Prior to their performance in Bengaluru, Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme engaged in a virtual interview with Bangalore Times. At every Extreme concert, the band notices a significant number of new fans in attendance, ranging from 70-80% of the audience. Nuno Bettencourt, the band's guitar virtuoso, expressed appreciation for both long-time and new supporters, emphasizing the joy of seeing a younger audience at their shows. Alongside vocalist Gary Cherone, bassist Pat Badger, and drummer Kevin Figueiredo, Extreme recently launched their sixth album, underscoring the enduring impact of music in connecting with people.

Reflecting on the band’s journey, Nuno shared that despite the passage of time, it often feels like just yesterday that Extreme was starting out. He highlighted the importance of learning from mistakes and the growth that accompanies age, deepening his understanding of the significance of their music to themselves and their fans. Nuno also likened his experience in Extreme to managing multiple marriages simultaneously, particularly in how he collaborates with Gary on the band's creative direction and sound. Despite occasional creative disagreements, Nuno underscored the bond that unites the band members in their musical journey.Having multiple spouses can be extremely challenging to manage. It requires careful navigation and a diplomatic approach, as feelings of love and animosity towards each other can arise. Members of Extreme, Pat Badger, Gary Cherone, Nuno Bettencourt, and Kevin Figuereido, believe that more AI in music is beneficial for rock and roll. They feel that while AI can recreate sounds, the authenticity, imperfections, and emotions inherent in rock and roll cannot be replicated artificially. According to them, rock and roll offers a unique feeling that people seek out amid the increasing mechanization of music. In their songwriting process, they adhere to a traditional structure that allows for two opportunities to convey a story - typically through two verses. This concise format presents a challenge in connecting with listeners both melodically and emotionally. When it comes to social media, they stress the importance of being cautious about expressing personal opinions that could potentially harm their careers or divide their fan base. While acknowledging the unifying aspect of social media, they also note its limitations in fostering meaningful dialogue for constructive disagreements.It's difficult to foster a culture of learning when everyone is convinced they are right and only wants to win arguments instead of listening to each other. This mindset has caused more harm than good in my experience. Despite having many supportive fans, it only takes a few individuals to twist something you say, like a situation that happened with a comment about Slash. People seem eager to find reasons to dislike or criticize others, always ready to point out flaws. Signing a record deal comes with a loss of a part of yourself, leading to challenges such as dealing with fans, fame, and limited privacy. Accepting a different lifestyle means embracing all its aspects, even the less glamorous ones. Being in a band like Extreme is akin to managing three relationships simultaneously, requiring caution and diplomacy. Embracing change in pursuit of artistry may sometimes mean making compromises, and it's essential to navigate the challenges that come with it.A true artist is someone who plays for the love of their craft, without needing external validation or applause. When an artist begins seeking applause, they compromise their integrity. While it's common for artists to sell merchandise and promote themselves, this commercial aspect can detract from their artistry. As we grow older, the band finds it challenging to come together and create music like they used to, but they make an effort to collaborate whenever possible. Don't miss Extreme's performance at Bandland 2024 in Bengaluru this November. Tickets are now on sale at BookMyShow.