by Nece Carver

What's it like to meet Extreme and Flesh? "Go ask Nece!" You know what she said...
"What did she say?" I wanna be elected! Erm, well, not quite - but to find out what she did say, follow the white rabbit and read on...

Okay! Okay! I'm not Alice, but I was in Wonderland! Let's see where to begin. The first night, I was the white rabbit; and along with two other very special white rabbits, we were late for a very important date - the first show of the Flesh/Extreme tour of 1995!   I'm originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, and my name is Nece Carver - hello! This is my story! I travelled to Florida to be with two special people (aka the other 'white rabbits'); not only to visit, but also to have the experiences of a lifetime.  I should say here that I have been a fan of Extreme since early 1991, and in my eyes, they can do no wrong! I have seen them live twice, and met Gary once before this trip. And now the fulfillment of a few more dreams has been realised.

The first adventure took place on 22 February 1995, in St. Petersburg, Florida (at the outdoor venue Janis Landing). Falling behind a bit (due to traffic), we made it to see the rest of Flesh's wonderful set! I had never seen them live, and they blew me away! But this part is about the Boston bad boys - Flesh is another story!

Now, a much anticipated event was well worth the wait. Extreme hit the stage after what seemed like an eternity! The circus music in between sets was enjoyable for a while, but after 30 minutes a lot of people in the crowd were ready for that clown with the gun (sorry, Gary)! Now the moment we were all waiting for - Gary, Nuno, Pat, and of course, a beautiful (not to mention fantastically talented) new addition, Mike Mangini, hit the stage; and, as usual, put on a phenomenonal show!

When the show was over, I didn't think anything could top it. But was I in for a surprise! My companions (Andie and Ro Burt) and I decided to stick around and try our luck at meeting the band. And Lady Luck, she was on our side, because we did just that!  It was between midnight and 1am when we noticed Gary and Nuno in the bar talking to fans; we thought we'd go in to check it out, but realised they were about to come outside. So we stayed out, and sure enough, Pat came wandering out and was kind enough to pose for a picture, chat for a few minutes - then onto the bus for him. Now, I hadn't met Pat before, and I must say that he is quite the gentleman!

My heart skipped a couple of beats and I saw Nuno heading in my direction - so I walked up to him, but we ended up bumping into each other. In all my excitement, I could tell he was in a hurry to get to the bus - so I just said, "Hi, Nuno!" and he very politely in a sweet voice replied, "Hello!". I was on cloud nine! Previously, I saw Max (Nuno's infamous sidekick) being carried onto the bus, so I knew Nuno was close by.

Then Gary came hopping out of the bar, and the few of us that were there had an opportunity to meet and talk with him. As always, he was 'Mr Friendly'! I told him that I'd met him before in 1993, at a show they did with Bon Jovi in Indianapolis. And I got a wonderful hug and kiss! Andie and Ro also got the 'friendly treatment'; maybe even more so, because he's familiar with them (they did an Extreme fanzine that was quite successful). With that, my heart and mind were racing of previous events, and the best was yet to come!

The second trip of this adventure continues on to the Button South Club in Miami. Again, the extraordinary talent of Flesh and Extreme graced the presence of many adoring fans. Out of all the venues, this was my personal favourite, because I had the pleasure of being in the front row, on Pat's side, and could see all the happenings onstage up close! During the show, Gary's interaction with the crowd was just amazing. The most memorable part was when Mike performed his unforgettable solo! Even Nuno stood aside in awe. And the Extreme fans at that show were especially gracious - at one point, I had to leave my spot; and when I tried to return, two fans made sure I got back to where I was. I would like to say thank you for that! Extreme fans can be so great!

After the phenomenal show, we once again wanted to meet the men that provide such beautiful and inspirational music to so many! And the light of Lady Luck shone once again. We waited for the band to come out and do meet n' greet. Pat came out first, and was so receptive to the fans that not only did he take the time to sign autographs and pose for pictures, but he also went and looked at some guy's engine he was interested in. I did get a chance to get another picture with him, as well as tell him how much I think he has enhanced the new record with his deeper sense of playing! Then I saw Max being carried onto the bus, and that was my cue that Nuno was not far to follow!

