Guitare Xtreme Magazine numéro 124

In my (long) career as a guitar-oriented journalist, Nuno Bettencourt is one of those who have impressed me the most. Back in the 1990s, when I was working for the former Guitare & Claviers magazine (while simultaneously studying at the American School of Modern Music), I was offered an absolutely scandalous privilege: that of being able to observe in private most of my heroes guitar in hand and in an intimate way. From Yngwie Malmsteen to Eddie Van Halen, Brian May, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Kirk Hammett, Paul Gilbert, John Scofield, Dimebag Darrell, Ron Thal and many others, they all plugged into the cheap little practice amp I carried around with me when I hosted a teaching column called Master Class. These interviews lasted at least an hour and often took place in unusual places (hotel rooms on promo days, dressing rooms or even tour buses). I never missed a beat. In this tricky little game, and without naming names, not everyone did well, but Nuno was always imperial. Even jetlag-washed, the consistency and energy of his playing remain at their peak, with his natural virtuosity devoid of any academicism, totally rooted in the pulse, and his highly emotional way of entering the guitar combining efficiency and elegance of gesture, which takes on even more meaning and scope when this born performer takes to the stage with total abandon and sensuality. What a show! I'm very happy to dedicate the cover of our issue 124 to this rock icon who, to make matters worse, is one of the nicest guys in town.

Ludovic Egraz