First up are The Duvals, a complete unknown for myself, however, into the first couple of songs they soon grab the attention of the academy’s growing crowd, a competent set performed by the 2 members, lead vocalist Phillipe Duval and on guitar Laurent Duval that were backed by synced drums, there was a drummer who seemed to be playing a completely different set, with a long fake beard and sunglasses it just seemed to be a mickey take, but on closer examination and a tip of from a fellow photographer it was none other than Nuno Bettencourt, Extremes legendary guitarist.

Up next came Hotleg , I will be adding a separate review for this as I also interviewed Justin before the show, lets just say they are the marmite of rock n roll, you will either love or hate them, and a lot of crowd opted for the later option, almost to the point of a few laughing, still, you have to give them 10 out of 10 for musical talent, the lead guitarist is phenomenal, as is also the drummer, its great for the photos though, every rock pose is there for your pleasure and I think Justin is trying to morph into Vince Neil from Motley Crue, well in a taller skinny kind of way.


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Onto the main act of the evening sees Extreme returning to our shores after a short lay of off 15 years, they are back with a new album Saudades de Rock and this headline tour, although the upstairs of the academy was closed off, the main room was packed, a simple stage with the drums set on a high rise fronting the backdrop, with the lights down the anticipation is growing, then, finally the appearance of Mr Bettencourt sets the crowd alight, when you talk about great rock guitarists he’s rarely mentioned, however, you talk to people in the business then his name is always there or there abouts, with Gary Cherone placed on the high rise stretching himself out whilst the intro music finishes I begin to recall the last time I saw them, NEC, god knows what year but along time ago.


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As the intro track Comfortably Dumb gets going I also quickly realize what the world had been missing, I always have a high photographing any band, obviously the bigger names add pressure to the shoot, but tonight I am on a real high, you forget just how good, and how big Extreme were, the opening 3 songs Comfortably Dumb / Decadence Dance & Rest in Peace are absolutely amazing, im laughing / shouting / singing all whilst getting the right shot, 3 songs are up within a flash and im out of the pit, standing back and taking it all in, the quality of this band is obvious.

Bettencourt’s solos are mind-bending, mid set there’s a pornograffitti medley which in a way is quite disappointing, to be honest, after this point the set does go a bit pear shaped, actually very strange, the ever present and probably biggest hit “more than words“ was mainly sung by the swaying crowd, almost a Robbie / Angels moment, all that said they brought it all back round with great version of Get the funk out towards the end of the evening, its been a great nights entertainment, the duvals look very promising, Hotleg were, well, like marmite and Extreme were overall excellent. Check out what Justin had to say in the following interview.


Pat Badger - Bass
Nuno Bettencourt - Guitar
Gary Cherone - Vocals
Kevin Figueiredo- Drums

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