Extreme’s Nuno bettencourt talks Eddie Van Halen, Queen, Zeppelin, their history and the new record!

Extreme’s Nuno bettencourt talks Eddie Van Halen, Queen, Zeppelin , their history and the new record!
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0:00 INTRO
2:22 on brian May calling him one if the greatest guitarists
3:52 on the extended time period it took to come out with new Extreme music
6:22 on receiving praise from other rock guitar gods
9:26 on Queen
10:25 on growing up in the azors
12:00 on his start in music, growing up in a musical family
13:15 on his first concerts, Supertramp, Peter Gabriel
15:15 on early Aerosmith
17:49 on doing the superbowl w Rihanna
18:50 on getting the call to work with McCartney
20:20 on working with McCartney
23:00 on meeting your heroes, McCartney etc
23:46 on writing music with McCartney
26:25 how Extreme came to be
29:44 on Nuno and Gary’s bond over Queen that lead to Extreme
34:20 on the first gigs with Alice on chains
37:15 on hearing Extreme on the radio for the first time
39:15 being the only band to play Queen songs at the Freddie tribute
45:00 on john Deacon from Queens kind words
46:36 on performing for Jimmy page and john Paul Jones of zeppelin
55:57 the Eddie Van Halen story
57:49 on the VH reunion that never happened
1:00 top understated guitar players/ best rocknroll frontmen
CREDITS (instagram links)
Host - @ScottLipps
Edited by toastycakes
Music by @Robby_hoff

[@buickcityfilms]

it makes me so happy to see Nuno getting the attention hes always deserved.. hes the best guitarist alive.

[@michellegiardinobast7471]

Nuno is so smart and talented. He can draw in a fanbase because he can play all types of music plus he is very sincere and grateful. He shines ❤

[@michellegiardinobast7471]

@Don’t call me Angie Yes. He really respects everyone he works with.

[@soysaucehairdye7869]

Nuno's voice is pretty soothing to listen to.

[@cockstockton6609]

Great interview. Nuno is a great player and an even bigger fan. And he seems like a real down to earth guy.

[@pedroalmeida9596]

Proud to be Portuguese. Thanks Nuno. You are the best.

[@frankvieira764]

Saw him Thursday night, he was on fire. He even played 'Eruption'

[@SophieP-un5tu]

I love Nuno. he is so humble, caring, smart, funny. an amazing artist and arguably an amazing human being too 💯👌🏽🔥

[@RJ-go3sn]

OK guys....I'm not going to mention what a guitar virtuoso he is! Nuno is appreciated for SO many reasons! He is a thoughtful, unassuming, intelligent, engaged, and fascinating person! Love his rocker stories! Never tire of listening to him....playing or in his interviews! Thanks!

[@shorerocks]

Nuno is like a kid in a candy store. You gotta love him. Seeing Extreme live on the last European tour was massive.

[@MrElopez55]

Nuno is just up there in my fave 5 guitarists of all time. His interviews are always so informative, interesting and amazing all around!!

[@robphillips8351]

He is not only a skilled shredder, a really good vocalist and great writer, but a person with a lot of depth of expression conveying to the listener and pulling them into the music 👍 👍..

[@TheMusicalSchizo]

Gotta say, I was never more proud to be a fan of a band than when I watched how brilliantly Extreme paid tribute to Queen and Freddie that day. I was thrilled that they were playing Queen music and couldn't understand why the other bands weren't all doing what they did. Great podcast - thanks for having Nuno on! :)

[@RobertJones-xq1si]

Amen ❤

[@laloutre9106]

The GREAT Nuno 🙏 Always the same passion when he talks about music. Have huge respect for him, for Extreme, they're really one of the best bands ever. Thank you for having Nuno. Great interview 🔥👏

[@robphillips8351]

I'll second that 👍👍

[@marchanson169]

When i was 14 my best friend played "Teacher's Pet" for me over the phone. Everything changed after that. I'm 47 now and still just as excited about his playing -- thank you, Nuno.

