Multi-platinum hard rock titans EXTREME, comprised of vocalist Gary Cherone, guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, bassist Pat Badger, and drummer Kevin Figueiredo, are set to unleash "Paris Rising," a monumental live album that encapsulates the band’s entire illustrious career. The forthcoming release, scheduled for February 5 via earMUSIC, promises to be a definitive sonic journey, featuring a meticulously curated selection of songs that traverse from EXTREME’s self-titled 1989 debut to their critically acclaimed latest studio effort, "Six."
The electrifying performance captured within "Paris Rising" was recorded on December 7, 2023, at the iconic Salle Pleyel in Paris, France, a city that holds a particularly special place in the band’s storied history. This historic venue served as a backdrop for a pivotal moment during EXTREME’s extensive "Six" world tour, a global trek that has seen the band reconnect with legions of fans and introduce their new material to a fresh generation of listeners. The release of "Paris Rising" marks a significant milestone, offering fans an immersive auditory experience of the band at the zenith of their current creative output, while simultaneously celebrating their enduring legacy.
The inaugural single to emerge from "Paris Rising" is the fan-favorite anthem "Get the Funk Out." Originally featured on EXTREME’s double-platinum selling 1990 album "Pornograffitti," the track’s inclusion as the lead single underscores its enduring appeal and its status as a cornerstone of the band’s live set. The accompanying music video for "Get the Funk Out" has been released, providing a visual testament to the raw energy and infectious groove that characterized the Paris performance.
Nuno Bettencourt, the virtuosic guitarist and a driving force behind EXTREME’s unique sound, articulated the profound significance of choosing Paris as the venue for this landmark live recording. "Whenever a band decides to record a live album/DVD in a particular city or country, it means only one thing: That place is special," Bettencourt stated. "It means something to the band. And when it comes to Paris, for over 40 years, it has always been a second home to us. One of the greatest audiences in the world and that’s why we chose it." This heartfelt declaration highlights the deep connection EXTREME shares with their Parisian fanbase and the city itself, transforming the recording into a celebration of mutual adoration and musical synergy.
"Paris Rising" serves as a powerful testament to the band’s remarkable resurgence, coinciding with the immense success of their 2023 studio album, "Six." The album "Six" propelled EXTREME back into the upper echelons of the charts, achieving Top 10 status in Germany (No. 8), Switzerland (No. 4), and Austria (No. 6). This marked a historic achievement, as these were the band’s first-ever Top 10 album entries in these three European territories. Furthermore, "Six" demonstrated its broad appeal by reaching No. 2 on both Billboard’s Top Hard Rock Albums chart and the U.K. Rock and Metal Albums chart. The critical acclaim for "Six" was equally significant, with the esteemed publication Rock Hard bestowing upon it the title of "Rock Album Of The Year." The album’s opening track, "Rise," garnered millions of views and sparked enthusiastic commentary from guitar luminaries such as Brian May of Queen, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, and Steve Lukather of Toto. The solo featured in "Rise" was further lauded by Total Guitar magazine, which ranked it as the No. 1 "Greatest Guitar Solo Of The 21st Century," a testament to Bettencourt’s continued mastery of his instrument.
The "Paris Rising" live album is an extensive offering, boasting 22 tracks and clocking in at over 100 minutes of pure musical exhilaration. The setlist is a meticulously crafted narrative of EXTREME’s career, commencing with a medley that draws from the band’s 1989 debut album, immediately establishing their foundational sound. The performance then transitions to showcase seven powerful tracks from the "Six" album, including the impactful "Rise," the anthemic "#Rebel," and the dynamic "Banshee." In between these newer offerings, the album revisits fan-favorite classics that have defined EXTREME’s sound for decades. This includes the energetic "Decadence Dance," the catchy "Play With Me," the introspective "Hole Hearted," Bettencourt’s dazzling instrumental showcase "Flight Of The Wounded Bumblebee," and the timeless Billboard No. 1 power ballad "More Than Words." The rendition of "More Than Words" on "Paris Rising" is particularly noteworthy, as it features the entire audience at Salle Pleyel joining in, creating a truly communal and unforgettable musical moment.
Gary Cherone, the charismatic frontman, expressed his profound gratitude and emotion following the Paris performance. "The people of France always rise to the occasion! A night we will not soon forget! Forever in our hearts…Merci!" Cherone’s words encapsulate the overwhelming positive reception and the profound connection forged between the band and the French audience during this special evening.
The "Paris Rising" Track Listing: A Comprehensive Journey
The meticulously compiled tracklist for "Paris Rising" offers a comprehensive overview of EXTREME’s sonic evolution and enduring appeal:
- It (‘s A) Monster
- Decadence Dance
- #Rebel
- Rest In Peace
- Hip Today
- Teacher’s Pet / Flesh ‘N’ Blood / Wind Me Up / Kid Ego (Medley)
- Play With Me
- Other Side Of The Rainbow
- Hole Hearted
- Cupid’s Dead
- Am I Ever Gonna Change
- Thicker Than Blood
- Midnight Express
- Hurricane
- More Than Words
- Banshee
- Take Us Alive
- Flight Of The Wounded Bumblebee
- Get The Funk Out
- Small Town Beautiful
- Song For Love
- Rise
Fans eager to secure their copy of "Paris Rising" can pre-order the album through a dedicated link, extreme.lnk.to/ParisRising, ensuring they are among the first to experience this career-defining live recording.
A Year of Renewed Momentum and Artistic Triumph
The release of "Paris Rising" caps off a period of significant artistic and commercial success for EXTREME. In November 2023, the band further demonstrated their commitment to their latest material by releasing the official music video for "Here’s To The Losers," completing their ambitious project of creating twelve distinct visual interpretations for each song from the "Six" album. This undertaking showcased the band’s dedication to providing a holistic artistic experience for their fans, extending beyond the audio to encompass compelling visual narratives.
The album "Six" served as a powerful catalyst, propelling EXTREME to unprecedented heights. Its success was fueled by a constellation of standout singles, including the aforementioned "Rise," alongside the compelling "Banshee" and the evocative "Other Side Of The Rainbow." The album’s release was bolstered by an extensive and highly successful globe-spanning tour, which saw the band perform across diverse markets in the U.S., Europe, India, Japan, and Australia, solidifying their international appeal.
Beyond the band’s collective achievements, Nuno Bettencourt’s individual stature as one of rock’s most formidable guitarists was further cemented during this period. His participation in Ozzy Osbourne’s emotional "Back To The Beginning" farewell concert was a standout moment, earning him widespread praise. This high-profile performance subsequently led to his invitation to serve as music director and guitarist at the prestigious 2025 MTV VMAs. During the VMAs, Bettencourt delivered a powerful and moving tribute to Osbourne, sharing the stage with rock legends Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, and the rising artist Yungblud, underscoring his versatile talent and respected position within the music industry.
The release of "Six" marked a significant return to the studio for EXTREME, being their first full-length studio album since 2008. Their previous foray into the Top 10 of the album charts occurred with "III Sides To Every Story," which debuted and peaked at No. 10 in October 1992. The enduring success of "Six" and the subsequent live recording in "Paris Rising" indicate a powerful resurgence for EXTREME, demonstrating their ability to not only revisit their classic sound but also to innovate and captivate a new generation of rock enthusiasts. The band’s sustained relevance and artistic vitality underscore their enduring legacy in the hard rock landscape.