And I was right! He came out being very courteous, and posed for a picture! And last but not least, 'Mr Friendly' approached the scene of very eager fans wanting to get close. Gary very graciously let people have pictures taken with him, and then talked with everyone a while! He looked at me and said, "I know you!" - and gave me a kiss and a very warm hug! He continued, "I know who you are now, and I can kiss you!". I thought to myself this was a dream and not happening, but it was not a dream, and it was very much happening! I was so happy and flattered that he remembered me, that I was beaming! The band left shortly after that, and we went our separate ways... or so I thought...

We went to the Orlando show at the Edge Club on 25 February. And was I in for another treat... another performance from Flesh and Extreme that will be permanently implanted in the memories of my soul! Unfortunately, we were so exhausted from all the other ventures (mind you, my two lovely companions were working full-time jobs as well as going to all the shows), that we didn't stay to meet the guys again. But... Earlier that fateful day, one of my most wanted dreams came true! Andie Burt, one of my favourite people in this world, told me the night before that Extreme were going to be at a local radio station for an interview; I was so excited, because she said we were going! And we did!

This is what took place. We arrived early, and waited, and waited, and waited... We listened to the radio, and they didn't even announce them. We thought maybe something was wrong, so Andie went into the station and enquired about the situation. She came back to the car and said she was told they were supposed to be there. So we waited again. Just when we thought we would leave, we saw a familiar sign! Max was hanging out of a van that went zooming by!

So we waited after the interview, and walked up to the doors we knew they'd be coming out of. We were so anxious and nervous that I got lost in the moment and was laughing so hard at some noise I heard, I didn't notice that a dog had wandered through my legs and was headed for the other side of the parking lot. Little did I know that the dog was Max! I was concerned that she would get hurt, because she was going so far without no one around... Hmm... Nuno was watching the whole charade! Oh boy! I thought I was in for it, chasing after his dog - but no no! He was very pleasant and extremely nice (no pun intended)!

I had bought a gift for Nuno earlier that year at a coin shop in Indiana - a Portuguese penny dated 1917. I didn't even introduce myself to him - I just handed him the penny and said, "This is for you!". He looked at it for a moment and said, "I can't take this, it's probably worth something!". I said, "No, this is for you and I want you to have it!". Again he said, "I can't take this!", and again I said, "Take this, I really want you to have it!". He must've heard the urgency in my voice, because he finally took it and said, "Okay, I'll take it". He looked at it again, and I asked him if it was alright to have a picture taken with him; and he said, "After that, no problem, sure!" (meaning that I had given him something - so in return... a picture!).

Then I was feeling pretty brave, and asked him if he was the guy in the Cranberries' video 'Dreams'. I think I hit that Nuno nerve I've heard about, because he answered curtly, "No, no that's not me!" [Off with your head, Nece! - Ed.], and with a turn he was gone from me. I walked over to Andie and Ro; they were talking to Mike, and I thanked him for doing such a good job with Extreme. He said, "Thanks, I appreciate that!". We were going to get single pictures with him, but the roadie with them offered to take a group shot - and we obliged. And the photo was about to be taken, when a familiar voice chimed in and requested to be in it! I looked up and to my surprise, it was Nuno! Of course, we let him in, and the picture turned out great! Needless to say, this experience was one of the most memorable days of my life! But if you think that was the end, think again...

On the eve of 28 March, the adventure continued. Me and my sister Amy Jo set out to Cincinnati, Ohio for what was to be another night in my Extreme history! We arrived a little late (like the white rabbit I'm known for - Nece still in Wonderland!). Another incredible show from Flesh and Extreme, as always! I didn't even know that Extreme had an opening act, because I was told there wasn't going to be one. Little did I know, when we got there, I was in the restroom when I herad a very familiar sound... it was Flesh! Yeah! That was just the icing on the cake! Later, when the music was over (which is what all this is really about - right!), I got the pleasure of meeting Gary and Nuno once again!

During the show, Amy and I caught up with an angel from France who showed us around, because she was accustomed to the area and the workings of the club. She took us to where fans would wait to meet the bands, and later showed us the way home; truly an angel in disguise! Thanks again, Helen!

First Pat came out, but they rushed him to the bus because he wasn't feeling very well, and I heard he had been sick. Still, he took the time out to sign an autograph for an eager fan. What a sweetie!

Okay! Now, 'Mr Friendly' - of course, I'm referring to the one and only Gary Cherone! He was such the gentleman as usual, signing autographs and chatting with the crowd. I approached him, and he said, "Do I know you?", and I said "Yes, I met you a couple of times in Florida". He said, "Oh yeah, I know you!". he then gave me a kiss and smile, and sweetly took care of all the other people around him.