[@Acekorv]

What I enjoy with Nunos playing is that he shreds but there’s melody, rhythm and also humor at times. It’s entertaining to listen to his playing.

[@Fulltondano]

Everything everyone has said x 1000. But he still has that spark he did at 16 but amplified...such a wonderful human

[@plasticflowers1]

I was in the Astoria in 2008 when Zep were there. When Nuno played the solo to Am I Ever Gonna Change, it blew my mind, you could literally see his soul come out of the guitar. It was by far their best performance I have ever seen.

[@GenxJul]

Been a fan from the start. I was just blooming into a teen when I fell inlove with Nuno and Extreme😊 I found myself smiling throughout this interview. Such a chill, cool, talented, and down to earth guy❤. I honestly would just love to hang out with Nuno for a day. Not even for the reasons I wanted to, when I was young, lol;) but just would be fun to talk with him, hang out and be buddies:) Shoot the shit, play some songs. My dad, whom was the best, played guitar, and introduced me to all kinds of music from day one. He also had a beautiful voice❤ I really miss him, and Nuno’s personality, reminds me a lot of my dad:) Thanks for this interview 😊

[@markchristopher2509]

Extreme 1992, front row Paramount Theater Denver, CO. The show was amazing- watching Nuno at point blank is stunning. The crew I was with was rocking hard and enthusiastic all night, unlike many others (oddly) in the audience who were too cool and stood there lifeless. Couple songs before the show ends security approaches us and gives all backstage passes. We meet the band and they simply wanted to thank us for bringing the energy and showing our love for Extreme. Truly great guys, down to Earth and humble despite their talent. Like Nuno says, it's really nice when you meet a hero and they don't ruin it for you. The three new songs off the album are smokin' and can't wait to hear the rest.

[@Squintintaratino]

You've got to accept it Nuno. You're the top gun now!!! You've always been that great but much respect to EVH he was King and now you're the new King!

[@umyes5246]

A pleasure to be alive in the same era

[@johnnie3Chords]

Queen has been my favorite band since 74 , after my first listen to Killer Queen / Flick of the Wrist, I listened to the both songs a hundred times that day , flipping the record over and over many times . Great interview , Nuno is it !

[@ImjaTse6189]

It was an amazing conversation, thank you!

[@cacornhusker2940]

it was '93 or '94 and Extreme was on tour, playing Omaha Civic Aud on a Sunday night. I was at Gold's Gym Working out and saw Gary and Nuno pumping iron on the Bench Presses and i casually said, "don't hurt those fingers or there's gonna be a ton of disappointed fans tonight". and i did my sets and let them do their workout and Pre-Show Routine without anymore Fanfare or Even Small talk..even tho i've played guitar since i was 8 and played in a Cover Band during college in the 80's and "tried" to learn a few of their tunes. Turned out to be a good decision. Gary and Nuno did their routine and left, but one of their crew stayed back & told me they have 2 tickets for me at Will Call. Awesome guys, Great Show and Thanks for being Great to Fans in Omaha, My Girlfriend Loved the Show Too. Amazing.

[@lifelongfan07]

I knew Nuno was going to say Steven Tyler man! He definitely is one of the top front men! Great interview seeing one of my hero’s man, carrying the torch!

[@shady1kenobi]

Nuno can try to deny it, but he is on my Mt Rushmore of guitar gods. I followed him in the solo years and would stand in awe 5 feet from him in tiny clubs and bars. met him after a MW show in 2003 i believe... couldn't have been nicer, despite being completely beat after a long final show of the tour. he played guitar and sang with us and drank a beer. amazing. remove any doubt in your mind... he is actually this cool and personable and humble and nice.

