Yngwie Malmsteen’s Controversial Comments on Collaborating Singers
A Blast from the Guitar Legend
Legendary Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, known for his virtuosic playing and influential contributions to the rock genre, recently expressed his frustration with some of the vocalists he collaborated with during his early solo career. Taking to social media, Malmsteen accused these singers of attempting to “capitalize from [his] brand.”
Clarifying Ownership and Authorship
In a post shared on December 18, 2025, the 62-year-old musician made it clear that performing on his solo records does not equate to ownership or authorship of the music. He wrote, “Let’s be clear: performing on MY SOLO records does not equal ownership, authorship, or legacy. Writing a line here and there doesn’t make someone a songwriter, and singing my material doesn’t make it theirs.”
Work for Hire
Malmsteen emphasized that the vocalists were compensated for their contributions, referring to their roles as “work for hire.” He likened their involvement to that of other musicians, stating, “They were merely given a salary to put down MY written parts, just like the keyboard player, bassist, drummer, etc.”
Context Behind the Outburst
While it remains unclear what specifically triggered Malmsteen’s comments, speculation suggests it may relate to recent announcements from Mats Levén, one of his former collaborators. Levén revealed plans to perform two shows in Japan in May 2026, focusing on the material from Malmsteen’s 1997 album “Facing the Animal,” on which Levén provided vocals.
Levén’s Contributions
Earlier in December, Levén addressed fan inquiries about his involvement in writing lyrics for “Facing the Animal.” He claimed to have contributed a significant portion, stating, “Yngwie was quite open to letting me contribute. I wrote 30-35% of the ‘Facing The Animal’ album.” This statement may have further fueled Malmsteen’s recent critique.
Malmsteen’s Current Musical Direction
After collaborating with various renowned vocalists throughout his career, Yngwie Malmsteen has taken a more self-sufficient approach, now handling most of the lead vocals himself. His current band lineup includes keyboardist Nick Marino, bassist Emilio Martinez, and drummer Kevin Klingenschmid.
Recent Releases
Malmsteen’s latest album, “Parabellum,” released in 2021, features only four vocal tracks. The album title, which translates from Latin to “Prepare for War,” reflects Malmsteen’s evolving artistic vision.
Compositional Changes
In an interview earlier this year, Malmsteen discussed how his compositional approach has changed since he began singing lead. He acknowledged that while he had previously allowed other singers to influence lyrics, he has since taken more control over his work, stating, “I’m extremely focused and extremely together right now, so it will never happen again.”
Self-Identification as a Solo Artist
Malmsteen reiterated his identity as a solo artist, declaring, “I have been a solo artist since January 1984.” He emphasized that every record he has produced since then has been essentially a solo project, regardless of the musicians he has hired to perform alongside him.
Conclusion
Yngwie Malmsteen’s candid remarks about his former collaborators highlight the complexities of artistic ownership and the dynamics between solo artists and their supporting musicians. As he continues to evolve as a musician and vocalist, Malmsteen remains a formidable presence in the rock genre, solidifying his legacy on his own terms.
FAQs
Who are some of the notable vocalists Yngwie Malmsteen has worked with?
Yngwie Malmsteen has collaborated with several acclaimed vocalists, including Jeff Scott Soto, Mark Boals, Joe Lynn Turner, Göran Edman, Michael Vescera, Mats Levén, and Tim “Ripper” Owens.
What is the title of Yngwie Malmsteen’s latest album?
Yngwie Malmsteen’s latest album is titled “Parabellum,” released in 2021.
What does Malmsteen mean by “work for hire”?
Malmsteen refers to the vocalists he hired as “work for hire,” indicating that they were paid to perform his written material and do not have ownership over the songs.
What is the significance of “Facing the Animal”?
“Facing the Animal” is a notable album from 1997 featuring contributions from Mats Levén. It has recently gained attention due to Levén’s announcement of upcoming performances centered around the album’s material.
How has Malmsteen’s approach to songwriting changed over the years?
Malmsteen has stated that he has become more focused and takes greater control over his songwriting, no longer allowing other vocalists to significantly influence his lyrics.
