According to Melodicrock.com, it seems that EXTREME guitarist Nuno Bettencourt has been involved in writing new music with former JOURNEY vocalist Steve Perry. Nuno was in conversation with The Boston Herland.com about his new SATELLITE PARTY release, a collaboration with Perry Farrell of JANE'S ADDICTION. The debut CD Ultra Payloaded is out this week. But towards the end of the article Nuno drops this one in: "A meeting of such different minds is a very L.A. thing", said Bettencourt, who now makes his home there. “People don't discriminate out here,” he said. “No one thinks, 'Oh, I can't work with him because he's pop or he's alternative.' People are really up for these eclectic combinations out here.”

Bettencourt should know - he's pushing the eclectic envelope. Between making the Satellite Party record and touring it, he's writing songs with Steve Perry of Journey. “I'm now telling people I'll only work with people named Perry,” said Bettencourt with a laugh. As two of the few guys in rock of Portuguese descent, they've been friends since Perry cold-called him rambling in Portuguese. “That's the way it is out here. One day you're working with Perry Farrell, the next you're working with Steve Perry.”

In related news – this in from show organizers: “Last Friday, The first annual Steve Hoffman tribute concert was held at the Canal Room featuring a reunited Extreme as headliners. The booze flowed, Extreme ripped everyone's heads off with a kick ass rock and roll show, and a ton of money was raised for Steven Hoffman Fund for Lung Cancer research. Other highlights include a Valentine/Open Skyz reunion. And Robby Hoffman and Hugo Valente perfoming the ultimate Journey Tribute with their band Evolution. Steve Perry donated hand written lyrics to Don't Stop Believin which went for $16,000 at auction. Other incredible items that sold at auction included a Geddy Lee Bass signed by RUSH, a Nuno Bettencourt guitar signed by Extreme and an AC/DC autographed guitar as well as tons of rare RN"R memorabilia.”

Steven Hoffman worked for the legendary Leber Krebs organization (AC/DC, SCORPIONS, AEROSMITH). His first big professional success was his discovery of Extreme; Steve was a key player in their runaway ride to the top of the rock charts with 'More Than Words' and their achievement of household-name status. Steve passed away at the age of 38 on October 26, 2003 at Toronto's Princess Margaret Hospital.

(Thanks Melodicrock.com)