Italy's SpazioRock has issued an interview with EXTREME guitarist Nuno Bettencourt. The following is an excerpt from the interview, conducted by Daniele Carlucci:

Q: Why this continuous collaboration between you and RIHANNA, a totally different artist from the rock world?

A: "I have always been a fan of her records. Her musical director is a friend of mine and he called me up to see if would be interested in touring with her. Before I could say no, he said she wants to take the live show in a more rock direction and when I heard some of the treatments I was very impressed. I felt that my style could really add to this. And it has been great. The band sounds so heavy now and Rihanna is really digging it as well."

Q: Are you working on a new album? Do you want speak about that?

A: "Yes. I have a unique concept for the next Extreme record. I plan on writing on the road via Skype with Gary, Pat and Figg. Stay tuned."

Read the full interview at this location.

Bettencourt performed with Rihanna on April 7th on American Idol as she debuted her new single, 'Rockstar 101' - check out video footage below:

Extreme is releasing their Take Us Alive live CD and DVD on Frontiers Records world-wide April 23rd in Europe and May 4th In USA. Singer Gary Cherone (ex-VAN HALEN) spoke with BraveWords.com about a number of topics including the band's reunion, their current live album and Van Halen. Check out the chat on YouTube below:

Take Us Alive tracklisting:

'Decadence Dance'

'Comfortably Dumb'

'Rest in Peace'

'It ('s a Monster)'

'Star'

'Tell me Something I Don’t Know

'Medley - Kid Ego - Little Girls -Teachers Pet'

'Play With Me'

'Midnight Express'

'More Than Words'

'Ghost'

'Cupid’s Dead'

'Take us Alive'

'Flight of the Wounded Bumblebee'

'Get the Funk Out'

'Am I Ever Gonna Change'

'Hole Hearted'

Bonus Music Videos (DVD only)

'King of the Ladies

'Interface'

'Run'

'Ghost'

Check out two preview trailers below.