Shirui Lily Festival: How US music giant Extreme rocked Manipur

Ukhrul: In what could be termed as one of the biggest gatherings in Manipur’s hill district Ukhrul in recent times, a sea of over 30,000 passionate fans cheered for US rock band Extreme as it made its debut in India as part of the recently concluded Shirock 2019 in the state on Saturday.

The rock concert-cum-competition was part of the four-day-long Shirui Lily Festival 2019, that took place from October 16-19 at the Bakshi ground in Ukhrul district. The event featured some of the finest solo artistes and rock bands from Northeast India along with Scottish-origin band Nazareth and American band Extreme as showstoppers of the extravaganza event.

The festival has once again proved that India’s Northeast region is truly the powerhouse of music as people of all ages, both locals and tourists, rushed to the hill station for the festival and encountered one of the phenomenal gatherings over music in the region.

Meanwhile, as promised, just before they arrived in India to make up for their absence in over 30 years since Extreme launched in 1985, the Boston-based rock band, indubitably, kept its words to its fans by giving one of their best performances at the rock fest in the hill district.

Led by its frontman Gary Cherone and guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, Extreme belted out as many as 15 tracks, including an all-time favourite More than words and Porngraffitti from Extreme II version.

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Music enthusiasts gathered at Bakshi ground and sang along with the band which indicated how much the fans were prepped-up for the much-awaited performance closer home.

For many locals, it was a dream come true to witness their all-time favourite rock band performing live and that too at their home ground.

On Sunday, the band took to their official Facebook page and wrote: “Having never before gone to perform in India. The last thing we expected showing up for the first time in 30 years was an ocean of 30,000 passionate fans of every age and generation possible.”

“Honoured to be guests in your country. Beautiful people. Magnificent culture. Incredible fans,” it added.