by Scott Roos
photos by Deanna Roos/Contingent Colours Photography
This past Saturday, September 15th, rock enthusiasts in Saskatoon partied like it was 1989 at TCU Place, where headliner Extreme and openers Living Colour performed. The event was part of Extreme's "Thicker Than Blood" tour. Riding high off the release of their sixth album, Six, in June, the band, featuring 3/4 of their original members - vocalist Gary Cherone, bassist Pat Badger, and guitarist Nuno Bettencourt - along with drummer Kevin Figueiredo, who joined the band in 2007, delivered an outstanding performance in the "City of Bridges".
To get the evening going on solid granite ground, Living Colour opened their set with “Leave It Alone” from their 1993 album Stain, showcasing all the characteristics that define them as a remarkable and, consequently, significant band. The fusion of soul, funk, metal, and punk was evident throughout. Guitarist Vernon Reid excelled right from the start, effortlessly navigating the intricate, poly-rhythmical sections of songs like “Sacred Ground”, “Time’s Up”, and, of course, the timeless classic “Cult of Personality”. Vocalist Corey Glover displayed his exceptional vocal range and incredible versatility during 45-minutes that his band was front and centre , while bassist Doug Wimbish’s captivating stage presence was truly a sight to behold. Drummer Will Calhoun maintained a solid foundation of groove. The band concluded their performance with a lively rendition of The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go”, much to the delight of the audience.
Following a brief intermission, Extreme graced the stage, kicking off their performance with “It (‘s a Monster)” and then transitioning into “Decadence Dance” - two iconic songs from Extreme II: Pornograffitti. Lead singer Cherone exhibited endless energy as he moved back and forth across the stage with wild abandon, occasionally even scaling the walls. Bettencourt, on the other hand, showcased why he is considered one of the premier guitar virtuosos of his era, or perhaps even one of the most underrated rock guitarists of all time. His guitarwork in “Play With Me”, featuring those trademark "neoclassical" licks, was undeniably a standout moment. The setlist also included “Hole Hearted”, “Get the Funk Out”, and, naturally, “More Than Words”, all flawlessly performed by the band (author’s note: I have a strong affinity for the Pornograffitti album, evident from my personal highlights of this show, but the entire concert, every song, was a display of musical mastery and stage charisma). Badger's bass performance was amazing to watch, and Figueiredo skillfully anchored the entire show with his adept drumming. The vocal harmonies, reminiscent of Queen, were astounding. Ending things off with "Rise" the entire Extreme experience was nothing short of phenomenal.
It's worth mentioning that TCU Place has recently had a wide range of musical performances on offer. In the past year alone, they have hosted symphony concerts, Broadway shows, folk, rock, metal, country, comedy acts, and circuses. What distinguishes TCU is its ability to excel in presenting in all these different genres. The sloped floor layout ensures that every seat provides a good view, even in the balconies, guaranteeing a quality experience. The venue boasts excellent lighting and acoustics, suitable even for intense rock concerts or a more acoustic setting as was evidenced during Extreme's more intimate moments on stage. It seems like the perfect space for King Diamond's upcoming presentation of "St. Lucifer's Hospital" in Saskatoon on November 21st (HINT HINT). Exciting times are indeed ahead!
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