An all-star collective of guitar players got together this Monday (3 Aug) to perform an arranged-for-guitar cover ofQueen’sBohemian RhapsodyonNuno Bettencourt’sAXS television special.
Steve Vai,Zakk Wylde,Yngwie Malmsteen,Tosin AbasiandBrian Mayhimself made remote appearances onAt Home and Social with Nuno Bettencourt & Friendsto perform the classic tune. Take a listen to ithere.
The AXS television special was hosted by the Extreme guitarist to benefit Music Forward Foundation’s Crew Nation initiative. During the program, Bettencourt also jammed covers of Radiohead’sKarma Policewith Julian Lennon, and Heart’sBarracudawith Nancy Wilson,Taylor Hawkins, and Liv Warfield.
Back in 2016, Vai assembled the forces of Bettencourt, Malmsteen, Wylde and Abasi for a supergroup and North American tour dubbedGeneration Axe.
The idea behind the group, according to Vai in a press release from the time, was to “create a seamless show with one backing band and five completely accomplished and astonishing guitarists that take to the stage in various configurations, performing some of their solo music and merging together as cohesive co-creators of lushly orchestrated guitar extravaganzas.”
Since its formation, Generation Axe have been touring on an annual basis, with their last tour being a brief Asian tour in 2019. Outside of Bettencourt’s AXS television special, the group has not yet announced any plans to convene in 2020.
Learn more about At Home and Social with Nuno Bettencourt & Friends,here.
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