British guitarist reacts to Extreme's tribute to Freddie Mercury

Tonight I'm looking at Extreme playing at the Freddie Mercury tribute concert, covering some of the best songs ever written!
Original video - • Extreme Queen Medley...
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[@anonymousrabbit8933]

mad respect to extreme for nailing this but also Nuno has such nice hair

[@wingsofpegasus]

😂

[@evanward4303]

I watched thie whole thing on TV live as it happened. Extreme killed it,. They were definitely one of the high points that day. Other highlights for me were George Michael, Robert Plant, and David Bowie with Annie Lennox doing Under Pressure.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah there were some great performances!

[@lespaul36]

They were great performances that night from many bands. I could not watch it live since at that time money was an issue and bout the VHS box. Those old VHS probably have some value now, but divorces and moving, I lost them all.

[@chriscuthbertson]

Extreme were the best performance of the day, they gave the fans exactly what they wanted.

[@UncleBrentMusic]

Nuno is a monster and a great band leader ... His talent is amazing. Thanks, Brent

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@manjulanilsson6011]

I've seen Extremes Queenmedley like a thousand times on KZbin, never get tired 😅

[@braxious]

I went to the gig and Extreme were totally brilliant it was a fab concert

[@wingsofpegasus]

Awesome!

[@sophiecat14]

I'd love to see Fil analyze the entire medley, as there were so many fantastic moments! it's unbelievable how seamless & tight they were! Their harmonies did Queen justice, Gary did his very best to engage the crowd & while he'll never hold the command that Freddie did, he gave EVERYTHING he had! Nuno would, of course, stay true to Brian. He knows the time to "personalize" & this obviously wasn't that time. I've watched their performance many times since watching it that day & from Brian's warm words, to "anywhere the wind blows...", it never gets old! I've seen Extreme live (in their heyday) & their own show was as impeccable as this! One of the greatest live performances I've witnessed among some "greats". This was a festival & we didn't stay for the headliner... But saw some great performances beforehand, Extreme stealing the show.They love their fans & strive for the best performance they can give them. As Freddie & Queen did❤️ If anyone is interested, Brian May says incredible things about Nuno around 2016 (per the video)... It's titled "Brian May about Extreme's "Get The Funk Out" Solo.

[@ericreep5341]

I played in a local rock bar in NC, USA, and the club owner got Extreme to stop by that night on their way to their next gig, to sign autographs and get drunk. LOL! It was "Ladies Night" and it was packed. Extreme were asked to play a few tunes, on OUR instruments! They played 4 songs, while we got to sit on stage behind them and watch. It was great!

[@ryant3600]

i saw this when it aired and Extreme opened the show, Metallica was supposed to go on after.. And the correspondent that was on the side of the stage asked metallica what they thought of Extreme.. James laughed and said how is anyone supposed to top that?

[@wingsofpegasus]

😂👍

[@edalder2000]

I first heard Extreme when I saw "Bill and Ted" at 17. Nuno is as humble as he is a great guitarist. From about 1990-93, Extreme were my favorite band on the planet. Sure, Extreme could play tight funky grooves, but their secret weapon has always been their vocal harmonies. As close to Queen in that department as you'll find. This performance gave the fans what they wanted. A high energy tribute to Queen that was Extreme just GOING FOR IT! I remember watching S4, Ep.1 of "Stranger Things." When I heard "Play With Me" as background music, I popped. I was in shock. I just smiled.

[@cabansinleaf8867]

Talk about tense, that's a 'Queen' sized audience, and no one had those very often {if ever} and Extreme killed it!

[@sterlingprice5963]

The AC/DC Stones concert in Canada was a massive show.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah it's must have been hard to play in front of Brian too!

[@CherylHShannon]

I LOVE Extreme!!

[@ronvalentini6306]

Love the energy of the band. Practice and repetition pays off. They nailed it here. A rock n roll show anyone would love to be at.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah they must have practised quite a bit!

[@lespaul36]

Nuno deserves so much more respect. He was a huge influence to me in my starting years.

[@neklamp2431]

Extreme and George Michael stole the show! Gary was amazing, loved his energy, dancing all around the stage, but in my opinion the highlight of their medley is when Patrick started playing the Radio Ga Ga intro with his BASS! And at the same time it's so funny, because he can't wait to play it and Gary signals him "wait" and yells to him "Patrick" ("let the crowd finish singing!") 🤣🤣🤣 12 glorious minutes!

