Yngwie Malmsteen

Artist:

Swedish guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen will perform in Budapest on August 5 as part of his 40th anniversary European tour, taking the stage at MOMKult. The program will feature early successes such as Rising Force, Trilogy, and Odyssey, as well as highlights from more recent albums like Spellbound, World on Fire, and Parabellum.

Yngwie J. Malmsteen was born into a family of classical musicians and opera singers. He received his first guitar for his fifth birthday and began playing more seriously at the age of seven. Initially inspired by blues, he was soon captivated by the sound and incredible technique of violin virtuosos such as Niccolò Paganini and Antonio Vivaldi.

Alongside the virtuosity of classical violin, he incorporated the approach of J.S. Bach and other Baroque composers into his own compositional and orchestration style. This fusion gave birth to what is now known as neoclassical hard rock.

In his teenage years, he moved to the United States, and after several recordings, released his solo album Rising Force in 1984 – a record that virtually revolutionized rock guitar playing. It became a milestone in the neoclassical rock and metal genres, blending classical composition with blistering speed and hard rock arrangements. Tracks like Black Star and Far Beyond the Sun have remained staples in his live performances for decades.

This year’s tour partly celebrates that groundbreaking album, but Malmsteen will also draw from over thirty solo records up to Parabellum, covering a span of four decades. “Every night I go on stage, I play songs I wrote 40 years ago, but I always try to perform them differently each time,” Malmsteen told Classic Rock magazine a few years ago. “I’m not a jukebox. And that’s what makes it truly exciting. Every time I pick up the guitar, it feels new, and that makes me happy.”

Speaking about the current tour, Malmsteen said: “I’m very excited to be touring again and to commemorate the beginning of my solo career. It’s been an incredible journey, and even now, it still feels like it’s just starting. I couldn’t have made it this far without the fans, and I thank them for their support over the years. I can’t wait to create more magic together! More is more!”

The special concert will take place in Budapest on August 5 at the exclusive venue MOMKult. Both standing and seated tickets are available in limited numbers.