[@jmedeirosmota]

Omg!!! The Fred Mercury tribute! I loved that story so much!! That presentation was unbelievable!!! ♡♡♡

[@JeremyReedMusic13]

Great interview! So many cool stories. Nuno is totally down to earth. 🤩🎸🤟

[@passofar]

This comeback is just a blessing.

[@StavK]

This was an amazing interview thank you.

[@vicksinn]

Great interview! thanks Scott!!

[@Good-Enuff-Garage]

he is amazing and I hope this ignites a new wave of (older)guitar players out doing each other, again

[@Thedesertguy75]

I personally love their first record. It was so playful, fun and a melodic shred fest..... Nuno is exceptional and the fact that he still plays with that fire, that's what we're hungry for... I don't see it as much as back in the day with most genres.... Everything has merged into soulless digital pop... But Extremes new rock is oozing fire and passion.... And most of all genuine talent...

[@kevinrea7663]

O U T S T A N D I N G interview!

[@gracefulness5]

This was phenomenal, I love Nuno and I love his stories!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@ajlsrv5490]

Fantastic interview!!!

[@marcosfarahnagato4886]

Really great stories, thanks for posting!

[@LaciElements08]

Nuno you did a little of the Queen tribute with Brian May when he was opening for GnR. It was at the old Boston garden March 16th 1993. It was my first concert :)

[@dadude7]

Great interview. Always great to hear the interviewer just let the subject speak. Really well done. You could tell Nuno enjoyed it. A great listen.

[@BaconFire]

Great interview. Its good to see Nuno and the band back in the forefront again. :)

[@ksenijajemensek6126]

Nuno is the best ❤️

[@RosannaONeill]

Loved this! Extreme is amazing and we grew up with all this music, Aerosmith one of my favs when I was in early 20’s. Great interview. Thanks

[@scottbabb4485]

A fellow Mass guy. He’s our best export! Damn! This was an EXCELLENT, in-depth, and insightful interview. I’ve been a fan of Nuno’s since the old V66 days. (Local cable music channel in MA). One of the most melodic guys out there.

[@mvc516]

He's actually a Portuguese export. Get your facts straight.

[@scottbabb4485]

@@mvc516 Yeah… but it was worth a try. :)

[@marleemumu]

Exceptional interview, great stories!

[@johndavid2243]

Please, more. And thanks alot.

[@MsAnamore]

Great interview. You’ve got to be passionate about your job and believe in what you create. It’s the only way to bring your passion over to the people. Extreme are an explosion of talent and energy on stage . They’re contagious! It’s liking you’re getting your battery charged by watching them or even just listening to them. Thanks for the music

[@dorfsteen]

Our kids love that music because they heard us playing it all the time when they were little and they know it's really good so they want to hear it especially live if they can. my daughter loves extreme and Van Halen and all that stuff scorpions Led Zeppelin everything

[@jfjewell]

What a fantastic interview!! Nuno seems to be a super-cool guy as well as, obviously, a Master guitarist.

[@johnfletcher948]

Met Nuno opening for Cheap Trick in Corning Ca last year. SO cool kids!!

[@dcafarelli]

Nuno is absolutely right about Queen. I would also say Queen II is my favorite Queen album. I became an Extreme fan on the day that they played the Freddy Mercury Tribute Concert. III Sides to Every Story is one of my all time favorite records. Extreme is the best!

[@bheinlen]

Great interview. I can't fucking wait for this album! I can't remember the last time I've been excited about a record . Feels good!

[@scirasco1]

The queen tribute was exactly what nuno is talkin about superb:)

[@larryraymondhernandez]

Great interview.

[@robphillips8351]

An amazing musician, guitarist, and with a lot of depth.. he knows how to put himself into the music, the notes become him and he becomes the notes in a literal sense even..

[@marciosanches9354]

Espetacular entrevista completa e focada! Uauuuuuuu!!!!

[@christinaroberts711]

Starved for good rock is totally right on

[@garthok6224]

Those who knew Nuno and Extreme music are not shocked by his latest solo. Almost every chop there is in "He Man Woman Hater" and other songs. We knew way back that Nuno is the man.

