EXTREME guitarist Nuno Bettencourt has issued the following year-end update:

"Well well well...... Now that we are home. Back in the U.S. of A. I noticed... with a little help from a birdie outside my window... 2 things. 1. We have a new president. And 2. That I didn't let our beloved fans in America... know how much they rocked! I apologize. To be honest, the idea of doing live shows and blogging after the run was completely alien to me... as in Extreme's early days we never had that option. And it was only suggested to me by our trusty manager at the end of our UK leg, while we were in London, that I should start letting the fans know what we were feeling. So therefore it was quite a bit of time after the US run so I kinda missed out. But I really wanna share with you my thoughts on the US leg.

You guys here on our home turf had the biggest and most important affect on this band. Why? Well this was indeed the first time in 13 years that we were together and out on the road playing... for our old fans? New fans? Will anyone show up? Will they still give a shit about us? We had no idea. No matter how confident we were about our new CD… or how cocky we were about our live potential as performers and musicians, deep down we were... ok I'll say it… a bit scared. I mean this our home. This is where it all started for us. So... it was gonna be up to you to let us know and give us… the no bullshit -barometer -first impression -stamp of approval or disapproval.

And I have to say... from the first show in Upstate NY to the last one in LA. Without a doubt some of the best shows on the 2008 tour... but you were the ones that whipped this band into shape... You were the first to give us the inspiration and confidence and power that made us believe that yes… we were in fact BACK! The first to wow us with your energy and passion for rock and roll that we had been missing for so many years. It's not easy coming back after so long... But you gave us a hell of a welcome back party in every city... and more importantly an incredible boost of confidence. We couldn't have gone into The UK and Europe and Asia without the love that you showed for us here at home. Being the first audiences to connect with... you basically had the responsibility to get us to believe in ourselves once again. And we are deeply indebted to you. Our fans.

Hopefully we can reconnect with you in the New Year to thank you in person. And once again... we haven't forgotten about you in Australia, S. America, Canada, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and everywhere else that we will try to reach.

Health, love and all things beautiful to all of you in the New Year..."