Hurtsmile - Rapids Theater, Niagara Falls, NY - 10/15/2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 10:40PM 
Review and photos by John Jeffrey
Niagara Falls, NY - Back II Back Entertainment brought one of the music industry's hidden gems to Western New York, as Extreme front man, Gary Cherone, performed an amazing set earlier this month, with his current side project, Hurtsmile, playing a triple bill with Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent) and Fran Cosmo (Boston) at the Rapids Theater.
Gary Cherone proved that he is a consummate professional, as he led his band of Extreme-related co-horts through a musical journey, which was both sonically pleasing and spiritually fulfilling. Whether playing in front of 20, 200 or 2,000 people, Hurtsmile give it their all when performing their brand of 'feel good' rock music. While they don't categorize themselves as a 'Christian Rock' band, their music and message comes from a positive place, and aren't afraid to praise the Lord, when asking the question in the song, "Jesus Would You Meet Me (on the day I die)?"
Although some people may have expected Gary to have Hurtsmile perform a set full of Extreme material, with a few 'new' songs sprinkled in, this was not to be the case. Being a 'proud papa' of their debut CD, Gary and co. played the majority of the songs from the release, with the only Extreme song being performed was, "Hole Hearted." They also threw in a great cover of the Elvis Costello song, "Pump It Up," and gave a nod to Gary's 1998 stint with the almighty Van Halen, as they did a spot on version of "Without You."
While the Hurtsmile rhythm section of Joe Pessia (bass) and Dana Spellman (drums) might come across somewhat pedestrian, their backseat approach really allows the 'Cherone brothers' star quality to shine through. Gary might be the most well known Cherone, but his brother Mark is an amazing guitar player, and like his brother, has a great singing voice, as he handled lead vocals on the brand new Hurtsmile song, "Wonder What."
Gary Cherone will always be known as the voice of Extreme, but after witnessing Hurtsmile's awesome performance, they are a band that can stand on it's own, and co-exist as an equally impressive entity. If you ever have the opportunity to check these guys out, you will not be disappointed!
Special Thanks to Ross Catalino of Back II Back Entertainment for making it possible for us to cover the show!
Thomas