egendary guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen has unleashed a scathing critique of the various vocalists from his early solo career, accusing them of “false advertising” and attempting to cash in on his brand. The 62-year-old virtuoso took to social media to clarify his stance on ownership, stating unequivocally that the singers he employed were simply hired hands, not creative partners.
In a direct post made on December 18, Malmsteen addressed the issue of former band members touring under his legacy. “So it has come to my attention that these hired and paid singers that I hired for my solo records are all trying to capitalize from my brand,” he wrote.
The list of musicians Malmsteen is referring to includes some of the most respected voices in rock and metal history. Over the decades, his lineup has featured Jeff Scott Soto (1984–1985, 1986–1987), Mark Boals (1985–1986, 1996, 1999–2001), Joe Lynn Turner (1987–1989), Göran Edman (1989–1992), Michael Vescera (1993–1996), Mats Levén (1997–1998), Doogie White (2001–2008), and Tim “Ripper” Owens (2008–2012). His current vocalist is Nick Marino, who has been with him since 2013.
Malmsteen went on to argue that performing on his albums does not equate to ownership or authorship. “Writing a line here and there doesn’t make someone a songwriter, and singing my material doesn’t make it theirs.” He emphasized that these musicians were paid a salary to execute parts that he wrote, comparing their contributions to those of a session keyboardist or drummer. He challenged their recent creative output, asking, “If the only way you can tour or get attention is by leaning on my brand… then you’ve already answered the question of who actually built something.“
While Malmsteen did not name names, the timing of his outburst coincides with several tour announcements from his alumni. Former vocalist Mats Levén recently announced shows in Japan focused on Malmsteen’s 1997 album Facing The Animal, while Mark Boals and Michael Vescera are teaming up for a European trek billed as “The Voices of Yngwie Malmsteen.“
This isn’t the first time the guitarist has diminished the role of his frontmen, often citing that he writes all melodies and lyrics himself. His latest comments serve as a harsh reminder to his former colleagues: in Yngwie’s world, there is only one star, and everyone else is just an employee.
