“A few things about Yngwie that some may not know is that he is remarkably intelligent and has a fiery sense of humor that delivers on par with his musical gifts.”
Joe Satriani: “Yngwie Malmsteen loves to play guitar, and he’s really good at it. I know this from personal experience. I’ve stood right next to him on many a stage, shoulder to shoulder, trading solos, celebrating our influences, taking chances, playfully testing each others limits and putting on a great show for our fans. At the end of every performance I was sure of two things: Yngwie is an amazing guitarist, and that there is only oneYngwie Malmsteen. Let’s face it, every guitarist wishes they could do what he does with those six strings and a pick, but what he does is not only super human, it is undeniably unique and original too. There are imitators, some with equal proficiency, but none that can match the heart and the confidence behind his virtuosity.
“The last time we played together was at Marshall‘s 50th-anniversary concert at Wembley Arena in London on September 22nd, 2012, and I think it was the best I’d ever heard him play. Yes, he’s getting better! I was on stage just behind the curtain warming up with my guitar as I listened to Yngwie enthrall the audience with his impeccable and furious technique. But it’s his passion for music that really lights everyone up in the audience up. It’s the fire burning in those hands that make every note scream. He puts all of who he is, no excuses, no apologies, into every note and every sound he makes on his guitar.
“There is only one Yngwie Malmsteen.”
On October 1, 2012, music journalist Anders Tengner‘s unauthorized biography of Malmsteen, “Såsom I Himmelen, Så Ock På Jorden”(English translation: “As Above, So Below”) was released in Sweden viaBokfabriken. The 350-page book is based on more than 50 interviews with people who were really close to Yngwie during his life. It gives a unique and sensitive insight into the raging life of the guitar god. It is a tribute to the biggest Swedish rock star ever, but a tribute that doesn’t ignore the hard and crazy times.
“Såsom I Himmelen, Så Ock På Jorden” contains 64 pictures taken by some of the world’s greatest rock photographers, as well as unique and private photos.
According to a press release, “This is probably as close as you can get toYngwie: The loneliness, passion, betrayals, scandals, domestic abuse, drugs, sex and, of course, the music that make up his life.”
The book’s foreword was written by legendary hard rock singer Joe Lynn Turner (RAINBOW, DEEP PURPLE), who previously played withMalmsteen.
The English-language version of “Såsom I Himmelen, Så Ock På Jorden”(English translation: “As Above, So Below”) will be released soon worldwide digitally.