Shortly after that, the 'Nunster' (as I affectionately call him) was the next to appear. I have to say right now that he was not only overly friendly and courteous, but he was also very concerned that all the fans were taken care of! First of all, no one had a reliable pen for autographs, so he took the time to look through a roadie's backpack for a marker, which he found. Then he signed countless signatures for fans. Many were throwing questions at him, which he graciously answered! I happened to mention that I was the one who gave him the penny in Florida, and he instantly responded, "Oh, it's funny you said that, because I still have that. I use it as a conversation piece!". I was flabbergasted that he still had it, let alone he used it as a conversation piece! He really did not see me, because there were so many people there. But he did answer my question! Yeah! Then he finally had to go, after about 20 minutes of Q&A! What can I say, except... the adventure continues...

On the wonderful eve of 22 February, I had the glorious opportunity to meet the most promising upcoming band of this century! About 12.30pm, I met Mark Cherone of FLESH (who, by the way, have their own thing going, completely different than Extreme!). That 'Mr Friendly' thing must run in the family; maybe call it generous family genes. I don't know, but what I do know is that Mark is very down to earth! Andie, Ro and I talked about various things with him for about ten minutes, when Stephen Powell came up with a book in his hand, wondering what city they would be in next! He so silly (I have dubbed him 'Goofy'!). They were both nice enough to pose for pictures. In the meantime, Paul Bettencourt came sauntering up and offered his presence with a flair of comfort! We also chatted with him and got a picture. He was impressed that I was from Indiana, and in Florida, and knew about their music!

After all the meetings, it was time to go; I was a little nervous to go back to the car, because there were a lot of strange characters hanging around. Mark was so concerned that he said, "You girls be careful tonight - there are a lot of strange people out tonight!". Of course, we followed his advice, because we safely made it home with lots of beautiful memories and unforgettable pictures. The next venue, I really did not meet much of the band, but besides the terrific performance, I did run into Paul afterwards! I was waiting for Extreme after the Button South show in Miami, when Paul came out my way and I snapped a shot of film from my camera - which practically blinded the man! I do feel sorry about that! Sorry, Paul! He was so gracious about it, but did say that he was tired and needed some rest. So he left after that (bless his soul)!

I do need to mention that during the performance, I fell in love with Paul; I was in the front row, and the man puts so much soul into a performance that I could feel his every move! The man is beyond normal talent! Of course, I had already met him, but you have to see him live to know what I'm talking about. And the front row is a must to get the full effect! Also, at that very memorable experience, Mark just about became a probable candidate for Fruit of the Loom when his overalls became a little unfastened! A highlight of the night to be forever remembered!

Now onto the Orlando club date on 25 February. I have to say that Stephen (aka 'Goofy') was in rare form when, during Extreme's set, he held his fingers on his ears but was still jammin' to the music - so cute! Paul was in the balcony of the club, paying very close attention to the entire Extreme set! I noticed him, and thought that was so sweet (I am sure wishing his brother luck as well as in awe!).  Then after the show, we roamed the club and ran into Mark, who remembered us with a kiss and smile! Of course, by this time I have told you tired we were, so we exited to our comfortable abodes. That was the end of my Florida excursion, but the beginning of my Cininnati, Ohio one!

On 28 March, I once again ventured out to see the group of my dreams. And this time, I had the "extreme" pleasure of meeting Flesh once again! It was in Cincinnatti, at a club called Bogarts. Mark was his 'Mr Friendly' self, and Stephen was still 'Goofy'!  Mark not only posed for pictures with various fans, but hung around and chatted for about twenty minutes or longer! And Stephen did the same! No Paul or Gonga in sight - what a shame! Mark even said, "You look so familiar!". I said, "Yes, I have met you a couple of times before, in Florida". Then he replied, "Oh yeah, I remember you!". Then Stephen said, "Yeah, the mad woman with the camera!". The only regret I have is not having a picture taken with Mark - all the time I spent with him, I did not get get one! ... Next time, Mark...

Well, that's all of my adventures thus far... I just want to thank Extreme and Flesh for giving me the times of my life as well as the music of a lifetime! Please keep doing what you are doing, because you have touched my life and soul in a way that no other soul ever will! And Nuno - by the way, my name is Nece Carver and I just want to thank you for being so gracious and caring all the times I met you, and if you have the penny from Portugal dated 1917, please let me know!