King of the Ladies

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "King of the Ladies" by Extreme from their 2008 album Saudades de Rock for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This track, a funky, hard-rocking gem, has some cool trivia tied to it. In a 2010 interview on Hard Rock Nights, vocalist Gary Cherone shared that the song was a blast to perform live, capturing the band's raw energy during their reunion tour. The official music video for "King of the Ladies," released in 2010 and featured on the Take Us Alive DVD, showcases the band’s playful side, with Nuno Bettencourt’s slick guitar riffs and a nod to their Boston roots. Fans on SonicHits have raved about the song’s infectious groove, with one commenter noting, “Nuno’s licks are unreal, and Pat Badger’s bass is a total beast!” The song’s lyrics, like “Let me introduce you to my time machine,” evoke a retro vibe, which Cherone described in a BraveWords interview as a tribute to their influences like Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith.

Another tidbit comes from the album’s production. Saudades de Rock marked Extreme’s comeback after a 13-year hiatus, and "King of the Ladies" was one of the tracks Nuno Bettencourt produced himself. In a 2008 Metalfan.nl review, the album was praised for its versatility, with the song standing out for its “swagger and charm.” Social media buzz from fans on Extreme’s Facebook shows love for the track, with posts calling it a “hidden gem” and sharing live clips from their 2008 tour. The band’s Instagram also shared a throwback post in 2023, featuring a behind-the-scenes shot from the video shoot, captioned, “Back in black, spreading those golden wings!” The song’s live performance at the 2008 Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, where Pat Badger rocked his Mouradian Reality Bass, is still a fan favorite, as seen in YouTube comments on Equipboard.

Extreme got their start in Boston in 1985, formed by guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, vocalist Gary Cherone, bassist Pat Badger, and original drummer Paul Geary. According to their bio on Last.fm, the band bonded over a shared love for hard rock, pop, and progressive influences, drawing from Queen, Aerosmith, and The Beatles. They met through local connections, with Badger working at Jim Mouradian’s guitar shop, where he crossed paths with Cherone and Bettencourt. Their self-titled debut album in 1989 put them on the map, but it was 1990’s Extreme II: Pornograffitti, with the smash hit “More Than Words,” that skyrocketed them to fame, hitting number one on the charts. The band’s blend of intricate musicianship and catchy hooks set them apart in the glam metal era, though they never quite fit one genre, as noted in their Last.fm bio. Despite a hiatus from 1996 to 2006, Extreme reunited with renewed vigor, releasing Saudades de Rock and later Six in 2023.

You can keep up with Extreme on their official website, extreme-band.com, where they post tour dates and news. Their Facebook page is a hub for fan interaction, with updates on releases like their 2023 single “Rise.” On Instagram, they share live shots and throwbacks, while their X account keeps the conversation going with fans. For Zoo Freaks wanting more, check out fan communities like the Extreme Fans Facebook Group, where diehards share rare photos and concert stories. Another great spot is SonicHits, a fan-driven site with lyrics, videos, and discussions about tracks like "King of the Ladies." Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, Extreme’s music and vibrant fanbase keep the party rocking.