Prior to their performance in Bengaluru, Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme engaged in a virtual interview with Bangalore Times for an exclusive chat. During every gig, the band assesses the ratio of new fans in the audience, consistently finding that approximately 70-80% are fresh supporters. Despite cherishing their long-time followers, Nuno expresses enthusiasm for encountering a youthful crowd at the shows. The group, also consisting of vocalist Gary Cherone, bassist Pat Badger, and drummer Kevin Figueiredo, recently launched their sixth album, reinforcing his belief in the unifying influence of music. Reflecting on their journey, Nuno acknowledges the evolution of their sound, crediting both the challenges and growth that have molded their musical identity over time. Within the dynamics of the band, Nuno describes his role as one that propels the creative vision alongside Gary, acknowledging occasional tensions that arise but valuing the alignment achieved through mutual understanding. Emphasizing the collaborative essence of Extreme, Nuno likens their partnership to a fusion of three distinct personalities, likening it to navigating the complexities of multiple relationships simultaneously.Maintaining a marriage with three people can be quite challenging. It requires careful navigation and a diplomatic approach due to the complexities involved. Emotions fluctuate between love and frustration within such dynamics. Pat Badger, Gary Cherone, Nuno Bettencourt, and Kevin Figuereido of Extreme believe that incorporating AI into music can be beneficial for rock and roll. They argue that while AI can enhance sound quality, the essence of rock and roll lies in its imperfections and emotional depth, which cannot be replicated artificially. They emphasize that rock and roll offers a unique connection that transcends mere auditory appeal. Additionally, they express that in songwriting, there are only two opportunities to convey a story effectively within a limited timeframe, making it a challenging but rewarding art form. As for social media, they caution against impulsively sharing personal opinions on controversial topics, recognizing that it could negatively impact their careers and divide their fan base, thereby highlighting the balance needed in engaging with online platforms.Recent experiences have taught me that people are often more interested in proving themselves right rather than learning from each other. This mentality has caused more harm than good. Even with many supportive fans, just one or two individuals can twist your words. It seems some are quick to find fault or dislike you, rather than engage in constructive dialogue. Once you choose a non-traditional path, such as pursuing a music career, you inevitably face challenges like fame, lack of privacy, and fan scrutiny. While some may complain about these aspects, they are essentially part of the package deal. Joining a band and signing a record deal entails sacrificing a part of your identity and accepting the realities that come with fame. Being a part of a band like Extreme can feel like being married to multiple individuals, requiring careful navigation and diplomacy. In this industry, it's essential to recognize that commercial success is not necessarily a sellout move, but rather a means to sustain artistic pursuits.A true artist is driven by a love for their craft rather than the desire for external validation. Once an artist prioritizes applause over their passion, they risk losing their artistic integrity. While it's common for artists to commercialize their work through selling merchandise and promoting themselves, they must accept the consequences of this choice. As artists mature, their personal lives may make it challenging to collaborate as frequently, but they continue to make efforts to create music together. Don't miss Extreme's performance at Bandland 2024 in Bengaluru this November, tickets are now accessible through BookMyShow.