[@metalcubana3004]

I just saw Extreme this past weekend. Saw them almost 30y ago also... they are STILL phenomenal. Flawless show from all members. Gary is in his 60s and danced/sang like someone half his age. Nuno was....well, Nuno. Been to many concerts and this was probably one of the best experiences ever. If you get the opportunity, GO! 🔥

[@annajosullivan]

Gary is the best and he always has so much energy and never gets tired on stage! Even when he’s chewing gum so vigorously 😂😂😂 I just love them and I like everyone really like Nuno but sometimes I feel like people don’t give Gary his due.

[@metalcubana3004]

@@annajosullivan Agree! He's truly an amazing performer!

[@oddvokk9880]

I have become a big fan of your channel. I live in the USA , and I love the diplomatic way you critique bands and veriuos guitarists . I have also become a fan of your band. I very much hope to get to see you live one day. Please keep up the great work. You are sharing work of great musicians to those who may not know otherwise who they are. Rock on bro!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks dude! Thanks for checking out my music too it's much appreciated!!

[@_Chipster]

A neat little bit of history: Brian May was actually upset when they told him they were going to do a Queen medley; he wanted them to play their songs so people could celebrate them and Freddie. Nuno tells the story: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXayiWSobctkhtU

[@christerjonsson1062]

Another kicken’ ass performance....... they always got that flow in their playing......a really great guitarplayer, as You said, hat off👍🎸

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@plattplatt183]

Nuno is a monster dynamic ability and mad skills definitely qualifies for the part of guitarzan. Anything maybe on Steve Harris or the band fight or Hanford. Tks for the Vids FIL

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem! Yeah Steve is on the list!

[@plattplatt183]

FIL Steve Harris is on a steady diet of metal. I know you can identify with his musical chops

[@Keston1302]

This medley and George Michael’s performance of Somebody to Love were the best performances of the concert imo

[@IlianNachev]

I loved Stone Cold Crazy with James Hatfield on vocals and Tommy Iommi on the rhythm guitar!

[@marciebulsaraorcutt]

Just ran across this reaction, as I've been rewatching footage of the Tribute Concert. In a newly uploaded copy of the extended 4-hour FULL concert footage, I just saw - for the first time - the Queen Medley that Extreme ALSO did earlier in the afternoon of that day: WOWWWW! I now think, that may actually be my FAVORITE part of the whole, entire, extensive show which took place on that day/evening. It was PERFECT and HEARTFELT. You could tell: This band - out of every group there on that day - TRULY were channeling the Spirit of Freddie/Queen.

[@mikeralston777]

The best band ever, and one of the greatest live performances of all time.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Amen!

[@sterlingprice5963]

Very nice. Extreme was great here. Thinking of Queen and Freddie Mercury, Freddie was a superstar. His singing is unrivaled imo.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah I agree.

[@jca111]

I was there wearing a much thinner man's cloths. It was fantastic. The only person who competed with them was George doing Somebody to Love

[@Blackadder75]

Yes, spot on

[@billykelly1013]

I just hit me about this whole concert. This was essentially from a different tine. This was pre internet. WWW. Didn’t mean anything yet. Back when finding a performance from most was whatever prepackaged clip MTV or VH1, SNL or The Night talk shows.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah the kids have it so easy nowadays! 😂

[@billykelly1013]

. I’m still mostly a dinosaur with technology. But I’ve watched concerts on my phone. Nothing like checking what’s “live” during the day, and finding a live show going in Europe, Japan or Australia.

[@genetic80]

Why does no one ever hit that like button.... Get on it people. Love your stuff as always!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks dude!

[@VelvetViolator]

I remember watching the tribute concert as a kid (was 16) ! I enjoyed Extreme and Metallica the most. Awesome musicians.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah there were some great performances!

[@beadybaby]

Extreme has been one of my favorite bands since Pornografitti. They are the natural successors to Queen and I know Freddie was right there with the entire stadium! Gary's performances are so explosive and compelling.

[@malindafast80]

Love them, still have the cassette!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Haha cool!

[@laloutre9106]

I have the dvd only for this set. I don't even know exactely what are the other bands on it and I don't care, nothing can be better than the Extreme set. It's an incredible performance, impressive. Every one of them is awesome on this gig. Gary's voice is fantastic, Pat's bass, Paul.... And do I need to mention Nuno? I've watched it so many many times... I think their love for Queen expressed itself during all this medley. Nuno still talks about this day even 30 years later. That must have been as much incredible for them on stage as for the audience. I'd give a lot to be able to be back in '92 and buy my ticket for THIS!

