Yngwie Malmsteen is one of the most technically accomplished guitarists of all time, rewriting the book on hard rock/heavy metal guitar. In addition to countless awards from music and instrument specific publications, none other than TIME Magazine hailed him as one of the ten greatest electric guitarists.
2013 was a banner year for Malmsteen, as he released his bestselling autobiography Relentless which coincided with a wildly successful tour that played to full houses all over the world. The only way he could top that in 2014 was to hand pick an all-star lineup of Guitar Gods to share the stage with him on a magical full North American tour.
“Fans can expect the unexpected,” Malmsteen said regarding his live shows. “I raise the bar with every performance I do and this tour will be no different.”
Held in the highest regard in his own right, Uli Jon Roth brings the very special 40th Anniversary Scorpions set that has been playing to frenzied audiences in Europe to North America, embracing his storied history with the band and digging deep into their catalog for this tour.
Acclaimed for his accomplishments for perfecting his playing in multiple genres (rock, blues, surf) and respected by both fans and peers alike, Gary Hoey performs his radio hits such as the Billboard Top 5 smash Hocus Pocus along with other favorites/
Gusn N’ Roses guitarist Bumbleoot (as seen in the just released DVD Appetite for Democracy which documents the bands Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel residency) embarks on his first solo tour, playing songs from his entire critically praised recorded history.
Tour to take place from June-July. Exact dates TBA.
63 Responses
Yngwie always plays like a god.
Met him here in NYC about 5 years ago and at the airport in Stockholm, Sweden 2 years ago.
Very nice guy both times.
Wonder how many from those who criticize Malmsteen so much can “hear” anything else of major/minor scale….To say Mlamsteen is nothing more than shred is like Bethoveen is better than Bach or viceversa.Living legends like Yngwie cant be compared, imo.Just dont listen guys if u dont like but…who are you?
Yngwie will NOT be remembered in 100 years – end of story! Anyone saying otherwise is deluded and in denial. He is a very poor songwriter & that is one of the main reasons he will not be remembered! = if you think any of his songs are up there with Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, etc you need to lay off the drink! Yngwie is primarily a stunt guitarist & his main stunt is playing fast, it is RIDICULOUS to attempt to compare him to serious musicians like Al Di Meola, Paco De Lucia, Uli Jon Roth, etc. Joke players like Michael Angelo Batio, Chris Impellitteri, etc can put on a good show too but great musicians or songwriters – get out of here!
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a Malmsteen fan per se. Don’t like much of his music ‘musically speaking’. Don’t even own an album. But if you’ve ever played guitar, you can’t help but watch this guy play. Its not just that he plays fast, his finger work is unbelievable. Again I’m not defending him. But if you ever wanted to just watch a guy shred, (and granted most people don’t), he’s the guy to watch. I’m not one for the 8 minute guitar solo on a good tune, it ruins it really. But just from a pure technical standpoint, Yngwie has a talent that is his own.
I agree with you. I LOVE watching the guy play. He’s phenomenal. But he is controversial. His interviews, especially early on were cocky and abrasive. He has been around now for nearly 30 years. He is what he is. He will never change. He will never be popular. He has some good songs, but nothing that most rock fans apart from hard-core metal heads would know.
Truth is he has had the opportunity to work with some great rock singers like Joe Lynn Turner and Graham Bonnett. Ritchie Blackmore had waayyy more success, cause he understands that it ain’t about HIM, it’s about the effin song. And with Yngwie it’s always been about him, despite what he says.
I’m not a huge Vai or Satriani fan, but more people dig their work than Yngwie. G3 will do more boxoffice and sell more tix than Yngwie-Fest. And as far as inventing “neo-classical shred” I’d say – who cares? Nobody. Maybe Mike Varney. But only a few people are into it. I’ve never seen a neo-classical shredder have any real success. They play clubs, join bands 20 years past their prime and offer lessons online. That’s about it. But Yngwie is technically amazing as a soloist and that’s why he’s still around whereas the others are long gone.
Yngwie, please come to Edmonton!
All critics of Yngwie is because of jeleausy, especially the Joe and Vai fans. Yngwie rolled over them on the G3 tour as his playing was bigger, huger vibrato and precision. I felt sorry for Vai and Joe and you can see their embaressment. Standing next to Yngwie is a huge risk for getting fucked over. Yngwies is a great songwriter (listen to Odyssey and Eclipse). You people are ignorant and jeleaus.
I would love to see this show!! The Spectrum of these remarkable talents on one stage outta be pretty freekin amazing! I look forward to a south Florida show. I have seen Yngwie several times, and have never been disappointed. So , to all you haters…… Feel the Rising Force of my boot , kicking your ass, to the nearest Black star , far beyond the sun!