Yngwie Malmsteen explains why he wouldn’t join a band

Yngwie Malmsteen

The virtuoso Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen achieved fame in the 80s as a member of Steeler and Alcatrazz. But after he released his successful solo album “Rising Force” in 1984 he never was officially part of any other band and embarked on a solo career. In an interview with Eddie Trunk (Transcribed by Blabbermouth) he explained why he wouldn’t like to join a band.

Yngwie Malmsteen explains why he wouldn’t join a band:

“Well, I’m not saying never for anything, but most likely not. Because I’m in a rock and roll setting like everybody knows — it’s a rock and roll band, basically, on stage — but the way I create is very much like a painter or writer where… I don’t paint half a painting and call my friend up and [say], ‘Hey, can you come finish half the painting for me?'”

“That’s the only thing. It’s not because I’m egotistical; it’s just an artistic expression thing. Going out with ‘Generation Axe’ is more than enough to be a band than anything,” Yngwie Malmsteen said.

Before the start of his solo carer

The next Yngwie Malmsteen 2022 tour dates:

October

  • 19 – Teatro Vorterix – Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • 21 – Espacio Marina – Talcahuano, Chile
  • 22 – Teatro Cariola – Santiago, Chile
  • 24 – Carioca Club – São Paulo, Brazil

Yngwie Malmsteen was born in Stockholm, Sweden back in 1963 and as a young boy, Yngwie originally had no interest in music. But that all changed on September 18th, 1970 when he saw a TV special on the late Jimi Hendrix. Seven-year-old Yngwie watched in awe as Hendrix blasted the audience with torrents of feedback and sacrificed his guitar in flames. The day Jimi Hendrix died, the guitar-playing Yngwie was born.

At the age of 10 he formed Track On Earth, his first band that only had him and a friend from school playing the drums. He released 22 studio albums in a career spanning over 40 years. Some of his biggest influences are classical composers like: Bach, Paganini, and Vivaldi. He incorporated those inspirations on his playing and made him one of the responsibles for the birth of the neo-classical genre.

His first solo album “Rising Force”, released in 1984 won the Guitar Player’s award for Best Rock Album. Also8 was nominated for a Grammy Award for “Best Rock Instrumental”, reaching no. 60 on the Billboard album chart.

Rafael Polcaro: I'm a Brazilian journalist who always loved Classic Rock and Heavy Metal music. That passion inspired me to create Rock and Roll Garage over 6 years ago. Music has always been a part of my life, helping me through tough times and being a support to celebrate the good ones. When I became a journalist, I knew I wanted to write about my passions. After graduating in journalism from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, I pursued a postgraduate degree in digital communication at the same institution. The studies and experience in the field helped me improve the website and always bring the best of classic rock to the world! MTB: 0021377/MG