[@davidvillela7476]

The King!

[@walterevans2118]

I always remember the impact Extreme made during the Freddie Mercury Commemoration Aids awareness concert in the early 1990s. A lot of the music world stood up & took notice that day..I never realized all which went on behind the scenes here .That was a lovely tribute from John Deacon though. God love him, wherever he is. Coming from him that means a LOT....On the posthumous tribute thing I don't think today that could happen today with EVH sadly...The closest we got to it was Wolfgang at Wembley & LA.....Paul McCartney was a wonderful discovery for me as a kid in the early 1970s actually....I remember becoming aware of all these GREAT songs from the 1960s & I LOVED them all,,,,From Yesterday , Penny Lane, Let it Be etc and as a youngster I didn't REALIZE that they were all created by the SAME group. & as time went on slowly I began to realize that all these GEMS had been written by the SAME people. Called 'The BEATLES' ....lol....Then AFTER they split up when Paul went his own way an elder relative would buy the WINGS albums & I would get to hear them. I with songs like Band on the Run & Jet it became OBVIOUS that it was PAUL who was one of the melodically driving forces in the Beatles....I'd be trembling if I met my musical heroes in person probably.....lol ....JPJ is a lovely guy. His bass technician & Luthier HUGH MANSON has made instruments for me actually. As for the car story with Ed and Nuno if it had been ME seeing Eddie on the street I probably would have Crashed the car.......lol...Lovely to hear Ed was going to bring Mike back into the picture . Folks who loved Ed's playing, innovation, and impact on the instrument all need to educate the young generations on his unique contribution to the instrument.

[@nesaiamon8727]

Love Nuno - he is an amazing talent and such a cool dude!

[@stuartmacg]

He is so awesome. He knows how good he is...we need more Nuno's.

[@Roger8176]

Great interview! It's great to see these guys getting some long overdue recognition. If Nuno never would've made it "big" that would have been one of humanities biggest crimes. He deserves any and all praise he gets...as does the whole band. I will say Nuno is off on his story of John Deacon hearing Extreme playing on the radio on the way there. Hadn't he just been onstage with Brian and Roger when they each gave a brief speech to kick off the show?

[@joepolito4569]

Amazing!

[@Daveglorious]

So awesome to hear the story of the Freddie concert.)

[@dealmaven123]

Epic interview

[@garywright3523]

From one Queen fanatic to another, God bless you Nuno 🙏

[@effortlessguitarist]

McCartney was my birthday stripogram. Thats my Paul story. He was sat next to us in a small restaurant in Primrose Hill called Manna. Being my birthday I'd already had a few drinks so cheekily said hi and told him it was my birthday. He promptly stood up and started dancing and taking off his jacket whist singing the classic strip tease music. My mind kinda went to mush after that, to surreal to take in. Fortunately he only took his jacket off lol.

[@joaquimbatista644]

nuno, es o nosso orgulho!

[@mikal]

That's great to hear about Paul's interaction. Everybody else I've spoken to about meeting Paul had stories about him walking away once they asked for an autograph or something. Including Howard Stern.

[@mickdestiny6542]

Just went back and watched the Freddie Tribute set. You boys dud steal the show with an epic respectful performance but by doing the medley, you totally set the day up for what was to come with yhe other band's performances. A brilliant move executed brilliantly. Hats off to Nuno andbyhe band.

[@MiguelFrancisco666-13]

Nuno is the pride of Portugal!

[@theonlyredspecial]

Great interview. Top guy. Been listening to him since I was a kid and enjoyed his playing. So I’m finding the new buzz around him fascinating. He has been doing this stuff for decades. Not like he suddenly found new chops. Shame his face was out of focus through parts of the interview. I kept feeling I needed to wipe my glasses 😂

[@johnfatorich3494]

Amazing😮

[@baronerolo]

This is the best interview to a musician other than Paul Mccartney that I have ever seen.

