The Extreme Thicker Than Blood 2023 tour gig at The Kentish Town Forum on December 19th was an electrifying, mind-blowing spectacle that left every attendee in awe. Gary Cherone embodies perpetual energy, captivating the audience with his dynamic presence. Nuno Bettencourt’s performance reaffirmed his status as one of the greatest rock guitarists alive, showcasing sheer brilliance with his guitar prowess.
Pat Badger’s bass runs were nothing short of phenomenal, while Kevin Figueiredo’s thunderous drumming elevated the band’s power funk metal to stratospheric heights. The crowd’s insatiable appetite for every note, chord, and lyric was palpable, creating an electric atmosphere throughout the night.
The setlist was a rollercoaster ride through their discography, featuring hits from all their albums. From the explosive “It’s a Monster” and “Decadence Dance” to the high-octane energy of their latest single “RISE,” each song retained the same vigor and power that ignited the show.
“More Than Words” stirred emotions before Nuno’s masterful solos in “Midnight Express” and “Flight of the Bumblebee,” showcasing his unparalleled genius live. Tracks like “Play With Me,” “Cupid’s Dead,” “#REBEL,” “Hole Hearted,” and “Get The Funk Out” were crowd favorites, delivering an unforgettable performance that kept the audience on their feet.
Living Colour’s support set was a whirlwind of musical prowess and electrifying energy. Doug Wimbish’s bass mastery, shaped by his earlier tenure with the Sugarhill Gang, took center stage, effortlessly blending classics like “White Lines (Don’t Don’t Do It),” “Apache,” and “The Message” into an innovative fusion. Vernon Reid’s guitar virtuosity was a sight to behold, his fingers dancing along the frets, weaving intricate melodies and soulful solos that left the crowd spellbound. Corey Glover’s vocals soared with brilliance, commanding attention with every note and infusing raw emotion into the performance. And when they unleashed the iconic “Cult of Personality,” the anticipation in the air crackled, culminating in an explosive finale that left an indelible mark on the audience’s memory. It was a showcase of unmatched talent and a testament to Living Colour’s enduring musical legacy.
This gig was a cacophony of crowd-pleasing moments and impeccably executed rock performances. It stands as one of the most outstanding concerts this reviewer has ever had the pleasure of attending. Extreme’s unwavering energy, technical brilliance, and dedication to delivering an unforgettable night of rock solidified this show as an absolute triumph.
Totally agree..there performance in Newcastle was superb. Best concert I’ve been to & I’ve seen a lot of bands. They played,Am I Ever Gonna Change so I was very very happy. III sides was a fabulous album & I was honoured to see that tour too. Was over the moon to meet them all in person after the concert. They were very generous with their time despite being tired. Look forward to the rest of the world seeing this tour..you are in for a blast. Living Colour were great… First for me. Corey came said Hi too.Go see Extreme People..amazing .