Important to know
- Address: 551 Tremont Street, Boston - USA (Boston Center for the Arts)
- Getting here: Back Bay Station (10 minutes walking)
The place where the video for Extreme’s ‘Hole Hearted’ was filmed is the Boston Center for the Arts, located at 551 Tremont Street.
In 1991, the Boston-born rock band Extreme chose this location not merely as a backdrop but as a deliberate nod to Boston’s vibrant artistic and cultural scene, reflecting the shared creative spirit of both the band and the city.
During the shoot, Extreme performed outdoors, capturing the raw energy of their music while the camera panned over the growing crowd that gathered to witness the event. The setting added an authentic, local flavor to the video, enhancing the song’s connection to Boston.
“Hole Hearted”: a spontaneous success story
“Hole Hearted,” released as the fourth and final single from Extreme’s Pornograffitti album, quickly climbed the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 4.
This acoustic-driven track became the band’s second biggest hit, following the success of “More Than Words.”
The song’s creation was almost serendipitous – portuguese guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, influenced by the sounds of Led Zeppelin III, crafted the melody while experimenting with his newly acquired 12-string guitar.
The result was a catchy, heartfelt track that would go on to become a defining moment in Extreme’s career, cementing their place in rock history.
Boston Center for the Arts
Choosing the Boston Center for the Arts as the filming location for the “Hole Hearted” video was a strategic and meaningful decision.
This venue, known for its diverse artistic offerings – from theater to visual arts – serves as a hub for Boston’s creative community.
By filming here, Extreme not only showcased a key cultural landmark but also paid homage to the city’s thriving arts scene, of which they were an integral part.
The Boston Center for the Arts continues to be a vital force in nurturing creativity and cultural expression, much like how Extreme represented Boston’s music scene in the early 90s.
Rock memory preserved in Boston
Though the music scene has evolved since the 90s, the “Hole Hearted” music video remains a powerful reminder of a time when Extreme dominated the rock charts.
For fans and music enthusiasts, 551 Tremont Street has become more than just an address; it is a symbol of Boston’s rich musical heritage and a place where the city’s history and rock culture intersect in a memorable way.