[@Guardducks]

I doing play guitar, but it sure sounds like Nuno was playing in the exact same key as Brian would play in . Nuno , Nuno, Nuno🎸🤘

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍🤘

[@kentmains7763]

Excellent performance!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Amen!

[@oigres33]

Waiting for some toto and Steve lukather! Great job as usual!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@bethany_dawn5222]

How did I miss this? Extreme like Queen did at live aid stole the show.

[@annbecouarn6958]

Crikey ! they sound good doing queen . ..I've always liked Extreme not seen them Live though . Must watch now

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@themermaidstale5008]

Extreme invoked a tribute to Queen. Smashing, Fil, simply smashing!

[@markbirchette8740]

Great one to do mate !! Cheers 🍻

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@avilienakhro467]

Nuno bettencourt I like how he play and he is very creative.

[@aweekback1]

You're right! They did not ruin everything!!!! Great video!! Never seen it . Echoes Live A Pompeii a bit of a life changing lead

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@kerryloc]

Cool analysis of the performance! I remember watching the concert on TV back in the day and it was a bit of a gut punch, as it showed what a massive loss to the world of music Freddie's death was. I think only George Michael got close to those magnificent, soaring vocals of his. I think you can tell from this performance what a massive Brian May fan Nuno Bettencourt was (and no doubt still is). Judging from his playing, he would have been studying those old Queen records very closely when he was learning guitar. I rate both him and Paul Gilbert as the best guitarists of my generation. Bettencourt has mega chops and great feel.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah he must have been excited to play but nervous as hell!

[@sbardellajulio3114]

it takes alot 🤘🎼🇬🇧🎼🤘 of guts and years just to play like they do great video artist"s artist"s artist"s the show must go on & on & on to be just happpppy 🤘🇬🇧🎼

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@SpaceCattttt]

I've always felt that Extreme were misunderstood. Not only were their 2 greatest hits (More Than Words and Hole Hearted) both acoustic songs, which, as you say, didn't accurately represent what they were all about, but the rest of their limited but "extremely" varied and innovative catalogue, is more (than words...sorry) or less completely forgotten and ignored today by all except guitar players who like Nuno. Even at the time of the Freddie Mercury tribute concert, Extreme were largely overlooked. I remember having a copy of the show on VHS, and they were the only band not on it. And whether that was because of politics or whatever, I don't know, but we had to wait until the whole damn thing was released on DVD to see them. Damn you, George Michael! Anyway, say what you will about how the band ruined their career (what the hell happened?), but their first album is great fun, and their second, Pornograffitti, is probably the greatest guitar album of all time. It's certainly one of the top 3 best rock albums of the 90's. Right up there with Faith No More. And I will fight anyone who disagrees.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah it's a strange one. They have never been 'mainstream' like the pop icons of the day, it's like people said we accept 'more than words', but aren't unwilling to listen to anything non acoustic.

[@atteljas]

I agree with your take on Pornograffiti.

[@johnleonard3806]

What I appreciated was the leadman didn't try and do a Freddie imitation although the band was covering things to the original.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah Freddie's vocals can't be equalled!

[@johnleonard3806]

wingsofpegasus . or his mannerisms.

[@adrianlee3497]

I've seen a few bands do Tie Your Mother Down and one half-assed attempt at Dragon Attack. Saw one South Florida band do an awesome Bohemian Rhapsody. Extreme make no bones about their Queen influence did an amazing job opening up this Freddy tribute.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@billyj5080]

Hey Fil... Nuno rocks as usual. Cool they picked some great Queen tunes. Nobody’s Freddie he was a champion. But nice job overall. Thanks man .... BillyJ.. south of Pittsburgh... Rock on..

[@wingsofpegasus]

🤘

[@wandajames143]

So wild to see this. This is just on the cusp of when grunge really blew these kinda bands off the face of the earth. I hope you do some Nirvana and really show some appreciation for that whole grunge scene and bringing back the primitive to rock.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah no videos have been suggested yet but maybe in the future!

[@wandajames143]

wingsofpegasus this is amazing! Pearl Jam, when they ruled! Do this one ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXu3ZKl_gth2h9E

[@jayedilts8612]

Cool... that was better than I expected. Not easy to pull off Queen!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yep!

[@RCAnderson42]

YOUR WHITESNAKE LOVEHUNTER SHIRT. Where did you get such a treasure?? Then on top of that, Queen, and one of the most forgotten bands, doing total justice to them. Didn't Brian May say about Get the Funk Out that 'not in a month of sundays could I ever learn that solo'? What a compliment!

[@wingsofpegasus]

I'm not sure, it was many years ago!

