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| Extreme's Gary Cherone & Nuno Bettencourt @ the Regency Ballroom (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
On a late summer Saturday evening in San Francisco that seemed tailor-made for an unforgettable night of music, the Regency Ballroom played host to an exceptional double bill of two rock legends: Living Colour and Extreme. On the surface, potentially somewhat of a head-scratcher of a double-bill gave way to a 3.5 hour masterclass in guitar & vocal virtuosity. The synergy of these two iconic bands transformed the venue into a crucible of musical energy, leaving a trail of electrifying performances, soul-stirring melodies, and shared euphoria in their wake. The nearly sold out Regency audience got exactly what they paid for, a night of amazing music that won't be long forgotten.
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| Living Colour's Cory Glover & Doug Wimbish @ the Regency Ballroom (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
Corey Glover's amazing voice, one that we hadn't heard live since just before the pandemic shutdown the city in March of 2020 when he performed at Bimbo's on the touring A Bowie Celebration, took center stage as Living Colour opened the night with a seismic jolt. Glover's vocal range is a marvel, effortlessly navigating from gritty and raw to soaringly melodic, and every nuance of his performance was amplified by his dynamic stage presence. As the band launched into "Glamour Boys," the audience was immediately enveloped in an infectious groove that had limbs moving and voices singing along. The chemistry between the band members was palpable, each instrument and voice a vital thread woven into a tapestry of sonic excellence.
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| Living Colour's Doug Wimbish @ the Regency Ballroom (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
One of the evening's unexpected highlights arrived when Living Colour paid homage to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop culture. Corey noted that Doug Wimbish, the band's masterful bassist, was a session musician back in the early days of hip-hop and took the spotlight to ingeniously weave together a medley of classics from the Sugarhill Gang and Grandmaster Flash -- artists that Doug worked with in those formative years of hip-hop.
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| Living Colour @ the Regency Ballroom (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
Yet, it was the closing performance of "Cult of Personality" that truly galvanized the crowd. As Corey Glover's voice soared to monumental heights, the air was thick with anticipation, and the iconic riff played by Vernon Reid sent shockwaves through the venue. The song's anthemic quality reverberated in every corner, uniting generations of fans in a harmonious chant that echoed long after the last note faded.
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| Living Colour's Vernon Reid @ the Regency Ballroom (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
A short break ensued and Extreme took the stage at just about 9:40pm for their extended two-hour set, the energy in the room was palpable. Throughout the night, Nuno Bettencourt's guitar solos became the focal point of Extreme's performance, a masterclass in technique and emotion. Bettencourt's fingers danced across the frets with an effortless grace, delivering solos that were at times blistering and at other times introspective. Each note felt like a brushstroke on the canvas of sound, creating intricate patterns that resonated with the audience's emotions.
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| Extreme's Nuno Bettencourt @ the Regency Ballroom (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
Not to be overshadowed, Gary Cherone, the charismatic frontman, exhibited his dynamic vocal range and commanding stage presence throughout the performance. His ability to switch between emotive crooning and soaring anthems was a testament to his versatility as a vocalist. Cherone's interactions with the crowd and his camaraderie with the other band members established a palpable connection that extended beyond the music itself.
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| Gary Cherone of Extreme @ the Regency Ballroom (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
The rhythm section, comprised of bassist Pat Badger and drummer Kevin Figueiredo, served as the backbone of Extreme's sound. Their tight and rhythmic foundation allowed the other members to flourish, creating a platform for the band's explosive dynamics. Pat Badger's basslines were the heartbeat of the performance, anchoring the songs with a grooving energy that resonated with the audience's pulses. Kevin Figueiredo's drumming provided the driving force behind the band's anthems, his precision and power elevating the entire experience. In fact, for "Tragic Comic", Kevin moved from his center stage kit to a small makeshift drum kit that was quickly assembled near the front-center of the stage where he remained for several songs -- again reinforcing the theme of the evening of connecting with fans by getting that much closer to the audience.
