EXTREME Guitarist Explains Decision To Reunite

November 26, 2007

Boston-based rock group EXTREME is set to return in the spring of 2008 with its first album of all new material in 13 years. The band features original members Nuno Bettencourt (guitar),Gary Cherone (vocals) and Pat Badger (bass),along with new drummer Kevin Figueiredo.

In the coming weeks, EXTREME will announce its plans for a world tour in 2008 as well as a release date and label for the as-yet-untitled album, which is being produced by Bettencourt. The guitarist says: "It will have all the ingredients of an EXTREME record. The music is always funkier than most rock bands — and born a bipolar bastard child of Mr. Zeppelin and Mrs. Beatles."

EXTREME has been introduced to a new generation of music fans who are connecting with the band through MySpace as a result of the inclusion of their song "Play With Me" on 2007's Guitar Hero video game. Outside of EXTREME, Cherone joined VAN HALEN as lead singer in 1998, co-writing the "Van Halen III" album and touring the world with them. Bettencourt joined up with JANE'S ADDICTION frontman Perry Farrell to form the band SATELLITE PARTY and co-produce their album, "Ultra Payloaded". SATELLITE PARTY also featured drummer Kevin Figuieredo, who was previously in a band with Bettencourt called DRAMAGODS.

Through the years, Bettencourt and Cherone have remained close and continued to collaborate on occasion. But what exactly inspired them to rejoin forces as EXTREME?

"Rock and roll famine…I know it might sound crazy, but there is a massive shortage of rock and roll on this planet," says Bettencourt. "It's almost extinct. I mean the true spirit of quality rock and roll — you know, musicianship, when you would give up every moment of your day to master your instrument and create your own identity and sound so as to respectfully outdo all your past heroes whilst proudly wearing the badge of their influences."

"Passion," says Bettencourt, is what drives EXTREME. "To do whatever it takes, with integrity, to bring music to the people, not because of fame…but just cause you simply couldn't wait to share it with them."

"We realized," adds Bettencourt, "not only are the people starved for rock and roll...So are we. Let's eat."

Look for the group to perform Saturday, December 1 at the Boston Music Awards at the Orpheum Theatre.

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