"Comparing Extreme to a Polygamous Marriage: Insights from Nuno Bettencourt"
Ahead of their show in Bengaluru, Extreme's Nino Bettencourt sat down virtually with Bangalore Times for an exclusive interview Every time American rock band Extreme plays a concert, they try to gauge...
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Prior to their performance in Bengaluru, Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme engaged in a virtual interview with Bangalore Times. The band always aims to see how many new fans attend their concerts, and the results consistently show that 70-80% of the audience consists of new supporters. Nuno expresses gratitude for both longtime fans and the younger faces in their crowds. The group, comprised of Nuno Bettencourt, Gary Cherone, Pat Badger, and Kevin Figueiredo, recently released their sixth album, emphasizing the profound impact of music on forging connections with people over time.

Reflecting on their journey, Nuno remarks on how swiftly time passes and the evolution that occurs with age, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes and appreciating the significance of their craft to both themselves and their fans. He notes that being a part of Extreme feels akin to managing multiple relationships simultaneously, with collaborative dynamics and occasional creative challenges, particularly as they explore individual projects and songwriting ventures.Being married to three people can be very challenging to handle. It requires careful navigation and a diplomatic approach, as love and conflict can coexist in such a relationship. Members of the band Extreme, including Pat Badger, Gary Cherone, Nuno Bettencourt, and Kevin Figuereido, discuss the impact of AI on rock and roll, expressing the view that AI can enhance the genre rather than replace its authenticity. They emphasize the importance of imperfection and emotion in rock and roll, suggesting that people will seek out the genre for its ability to evoke feeling. In songwriting, there are two opportunities to convey a story - typically through two verses. This limited space makes songwriting a complex art form, as it necessitates connecting with the audience on multiple levels in a short amount of time. When sharing opinions on social media, it is essential to exercise caution, as posts can influence one's career and audience perception. While social media has the potential to unite people, it also has limitations in fostering healthy dialogue and understanding differing viewpoints.It has become difficult for people to learn from one another as everyone believes they are right and are more focused on winning arguments rather than sharing knowledge. This mindset has caused more trouble than benefit. Even with supportive fans, all it takes is a couple of individuals to misinterpret your words. There seems to be a readiness in people to find reasons to dislike others or prove them wrong. Once you venture into a non-conventional path, such as pursuing a career in music, you automatically sign up for the challenges that come with it - like the scrutiny from fans, fame, and lack of privacy. It can be exhausting at times, especially in the early stages of a music career. Being part of a band like Extreme feels like being married to three people simultaneously, requiring careful navigation and diplomacy. Embracing commercial success as an artist is acceptable, as it allows for authenticity in one's craft.A true artist is someone who plays simply for the love of it, without seeking external validation or applause. When an artist begins to crave applause, they compromise their integrity. Many artists claim they are not sellouts, but the truth is, they sell their music, merchandise, and themselves. While it's fine to sell these things, artists should not complain about the consequences of commercializing their work. As we grow older and lead separate lives, it becomes increasingly challenging to collaborate on music like we used to. Despite this, we make an effort to come together whenever possible. Extreme is scheduled to perform at Bandland 2024 in Bengaluru this November. Tickets can be purchased through BookMyShow.