LIVE REVIEW- EXTREME - NEWCASTLE CITY HALL 2023
Warming up the crowd, quite literally, masters of funk metal, Living Colour brought their A game with them. Starting with a nod to Jimi Hendrix's 81st birthday, Living Colour started their set with a cover of 'Cross Town Traffic' before leading into 'Leave It Alone', such a legendary band that has seen their career span four decades.
Vocalist Corey Glover was dressed in a colourful striped jacket with his famous dreadlocks, making for a striking figure on stage. His voice is instantly recognisable and still so powerful.
Speaking of the 50 years of hip-hop, Corey told the Newcastle audience that one of the founders of the genre was on the stage that night, introducing bassist Doug Wimbash, who then kicked off a medley including 'White Lines (Don't Don't Do It), 'Apache' and 'The Message'.
An incredible performance, which the band topped off with 'Cult of Personality' much to the delight of the crowd.
Bounding on to the stage with infectious energy and enthusiasm, mic stand/pole in hand, Gary Cherone stood centre stage donning shades with tape crossed over on one lens, a bandana wrapped around his head, looking very much the rock star and ready for an epic show. His bandmates Kevin Figueiredo, Pat Badger, and lead guitarist Nuno Bettencourt all took their places as they started the opening bars of the first song. As the stage lit up, the band belted out 'It ('s a monster) with each member of the band looking extremely happy to be there. The energy levels were very high and matched by the audience, which mirrored the band's enthusiasm.
The tour is in support of the band's latest studio album, 'SIX', the first since 2008, and the setlist reflected that while still giving the fans more than just a few old favourites. The second song in 'Decadence Dance' proves that point, with '# Rebel' from the new album following in quick succession and going down well with the Newcastle concert-goers.
The night saw bassist Pat Badger showing off his skills very early on, with Nuno Bettencourt getting his moment about half way through the set with an epic, seated acoustic-filled rendition of 'Midnight Express'.
Having already rewarded the crowd for braving the cold with 'Hole Hearted' fairly early on in the night, Extreme were given their own reward from the audience as the entire room took over the vocals during 'More Than Words', making for a very special moment and one that I am sure everyone there will remember. Newcastle definitely got their money's worth as the rock legends kept the electric atmosphere going for an extensive and comprehensive set. An impressive display of talent and passion for performance is refreshing to see.
This is a band with a back catalogue crammed with hits that have touched the hearts and live in the souls of millions of people spanning multiple generations, plus they also have arguably one of the world's greatest guitarists among their number, so there is a lot of expectation to live up to, and Extreme more than did just that.
I w-Hole Hearted-ly recommended catching a show if you get the chance, and don't forget to check out their new album, 'SIX'.
