Nuno rejects Jake E. Lee’s solo for Ozzy farewell, Guitar World reports
Black Sabbath’s monumental farewell performance, “Back to the Beginning,” was an extraordinary event for all involved. Nuno Bettencourt, known as the ‘MVP’ of the show, showcased his guitar skills on 12 songs. However, there was one solo he refused to take on. Jake E. Lee, the original guitarist behind The Ultimate Sin, had asked Bettencourt to cover his iconic solo for the event.
Before the show, Bettencourt was already slated to play Bark at the Moon, another of Lee’s signature tunes which Lee himself couldn’t perform due to health issues. Nevertheless, when Tom Morello proposed that Nuno cover The Ultimate Sin solo, Bettencourt had a different plan in mind. He reached out to Lee, emphasizing that he, being Jake E. Lee, should reclaim his solo. Bettencourt’s admiration for Lee’s talent and the significance of the moment led him to insist that Lee play the solo himself, with Nuno’s added support. This act of solidarity and respect for Lee’s musical legacy made their collaborative performance truly exceptional.
The Ultimate Sin solo was intended as a backup plan, acknowledging Lee’s physical challenges and the desire to make the performance easier for him. Morello believed that Lee’s presence was essential to the success of the event and tried to ease the guitarist’s burden. However, Bettencourt’s unwavering support for Lee’s talent and determination to ensure Lee had his moment in the spotlight became the highlight of the show.
During Shot in the Dark, Bettencourt took a remarkable step that showcased his esteem for Lee’s talent. Unexpectedly, instead of playing as planned, Bettencourt left the stage mid-song, leaving Lee to shine on his own. Bettencourt’s action allowed Lee to display his exceptional skills without any other guitarist sharing the limelight. This moment of recognition was a testament to their shared background in one-guitar bands and their preference for individual spotlight moments on stage.
The significance of this gesture was not lost on Lee, who delivered a stellar performance that resonated with the audience. Bettencourt’s decision to step back and give Lee his moment exemplified the camaraderie and mutual respect shared by these two guitar legends. The dedication to honoring Lee’s talent and ensuring his moment in the spotlight made this performance unforgettable.
To learn more about Bettencourt’s perspective on the event and to delve deeper into the world of guitar, check out the latest issue of Guitar World. The magazine offers an in-depth look at the year in guitar, shedding light on the experiences and stories of renowned musicians. Additionally, Bettencourt, who recently ventured into launching his own guitar brand, has showcased his versatility by displaying his ice skating skills in a new music video, further demonstrating his artistic prowess beyond the realm of music.