[@myleswoods8544]

excellent as usual fil.Remember seeing the tribute concert ,however (yikes!!) I dont remember extremes set.My memmory is taxing these days lol.They certainly did a great job,as you mention doing queen songs is rather difficult .Btw one of these days im going to sit down and listen to a full live rendition by someone of keep yourself alive .Its my fav queen song and i cant begin to tell you how many partial versions ive heard lol.Keep on rockin....

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks Myles, will do!

[@MyLlamaDidYourMama]

Jeff Healey...My Guitar Gently Weeps

[@wingsofpegasus]

On the list!

[@jfilipeccnp]

Like Cristiano Ronaldo, Nuno is one of the best... from Portugal of course :-) Rock.

[@wingsofpegasus]

😂

[@hericbagley8286]

thanks FIL these were some of the first solos I learned and one Brian May solo leads you into the next one keep yourself alive slips into dragon attack fly away into yrmy best friend and all roads lead to fat bottomed girls eventually you could tell extreme were really ennjoying themselves what an honor to be introduced by Brian May who would have loved, more than words,becouse it's a perfect song ,well yeah but it does exactly what crazy little thing called love does which is it takes a 1950s pop structure May the comets and Scotty Moore, extreme. the Everly bros and Rickie Nelson and totally reframed the genre

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@richardlilly234]

Try some Buck Dharma from Blue Oyster Cult

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@jeanninedoyle9523]

Neil idolized Queen as I do, just found you

[@randyjohnson805]

Free bird live in the 70s.California

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@aliceandrade4364]

Maybe Gary was auditioning to take Freddy's place? I remember seeing it live and thought wow! And face it, Nuno's so damn sexy, what's not to like?

[@tombstoneharrystudios584]

I remember seeing them open for Bryan Adams at Ipswich Town Football Club back in the day. There was a preponderance of teenage girls and their mums in the audience for the set, obviously expecting more tender ballads and radio friendly pop like “Hole Hearted”. The fact that Nuno scrubbed up very well helped too They were in a for a shock as Extreme played a solid set of highly sexualised stage moves and funky hard rock 😂 I was a huge fan then, but I kinda grew out of them for heavier bands like Metallica and Slayer It wasn’t until I was recently playing my usual tapping run that my girlfriend said something like “It sounds like Flight of The Bumblebee” Knowing that the arpeggios I was playing were nowhere in the original piece, I looked up Flight Of The Wounded Bumblebee and sure enough, I’d subconsciously used it as inspiration for years So I’m back on a Nuno kick, though I still don’t have an N4

[@MichaelAllred]

You didn't start at the beginning though

[@Blackadder75]

Are you Brian Cox younger Rock 'n Roll brother?

[@wingsofpegasus]

😂

[@Lynneheal]

Kool .

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks Lynnie!

[@msvirginia1799]

As always another great review. I have a suggestion for you to review. How about My Bloody Valentine doing a cover of AC DC Whole Lotta Rosie?

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@devwhit]

Hey Phil! Love your analysis. What's the best way to make a suggestion to you? Thanks. 👍

[@billykelly1013]

Omar Alvarado Post then here. He definitely reads and responds to more comments then anyone I’ve seen before.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah Billy's right! I read all the comments so just post the name of the video or a link and I'll check it out! 🤘

[@devwhit]

Well alrighty then! I hope not to be too winded, because I can write a whole article about this. 🙂 Fil I suggest you react to another Rush song, "Xanadu", from Exit Stage Left (here's a link - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKarhGCdn7KcjNk ). Yes you've reacted to a couple of Rush videos already, and you were spot on. But I believe that this performance will solidify the fact that this band is probably (or was, since they're now retired) the best live band technically. There are a BUNCH of reasons this is such a magnificent performance, but this time I want to give props to Alex Lifeson. He puts on an absolute clinic with all he demonstrates in this song, including: - Atmospherics - Dynamics - Composition - Openness of chords - Tasteful shredding I can go on and on. His performance on this track cements his place as one of the best guitarists in all of Rock (at least to me), because it seems like he incorporates so many techniques, textures, and methods of guitar playing, including the interplay between the two necks of the double-neck guitar - and that solo at the end? It's as soulful and creative as anything David Gilmour has ever done, and that's not a knock on Mr. Gilmour at all (although Alex would never admit that). And oh yeah, there're those other two guys... 😉

[@eefvink4610]

Badger Badger Badger ;)

[@wingsofpegasus]

😂

[@annbecouarn6958]

Could you put Thunder on your list please Phil .

[@wingsofpegasus]

Any video in particular?