[@hOgOjUnG]

When he took the phone and said Hi to your bro!!!!!! What a moment!!!!

[@smackythefrog91]

When people ask me what was the best concert I ever attended, I say Extreme, 1991, Blaisdell Arena, HI. My God Nuno was flawless. Plus, I brought my late father with me.

[@renemaz]

Great interview......love Nuno.....he kicks ass 🤘🤘🤘

[@sarahmullins5757]

Amazing stories

[@donald-parker]

That tribute to Freddy they did was one of the best live moments ever. On par with Queen's Live Aid performance. It was brilliant, heartfelt felt, exciting ... awesome.

[@adamcrawford1346]

I concur - Nuno - you are amazing man. And you play guitar like a drummer

[@Gorbyrev]

What a wonderful interview. As for underrated guitar players I think Nuno might agree that Ty Tabor of King's X is up there.

[@jcsk8]

LEGEND!

[@foggyblues13]

Aweomse interview!!! Thanks

[@fourletterword7920]

OK, i have some time right now so here it goes. Extreme was part of the soundtrack of my life from the time their first album came out until i was in my twenties. That Album was also a Huge inspiration to me as a new guitar player at 15 years old, as well as Pornografitti (like WTF, how awesome is this album?!!!) and Three Sides. Nuno's guitar playing was very formative for me. Then i went in a different direction musically ( but Nuno's influence has always remained). And now, I find Extreme on my Radar again. First time i heard "Rise" i was a music snob. But after listening to it a second time i get it, and its profound. So i revisited the old stuff and man, this band is a GREAT rock N Roll band and its no surprise Nuno has worked with rock royalty because NUNO IS Rock Royalty. Its honest Rock N Roll. I feel this sense of being very proud of the guys in this band for staying true to being all in. Still writing New Music from where they are at now. Tons of newfound respect for Nuno and the Band!! Thanks Extreme, Thank you Nuno, this interview touched my heart.

[@shellyshell9655]

Nuno is a LEGEND!!

[@RickAnimalWhiteman]

🤘I AM FROM NEW BED FORD MASSACHUSETTS SAW YOU GUYS 3 TIMES IN 1980'S LOVE #REBEL 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@vladimir841]

It’s already 3,000,000 views ❤

[@denisedeoliveira6521]

Nuno👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@Bcananzey]

I'm Portuguese my family is from the azorez but I've neve been and I play guitar also i was born raised and live in Massachusetts. Not on Nanos level but love him

[@pacochuquiure5459]

Do another part and talk about the record.

[@AlexdaCunha]

Azores!!! 🥰🤩🤩

[@monicacouto1827]

Açores !😀

[@jeffratz]

The man is spot on if u cant get what he is saying u ist dead baby!

[@randycramer1013]

Nuno is pure salt of the earth. A dude you just want to hang with who happens to be one of the most exciting players on the planet. He is blessed.

[@incrediblestepsProd]

yes...."Portuguese democracy" but from Hudson MA ....HA! Good interview Nuno

[@jayandgem]

I love that McCartney story!

[@macadoo2530]

Extreme have unlikely become the ambassadors of what Rock Music once was and meant to them to this generation. Proud that they are Boston to the core. Keep Rocking boys!

[@NotaryMike]

A+

[@lindalvaartesa9595]

Nuno é tudo de bom amor da minha vida te amo pra sempre lindo maravilhoso meu rei minha vida

[@akajimbo1]

Nuno. What a great guy and a great interview. When I heard the pornographity album first time, I felt similarity with Queen, in terms of diversity. Then I realized Extereme were a big fan of Queen.

[@vivibaioco212]

❤

[@DrewLove777]

I love your playing Sir. I listen to Extreme regularly since Pornograffitti.

[@tonysams7261]

Nuno is a living legend! Best guitar work on Pornograffiti