Ĭherone and Bettencourt began writing songs together and the band performed continuously in the New England area. The name 'Extreme' is a reference to Cherone and Geary's former band, being a homophone of 'ex-Dream'. Bettencourt joined the group in 1985, followed by Badger in 1986. Guitarist Nuno Bettencourt was in a band called Sinful, and bassist Pat Badger was playing with a Berklee College-based act called In The Pink. Vocalist Gary Cherone and drummer Paul Geary had previously been members of a band called The Dream. History 1985–1989: Formation and debut album Įxtreme was formed in Malden, Massachusetts, in 1985. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The album featured the acoustic ballad single ' More Than Words', which reached No. Įxtreme achieved their greatest success with their 1990 album Pornograffitti, which peaked at number 10 on the Billboard 200, and was certified gold in May 1991 and double platinum in October 1992. The band was one of the most successful rock acts of the early 1990s, selling over 10 million albums worldwide.

They have released six studio albums, two EPs (in Japan) and two compilation albums since their formation. Extreme are an American rock band formed in Malden, Massachusetts, in 1985, that reached the height of their popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s.