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| Extreme's Gary Cherone & Pat Badger @ the Regency Ballroom (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
The chemistry between the members was particularly evident in the moments when the band members interacted with each other on stage. Their shared history and musical connection manifested in synchronized rhythms, impromptu smiles, and unspoken cues that showcased their profound understanding of one another. Whether it was a seamless transition between sections of a song or a spontaneous exchange of energy, Extreme's unity was an integral part of what made their performance so captivating.
Among the many highlights of Extreme's set was the perennial crowd-pleaser, "More Than Words." As Nuno Bettencourt's acoustic guitar gently wove the opening chords, a hush fell over the audience. Yet, what followed was a heartwarming surprise: at Gary's request, the crowd joined their voices with the band's, turning the venue into a harmonious chorus of emotion. For much of the song, Gary and Nuno sat silenced while the crowd carried the song a cappella. The song's simplicity was its strength, allowing every voice in the room to unite in a chorus of sentiment that transcended the confines of the venue. The experience was profoundly moving, illustrating the power of music to foster connections and evoke shared emotions.
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| Pat Badger & Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme @ the Regency Ballroom (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
During this poignant moment, Nuno Bettencourt himself shared a spontaneous idea with the audience. As the song's final notes lingered in the air, he suggested that everyone present should gather outside the venue after the show and collectively form their own band. The crowd responded with enthusiastic cheers, the idea resonating with the universal love for music that had brought them together that night. It was a fleeting yet genuine moment that emphasized the unifying force of music and the joy of creating something beautiful together. The notion of strangers transforming into a spontaneous ensemble, bonded by a shared love for the art form, encapsulated the essence of the concert – a celebration of music's capacity to connect and inspire.
Then, Nuno joked how the audience would quickly learn 'Being in a Band 101' when we'd fight over publishing rights, break-up, re-unite years later and continue writing, recording and touring together.
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| Gary Cherone of Extreme @ the Regency Ballroom (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
Before launching into the blistering instrumental rendition of "Flight of the Bumblebee," Nuno Bettencourt again engaged the audience in a playful exchange. With his characteristic charm, he spoke about the peculiar absence of bugs and mosquitoes in San Francisco. With a mischievous grin, he questioned the crowd, asking if there were any bugs present in the city. In a spontaneous moment of camaraderie, the audience erupted in unison with a resounding chorus of "bees!" The lighthearted banter added an extra layer of connection between the band and the fans, showcasing Nuno's knack for fostering a sense of unity within the performance space.
This amusing interaction seamlessly segued into the instrumental performance itself. As Nuno's fingers danced across the frets, "Flight of the Bumblebee" came to life with a frenetic energy that left jaws dropped in awe. The precision and speed with which Nuno executed the intricate melody were nothing short of astonishing. The song's fast-paced tempo and intricate composition served as a testament to the technical prowess and showmanship that have become synonymous with Extreme's performances.
The melding of Nuno Bettencourt's extraordinary skills as a guitarist, his affable stage presence, and the vibrant responsiveness of the audience created an atmosphere of unbridled energy and joy. The "Flight of the Bumblebee" moment encapsulated not only Nuno's exceptional musical abilities but also his ability to engage with the audience on a personal level. It was yet another instance that reinforced the theme of the night -- that sense of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm for two rock legends: Living Colour & Extreme.
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| Living Colour's Corey Glover @ the Regency Ballroom (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
In summary, the Living Colour and Extreme concert at the Regency Ballroom on August 26th, 2023, was a masterclass in musical prowess and heartfelt performance. Corey Glover's captivating vocals, Doug Wimbish's innovative bass work, and the band's genre-spanning artistry exemplified their enduring impact on the music scene. Extreme's seamless blend of technical virtuosity and emotional resonance reaffirmed their position as rock stalwarts. As the final notes faded, the collective euphoria lingered, leaving an indelible memory of an evening that celebrated the timeless magic of Living Colour & Extreme.
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