Guitar Virtuoso Nuno Bettencourt Reignites the Rock World with Solo Comeback, Collaborations, and Tour Plans for 2025….
Nuno Bettencourt, the legendary guitarist best known for his groundbreaking work with Extreme, is once again commanding the spotlight in 2025 with a powerful solo resurgence, high-profile collaborations, and hints of a world tour that has fans and critics alike buzzing with excitement.
Born in Portugal and raised in Massachusetts, Bettencourt has long been revered as one of rock’s most dynamic and technically proficient guitarists. Best known for the 1991 acoustic smash hit “More Than Words” with Extreme, Nuno’s real genius has always been in his electrifying riffs, fierce solos, and a playing style that blends funk, metal, and classical influences with jaw-dropping flair.
Now, in what some are calling his “second prime,” Bettencourt is stepping boldly back into the spotlight with a renewed creative fire. Following the success of Extreme’s 2023 album Six—which featured the viral guitar solo in “Rise” that stunned both fans and fellow guitarists—Bettencourt has announced a slate of new music projects and a solo tour in the works for late 2025.
“Music is still my first love,” Bettencourt told fans during a recent Q&A livestream. “After Six, I realized how much more I still have to say as a solo artist. There’s so much emotion, so much fire that I want to share with the guitar—and with all of you.”
New Collaborations and Unreleased Material
Bettencourt has also teased unreleased solo material recorded over the last decade, including tracks he worked on alongside pop and rock heavyweights. In addition to his work as Rihanna’s touring guitarist, Bettencourt has collaborated with a wide range of artists, from Steven Tyler and Zakk Wylde to Janet Jackson and Steve Vai.
Recent reports confirm that Bettencourt has entered the studio again this summer with several surprise guests. While he remained tight-lipped about specifics, industry insiders say names like Tom Morello, Lenny Kravitz, and even a possible duet with Slash are on the table. If confirmed, these collaborations could result in one of the most electrifying guitar-centric albums of the decade.
Tour Rumors and Festival Headlining Slots
Fueling the excitement further, Bettencourt hinted at a solo tour to begin in North America by fall 2025, with dates in Europe and South America to follow. While Extreme continues to tour periodically, Nuno’s solo set promises a more intimate and raw experience, featuring never-before-heard material, jaw-dropping instrumentals, and stories from his four decades in the music industry.
“He’s one of the last true guitar gods,” said Rolling Stone contributor David Fricke. “There’s something about Nuno’s playing—it’s fast, yes, but it’s also expressive, human, and full of soul. He deserves this moment.”
In addition, Bettencourt is expected to headline several major guitar and rock festivals, including G3 and NAMM, where he remains a beloved figure in the guitar community.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond his performance career, Bettencourt remains committed to education and mentorship. Through his “Axe Academy” online lessons and his involvement in music education initiatives, Nuno continues to inspire a new generation of guitarists to push boundaries and develop their own sound.
“As long as I’ve got fingers and fire in my heart,” he said, “I’ll keep playing.