With Living Colour’s proving of why they’re a living colour and Extreme’s explosive energy, the night served as a vivid reminder of their rock legend status. For those fortunate enough to witness this epic event, it’s a memory that will resonate for the rest of their life.
We’d like to thank Extreme In Vancouver for Igniting Vancouver with an unforgettable night of pure rock energy, and if you’d like to find out more about the band as well as future tour dates, please visit their website here: https://extreme-band.com/
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