Mr. Big & Extreme @ Enmore Theatre, Newtown – 3 June 2018

It might be 2018, but you wouldn’t know it looking at the gig guides. They’re filled with musical throwbacks keen to reunite with fans and give them a blast from the past with all the hits they know and love. The latest to hit our shores is the early 90s double-shot of Mr. Big and Extreme.

Mr. Big were the band I was really there to see. I have such fond memories of busting out “To Be With You” and “Just Take My Heart” as a kid and I was sure the band’s harmonies and big chords would be just as impressive in the live arena. Yet before too long I was feeling restless. I didn’t know any songs beyond those two hits (although that’s probably one more track than the average person), and it felt like this band was performing just to those people who did. While those folks down the front were having a grand old time singing along, I was fast becoming bored. I started to wonder whether perhaps I just wasn’t a real rock music fan as the guitarist launched into another shredding solo. The musicians were first-rate by the way, but frontman Eric Martin seemed a little by the numbers.

I must admit, after Mr. Big failed to fire for me I was prepared for this to be a long night. After all, I wasn’t much more familiar with Extreme’s back catalogue and they weren’t the act that got me through the door. They were the act that kept my butt on the seat though, except for the part near the end where I couldn’t resist giving them the standing ovation they deserved.

It turns out, I love a good rock show when it’s done well. Extreme gave us a masterclass. Gary Cherone is more energetic than most singers have his age. I was transfixed watching him bounce around the stage with all the swagger and sex appeal of a real rock star. His chemistry with lead guitarist Nuno Bettencourt is palpable. It’s a joy watching them play off one another. Speaking of playing, I’m not sure I’ll see many guitarists in my lifetime better than Nuno. His hand speed is incredible. My husband swears that at one point he was playing 300 beats a minute.

Singing along to the hits like “Hole Hearted” and “More Than Words” was great fun, but I didn’t find myself waiting for them as did during Mr. Big’s set. Everything was so entertaining that Extreme didn’t need to play on my taste for nostalgia.

While I loved those songs, they didn’t bring me my favourite moment of the night. That came when Extreme busted out “Play With Me” from Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. It’s one of my husband’s favourite songs of all time. I’d suggested to him that they might not play it, not wanting him to be potentially disappointed, but he assured me it was coming. Watching the joy spread across his face as he punched his fist in the air and screamed out the lyrics is one of the greatest things I’ve ever experienced at a show.

It’s a bit of an effort for me to see a show in Sydney. There’s transport and often hotels to coordinate, time off to organise, so I want it to be worthwhile. Mr. Big might have been lacklustre, but Extreme made my night. I’m not overstating the point when I tell you that they put on one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen. I had a healthy level of appreciation of their music before, but now I’m a fan for life.

Image source: own photos

Extreme Announce Aussie Tour

The year might be winding down, but we’ve still got time for at least one unexpected tour announcement. Extreme are the latest retro act to surprise us with an Aussie visit.

Best known for their smash hit ballad “More Than Words,” Extreme sold more than 10 million albums in the 80s and 90s. Founding members Gary Cherone and Nuno Bettencourt will be joined in Australia by Richie Kotzen, who spent time playing with Poison and Mr Big. Yes, we can expect a lot of hair on this tour!

Extreme promise to play all the hits from Pornograffitti and tracks from their most recent albums at the following shows.

11 April 2013 – Eaton Hills Hotel, Brisbane
12 April 2013 – Panthers, Newcastle
13 April 2013 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
16 April 2013 – Metro City, Perth
19 April 2013 – Palace Theatre, Melbourne
20 April 2013 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity