Sweden has a thriving rock scene. I’ve been busy reviewing a lot of very good Swedish or Scandinavian bands recently but it wasn’t always like that was it? What was it like when you started out?
No, you’re right when I started out Sweden was a very socialist place, a different mind set, a different psychology. You know where you think that you can’t do anything, can’t think for yourself, can’t do anything different, can’t break free like by becoming a musician or an actor or something. Especially a musician like I wanted to be. It was always hard but as soon as I got to America it started happening in five minutes. It’s different now and yes there is a lot going on there.
Have you started writing that auto biography yet?
Yes. I started a couple of years ago. It’s on hold a bit at the moment, there’s a lot of other stuff going on around. But yes, I started.
I wanted to end by asking how you maintain such energy and passion after a long and successful career, but I guess the clue is in the title of the album, Perpetual Flame. That fire is still burning in you…
That’s very perceptive of you. That is exactly what I wanted to say with the album. Thanks for picking up on it.
Yngwie, you’ve been great; thank you for your time and patience and best of luck with the album and the tour.
Thanks, I enjoyed it. It was a good one.
So did I. Yngwie proved to be a lovely guy, answering my questions even though he had no doubt been asked them a thousand times or more before.
Don’t forget Yngwie’s Perpetual Flame released on October 14, 2008. Full review will follow shortly.
Get the latest news on Yngwie Malmsteen on his official website.
Article comments
1 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Freakin' Fantastic Jeff! I've heard some live concert footage on youtube w/ Ripper Owens and it's absolutely amazing. I can't wait for the new album & the US tour... Long Live the KING of SHRED!!