Hole Hearted

The song Hole Hearted by Extreme from their album Extreme II: Pornograffitti (A Funked Up Fairy Tale) is a standout track that blends acoustic folk with the band’s signature funk-metal vibe. One piece of trivia comes from guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, who shared in a 2014 interview with Guitar World that the song’s infectious riff was born out of a spontaneous jam session, capturing a raw, upbeat energy that contrasted with the album’s heavier themes of lost innocence. The track’s lyrics, penned by vocalist Gary Cherone, reflect a yearning for authenticity and love, which resonated widely, helping it climb to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1991. Fans on the Extreme Fans Official Facebook Group often cite its feel-good melody as a live performance highlight, especially during the band’s 2017 KISS Kruise show, where original drummer Paul Geary joined them onstage for a nostalgic rendition.

Another interesting story about Hole Hearted surfaced in a 2020 post on Extreme’s X account, where they celebrated the song’s role in the Pornograffitti album’s 30th anniversary. The band revealed that the song’s acoustic-driven sound was initially a risky departure from their metal roots, but its success proved their versatility. In a 2015 interview with Eddie Trunk, Cherone noted that the song’s simplicity allowed it to connect with a broader audience, unlike the album’s more complex funk-metal tracks like Get the Funk Out. The Extreme Fan Club website shares fan stories of how the song’s optimistic tone became a staple at weddings and gatherings, cementing its place as a timeless anthem.

Extreme formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1985, emerging from the local music scene with a unique blend of glam metal, funk, and pop. Vocalist Gary Cherone and drummer Paul Geary, who had previously played together in bands like Adrenalin and The Dream, teamed up with guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, who was part of a group called Sinful. Bassist Pat Badger, then performing with In The Pink at Berklee College, joined in 1986 to complete the lineup. Their early days were marked by relentless gigging in Boston clubs, building a loyal following. Their self-titled debut album in 1989, featuring the track Play with Me used in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, gained modest traction, but it was Pornograffitti in 1990 that catapulted them to fame, driven by the acoustic ballad More Than Words and Hole Hearted.

The band’s official website, extreme-band.com, offers updates on tours and new releases, like their 2023 album Six. Fans can follow them on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X for behind-the-scenes content and throwback posts. For deeper fan engagement, the Extreme Fan Club provides exclusive merch and concert updates, while the Extreme Fans Official Facebook Group is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks can share memories and discuss the band’s legacy. These platforms keep the spirit of Hole Hearted and Extreme’s funked-up fairy tale alive for fans worldwide.