Waiting for the Punchline

Waiting for the Punchline is the fourth album by American band Extreme, released in 1995. It is known by fans as a distinctively raw-sounding record with a significant influence from grunge, especially when compared to the big production of the two previous albums. Due to its lyrics focused heavily on social matters (ranging from religion to fame) it is often cited as a concept album. It is also the only Extreme record to feature drummer Mike Mangini (on three tracks). After the album's tour, Extreme disbanded in 1996 when Bettencourt informed the band that he was leaving to pursue a solo career. After the breakup, singer Gary Cherone joined Van Halen in the same year as their new singer, but left three years later.

Track listing
All songs written by Gary Cherone & Nuno Bettencourt, except "There Is No God", "Tell Me Something I Don't Know" and "Naked" by Gary Cherone, Nuno Bettencourt & Pat Badger, and "Leave Me Alone" by Gary Cherone, Nuno Bettencourt & Mike Mangini.

Personnel

 * Extreme
 * Gary Cherone – lead vocals
 * Nuno Bettencourt – guitars, keyboards, vocals, producer
 * Pat Badger – bass guitar, backing vocals
 * Paul Geary – drums (except "Hip Today", "Leave Me Alone" and "No Respect")
 * Mike Mangini – drums on "Hip Today", "Leave Me Alone" and "No Respect"


 * Production
 * Bob St. John – co-producer, engineer
 * Carl Nappa, Chris Carrol, Chris Nix, Michael Thompson, Scott Perry, Steve Robillard – assistant engineers
 * Bob Ludwig – mastering at Gateway Mastering Studios, Portland, Maine