Yngwie J. Malmsteen

Yngwie Malmsteen

Yngwie Malmsteen is one of those people that needs no introduction. Arguably one of the most well known and respected guitarists of our generation, the Swedish-born, now American-based instrumentalist has forged a successful career out of his music spanning nigh four decades. Largely regarded for helping bring neoclassical music into the mainstream, Yngwie’s unique play style has gone on to influence a number of other guitarists that have followed in his stead, such as Luca Turilli and so forth. A songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and bandleader, Yngwie has made his name out of his relaxed, yet highly technical use of sweep-picking, as well as his oft improvised neoclassical structuring and phrasing. So with that being said, it was my recent honour and pleasure to speak with Yngwie Malmsteen on behalf of Metal Obsession.

After exchanging pleasantries, I wasted no time asking after Yngwie’s upcoming Australian tour next year (something which is happening after what is close to a decade since Yngwie last conducted a full tour across our southern shores). The native Swede’s excitement was apparent from the get-go. “I loved when I was last in Australia,” Yngwie began. “And I can’t wait to return again!” After the success of last year’s ‘Master Guitar Clinic’ tour which took place in December, Yngwie noted how much he’d enjoyed bringing his guitar master class to our country and felt “great” about returning again for a proper, full tour. And promised much in store for his fans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2NyYKQcpI0

Yngwie is responsible for spearheading the genre of neoclassical metal in the ’80s, and is regarded for having greatly developed its style, alongside cementing its name in the collective conscious. Having in the past cited influences including the likes of Ritchie Blackmore, Uli Jon Roth, and others, I asked Yngwie what is it about neoclassical music that first attracted him to it, and has, for the better part of 35 years, allowed him to stay with it. His answer was short, yet dignified. “I am very inspired by [those musicians]. [And] for me, I’ve always been drawn to this [type] of music. I feel it in myself.” I then made mention afterwards that this definitely carries across in both his music and his live performance, where you can see how much passion and soul is poured into it. I could almost hear him smile over the line then. He appreciated the kind words.

Yngwie has always been known for his signature use of the Fender Stratocaster (especially those during the period between 1968-1972). Having explained in the past that one of the reasons he prefers this guitar over others is due to such aspects as the larger headstock, which allows for more sustain, the Stratocaster remains to date Yngwie’s weapon of choice, if you will. I pondered the question to him whether he’d maybe branch out into other guitars (such as Dean Guitars as Uli Jon Roth uses), or whether he was content remaining with the Fenders. His response set me back slightly. “I wish you could see me now,” he started. “I actually have 300 guitars in front of me right now (and about forty Marshall amps). Fenders, Les Pauls, Flying V’s, the Van Halen guitar, Ritchie Blackmore’s [Stratocaster]. So I can always pull out one of those when I like and enjoy playing it.” He continued. “But I always return to the Strats. They’re what I mostly use on my albums.”

‘Spellbound’ out now via Rising Force Records

To date, Yngwie Malmsteen has released 19 studio albums (the last four of which have been released under his own record label, Rising Force Records), alongside an EP and three live albums. And with his most recent effort being 2012’s ‘Spellbound’, Yngwie in no way appears to be slowing down. After initially asking whether he may hang up the guitar after such an impressive run, he returned, “I’m actually in the studio right now (in Miami, Flordia), working on the new album.” Going on to say, “For me, I’m very spontaneous. Every album I’ve made was the absolute best I could make at the time. So for me, it’s always exciting. So I actually view this new album as being the best album I’ve ever made!” [laughs]

Before we wrapped up the interview, I asked Yngwie if he had anything he’d like to say to the fans anticipating his trip over here next February. “Don’t miss it!” he said very enthusiastically. We both starting laughing after that. “Seriously though,” he went on, “I’m looking so forward to returning to Australia. I’ve always had an amazing time every time I’ve been there. Every show [on the tour] will be different. It’s going to be a great show! I hope to see you there.”

Due to a tour reschedule, Yngwie Malmsteen will be touring Australia this year in June.

Special VIP tickets available, granting access to an exclusive Q&A session with Yngwie Malmsteen. Regular tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster and Tombowler (tickets purchased for the original February dates are valid for the upcoming June dates).

Yngwie J. Malmsteen Australia & New Zealand Tour Dates (June 2015):

Thursday June 4^th – Powerstation, Auckland, NZ

Saturday June 6^th – The Astor, Perth 

Monday June 8^th – Wrestpoint, Hobart

Wednesday June 10^th – 170 Russell, Melbourne

Thursday June 11th – The Tivoli, Brisbane

Friday June 12^th – HQ, Adelaide

Saturday June 13^th – The Factory, Sydney

Yngwie Malmsteen ‘The Very Best from the King of Shred – Live on Stage’ Australia 2015

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