Extreme, the Massachusetts rock band known for its hard rock stylings and powerful influence on the music industry, hits the stage in Las Vegas this week in a bit of a full circle moment; it’s during a high time, especially for guitarist Nuno Bettencourt (pictured above, far right). The band, consisting of Bettencourt alongside Gary Cherone, Pat Badger and Kevin Figueiredo, put out its first album in 15 years with the 2023 release of Six. And the album’s opening single, “Rise,” made waves with a guitar solo that’s been named the solo of the year by numerous publications, some even going as far to call it the solo of the century.
“It was crazy because ... you put all you got into it; you go for blood, you do all the things that you know how to do that you’ve been doing for as long as you can remember. But then, all of a sudden you get that kind of response where your phone starts blowing up from friends and family and heroes of yours,” Bettencourt, who was also named guitarist of the year by Total Guitar, said in an exclusive interview with Las Vegas Magazine. “You think, ‘OK, what is going on? What is really happening?”
With much momentum coming into the new year, it’s no wonder the quartet is nowhere near slowing down. The group’s Vegas stop brings it back to a familiar setting, as it’s not only played in the same space while it was Hard Rock Hotel Casino’s The Joint (now The Theater at Virgin), but the band actually filmed its 2015 performances there for a concert film to commemorate the 25th anniversary of its iconic Pornograffitti album.
“Vegas has always been an interesting place, you know. When you don’t live there, you don’t think anybody lives there. You think it’s just a place that people go. And it’s one of those things where it’s not until we play … where (we remember) it’s always some of the best audiences,” Bettencourt said.
And those incredible fans will be delighted to know that not only will the band be playing many of its well-loved hits, but it will also bring nearly half of its newest album to life. And yes, you will most definitely hear the guitar solo of the year played live by the iconic guitarist himself.
“It’s better live! ... At least I do (play) it,” Bettencourt said. “When I first started doing it … everybody wanted to see if I can actually do it. It’s a lot of pressure.”
And this star, along with his fellow bandmates, certainly does perform under pressure. The group’s high-energy rock bangers, juxtaposed with acoustic ballads, promises a dynamic show, chock-full of impressive fret work, soulful singing and pounding percussion.
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. 8 p.m. Feb. 29, starting at $39 plus tax and fee. axs.com
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