[@annbecouarn6958]

wingsofpegasus Backstreet symphony live in Cardiff please...I'd love your take on them now....I think they have stood the test of time ..Danny's vocals are still as good .

[@Whistler4u]

Why don't you react to Prince? Not many better players out there.

[@wingsofpegasus]

He's on my list!

[@inspectorbudget]

Whistler4u Glad to hear someone else put in a recommendation for him. Have you heard his: love version of Foo Fighters "Best of You" from the Superbowl? The solo at the end is face melting.

[@Whistler4u]

Especially since he played it in the pouring rain. But he got better ones than the Surperbowl. Joy in repetition, While my guitar gently weeps or Just my imagination to name a few.

[@edbadyt]

He was a fantastic guitarist and a genius songwriter. He was one hell of an arrogant prick though

[@Brian-pr1dq]

Prince is awful

[@robin7ersen]

I don't see you react to any Japanese shredders. How bout Angel of Salvation with Galneryus. That solo at 4:20 in the music vid is just too pristine! Of course, Nuno is still my all time favorite guitarist, but sometimes you just gots to take your hat off to the wankers ;p

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks! Is there a live video of it?

[@robin7ersen]

@@wingsofpegasus It sure is, but the music vid is actually a shortened version, so the live clip is almost 17 min, and that awesome solo I mentioned is at about 08:05 :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6CUYXt8esuFpZY

[@robin7ersen]

By the way, thanks for replying to my comment. Really enjoy your channel :)

[@gnosticmom2805]

That tribute concert had a lot of good performances by so many bands. It was really incredible. Robert Plant did a fun, pretty credible version of "Crazy Little Thing Called Love". kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJimfKZvpt2CZ7M

[@billykelly1013]

Gnostic Mom I’d forgotten just how perfect Plant was for that song. Watch this concert again. I’d also forgotten Roger sing “I want it all” with Tony Iommi on guitar kzbin.info/www/bejne/anS2hKGojph4sNU

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah there were loads of great performances!

[@gnosticmom2805]

Super! Another great one was George Michael and "Somebody to Love". And Roger Daltry did a great job on "I Want it All". But I think Plant was perfect.

[@billykelly1013]

Gnostic Mom Looking back now they did an amazing job matching songs to the right singers. People can say what they want about George’s music. But there’s no denying the man had an incredible voice.

[@gnosticmom2805]

Oh yeah, he had some serious pipes too. And also a pretty good entertainer.

[@Module79L]

I know there's no video of Eddie playing it and I know you'd rather show a player playing instead of just the audio, but I'm sticking with the suggestion of the underrated masterpiece that is Van Halen's "Spanish Fly". : )

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah it's difficult to watch a video that is only audio 😅

[@Module79L]

Well, people can always imagine him playing. :D

[@evanward4303]

Hey Fil, I have a recommendation for the show. Check out Mutoid Man + Gina Gleason - Hot For Teacher.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@ronnienose8608]

He can be a technical player but I just love Nuno's ability, his rhythm playing alone is worth the price of admission. Gary can be a bit hit-or-miss for me, prefer it when he sings their own material (probably due to Freddie's voice being so ingrained in my mind, also why I can't get in to Adam Lambert unfortunately).

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah Freddie's voice is just something that will never be equalled!

[@ronnienose8608]

What's interesting is I remember Roger Taylor saying that he didn't think much of Freddie's voice in the early days because he had this fast vibrato that reminded him of Larry The Lamb, haha! Personally, great as he was I often preferred Roger's edgier voice. It's a shame that so many only think of Queen from the '80s and don't look in to their most productive period in the '70s, which for me is Queen at their very best.

[@the1mudpuddle]

I wonder if you've seen any Sonny Landreth.. prob one of the best slide players in the world - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKHHoX2rjZaaeqc and I don't think anyone else has a reaction on him :)

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@susanmathews7142]

Nobody can do it like Freddie. Wasn't very impressed.

[@eefvink4610]

Such a gorgeous band. Check the awesome riffing in this : kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGjRnYJ7o9qCnLM If impatient skip to about 03:30

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@shanemccormick6072]

I'm not a big fan of cover bands. I like a few but not many especially if it's a band I like a lot.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah you can't beat the real thing!

[@xderaz9846]

Look its jesus

[@davidvornsand6054]

Never fast forward during a performance. Total disrespect!

[@wingsofpegasus]

This was when I had to fit the video in after work 😅

[@davidvornsand6054]

I still love you. And thank you for your in-depth analysis which I find so spot on. Looking forward to more.

[@susanmathews7142]

Freddie is better. Sorry fil