James Hardwick's Extreme Page - News

Rumors, Best of Extreme?

September 15, 1996 - I have received a lot of into about Extreme lately, and to tell you the truth, I just don't know what to believe any more. One source is indicating that Extreme is finished:

About 6 mounths ago, I sent you a message, with the bad news that Nuno left Extreme. Its amaizing, everybody is trying to ignore the fact that its over. Nuno is been working in his new band, and Extreme its history for him. I know Gary was in Hudson a few weeks ago, trying to convince Nuno to comeback, but negative. I don't know why is not official yet. So, still don't believe me? T'll next time.

The source above has asked to remain anonymous.

Here's a brighter update from Seashells For Souls:

There have been many rumours that we have read on the internet and European music press about Gary leaving Extreme to join Van Halen. In fact, many significant sources, (eg MTV Headbangers), have said Van Halen were actually on the point of confirming Gary as their vocalist. As many of the Extreme fans that belong to Seashells For Souls have been ringing us to find out the truth, we have got a statement from SRO Management that enlightens the truth of the situation. Fortunately, Gary is not at all splitting from Extreme to take Sammy Hagar's place in Van Halen, and if you think about it, it does sound rather ridiculous doesn't it?!! Apparently Gary merely mentioned to a friend that he was MAYBE doing some writing with Eddie Van Halen and this got overheard and grossly misinterpreted. So there is no need to worry, despite the hype the music press are giving this particular rumour.

Whilst we're talking about Extreme, a "Best of Extreme" package is due for release in early Spring. This is the band's own idea and the idea is to act as a bridge between Nuno's solo album which is still being released in January, (at least at the moment!!!!!), and the next Extreme record. Apart from all their best hits Extreme have very recently recorded 2 new tracks - "Comfortably Dumb" (written on the Punchline tour,as mentioned in Metal Edge back in `95), and "Prerequisite (Making No Sense)". Not bad for a band who have recently split up!!!!!!! (JOKE!!!)

That's about all the news we have at the moment. If you want to get in contact with us, please e-mail us or write to the following addresses :

Judi Clarke and Kali Michael
Essington House
North Tawton
Devon
EX20 2EX
England

e-mail : [email protected]

Please note due to various problems with our last e-mail address we have a new contact number.

See ya... stay EXTREME

Judi and Kali

I think the fans would really appreciate it if we could get some confirmed info. I am asking SRO Management to please contact me so we can get the real story. The fans are hanging in there!

September 25, 1996 - Here is what E! Online is reporting in their E! Files gossip column:

E!levated?

Gary Cherone of Extreme is high in contention to be the new Van Halen lead singer. Cherone, who met Eddie Van Halen through their mutual manager, Ray Daniels, has reportedly been writing and rehearsing with the band. The talk comes just weeks after news that original crooner David Lee Roth and Van Halen had reunited. Sources now say the Roth-VH reunion was a publicity stunt to promote Van Halen's forthcoming album, on which Roth performs two songs.

Van Halen Rumor Persists

Be sure to also check out the very cool Van Halen News Desk for additional updates on the Gary/VH situation

September 26, 1996 - Here is what the New York Daily News had to say:

Halen New Lead

Wasn't that nice to see David Lee Roth reunited at the MTV Video Music Awards with the other guys from Van Halen? Now hold that memory because you may not see it again.

Sources tell us Roth is making the public appearances with Van Halen to help the group sell their upcoming greatest hits album; despite all indications, his future with the group goes no further than a song or two. Instead, we're told Gary Cherone - the lead singer from Extreme (remember the nauseatingly overplayed "More Than Words"?) - is a contenduh for the lead vocal spot vacated by Sammy Hagar. Cherone and Eddie Van Halen got together through their mutual mananger, Ray Daniels. Additionally, sources say not only is Cherone a big fan of Van Halen, he also gets along swimmingly well with Eddie, which is, as we all know, very key.

Lastly, Cherone and Van Halen are currently writing tunes and rehearsing songs together at Eddie's home in L.A. We feel gypped.

Update from SRO Management

September 29, 1996 - SRO Management has contacted me and has indicated the following:

Gary has been writing with Eddie at 5150

He is not the new singer in VH at this time.

There will be a press release regarding the fate of Extreme within the next two weeks

In addition, SFS (Seashells For Souls) is indicating:

The future of Extreme is in serious question right now

Nuno's album is still scheduled for release early next year

Gary is under consideration to be the new vocalist for Van Halen, although there are others in contention.

Well, that's the scoop for now. Stay tuned...

Boston Herald Update

September 30, 1996 - From the Boston Herald:

Van Halen: Extreme Move

Our head-banging spies say that Gary cherone, lead singer for the all-but-defunct band Extreme, is back in La-La laying down tracks with Van Halen.

Cherone, who was called out to the Left Coast to audition as a replacement for Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth a few weeks ago, was summoned back to Tinseltown by Eddie Van Halen, who requested that he learn a bunch of songs from the Roth and Hagar eras.

Cherone, who thought he was a contender primarily because of his songwriting, did his homework and has been recording the songs with the band -- for the upcoming greatest hits album.

'He has no idea what's going to happen,' said a pal. 'But it's looking pretty good.'

Stay tuned."

You might want to also read the current issue of Netgraffitti for more information.