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https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/gui ... -van-halen

“I never said a bad word about him. I never will. Because I think he was amazing,” he says. “But I used to know a guy that worked in the grocery store where Eddie would shop, and the guy would ask him: ‘Hey, what do you think about Yngwie Malmsteen, the new Swedish kid?’ And Eddie would say: ‘I don't know who that is.’

“Meanwhile,” he continues, “Dave Roth told me that Eddie would have his ghetto blaster, playing my shit on it all day long!”

“There's one time I remember when I was nominated for a Grammy [in 1986], and I go to the show – I had my tux on and everything – and I see Eddie there,” he goes on. “I’m waving at him, trying to get his attention, and he sees me... and he runs away. He literally ran away!”

Malmsteen just wanted to chat with another guitarist with a reputation as hot as his.

“I have an even more incredible story,” he then says. “I was doing a concert festival in Holland, and Van Halen was headlining. I'm like: ‘Great, I finally get to meet Eddie and give him my concerto’. Because I'm proud of my concerto, you know?

“But I find out they canceled the show. They said Alex Van Halen had broken his little finger or something. And then I hear that the promoter got a phone call from Eddie himself, who said: ‘Just to let you know, if Yngwie Malmsteen is playing, I'm not playing. And I will never fucking play the same stage as Yngwie Malmsteen.’

“I'm like: ‘What?’ He obviously felt threatened. Which is crazy to me. You're fucking Eddie Van Halen! Nobody could threaten you!”

Ed was so weird that I believe some of this.

Yngy is definitely embellishing, and taking advantage of the fact that EVH isn't alive to rebut. He slagged VH in the guitar mags all the time, saying that "all i could hear at a VH concert was the snare drum and the guitar". He would also play bits of Eruption onstage and then yawn, implying that "this is so easy". That said, I could definitely see Eddie being scared of the new kid on the block after a virtually uninterrupted 6-year run at the top of the rock guitar heap.

Ed visited Yngwie in a dream and said he loved Fire & Ice.

Chip Z'Hoy wrote: ↑Tue Jun 03, 2025 1:41 pm Ed visited Yngwie in a dream and said he loved Fire & Ice.

Teaser.

THE FOOKIN FURY

How long until Sammy responds??

Everybody was threatened by Yngwie when he arrived on the scene. Any guitarist who said he wasn’t is straight up lying. He was technically head and shoulders above everyone else at the time in the rock world.

fret123 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 03, 2025 7:04 pm Everybody was threatened by Yngwie when he arrived on the scene. Any guitarist who said he wasn’t is straight up lying. He was technically head and shoulders above everyone else at the time in the rock world.

As most other here, I grew up in the 80s and know most of the A,B,and C list bands to some extent. I was/am a 70s/80s rock music nerd. I read the magazines, watched Headbangers Ball, bought the CDs, went to the concerts, etc. I certainly knew Yngwie's name and I think I recall seeing a video once or twice but I couldn't tell you a damn thing about him or his music. I don't recall him touring, album releases, nothing.

I really doubt anyone felt threatened by a guy who had practically zero commercial success. I'm sure he's a million times better than C.C. Deville and every other hair metal guitarist but I doubt C.C. or anyone else lost a second of sleep over it.

Velvis wrote: ↑Tue Jun 03, 2025 7:24 pm

fret123 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 03, 2025 7:04 pm Everybody was threatened by Yngwie when he arrived on the scene. Any guitarist who said he wasn’t is straight up lying. He was technically head and shoulders above everyone else at the time in the rock world.

As most other here, I grew up in the 80s and know most of the A,B,and C list bands to some extent. I was/am a 70s/80s rock music nerd. I read the magazines, watched Headbangers Ball, bought the CDs, went to the concerts, etc. I certainly knew Yngwie's name and I think I recall seeing a video once or twice but I couldn't tell you a damn thing about him or his music. I don't recall him touring, album releases, nothing.

I really doubt anyone felt threatened by a guy who had practically zero commercial success. I'm sure he's a million times better than C.C. Deville and every other hair metal guitarist but I doubt C.C. or anyone else lost a second of sleep over it.

this a junk take

Velvis wrote: ↑Tue Jun 03, 2025 7:24 pm

fret123 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 03, 2025 7:04 pm Everybody was threatened by Yngwie when he arrived on the scene. Any guitarist who said he wasn’t is straight up lying. He was technically head and shoulders above everyone else at the time in the rock world.

As most other here, I grew up in the 80s and know most of the A,B,and C list bands to some extent. I was/am a 70s/80s rock music nerd. I read the magazines, watched Headbangers Ball, bought the CDs, went to the concerts, etc. I certainly knew Yngwie's name and I think I recall seeing a video once or twice but I couldn't tell you a damn thing about him or his music. I don't recall him touring, album releases, nothing.

I really doubt anyone felt threatened by a guy who had practically zero commercial success. I'm sure he's a million times better than C.C. Deville and every other hair metal guitarist but I doubt C.C. or anyone else lost a second of sleep over it.

I’m talking about other guitarists not fans

fret123 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 03, 2025 7:45 pm

Velvis wrote: ↑Tue Jun 03, 2025 7:24 pm

fret123 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 03, 2025 7:04 pm Everybody was threatened by Yngwie when he arrived on the scene. Any guitarist who said he wasn’t is straight up lying. He was technically head and shoulders above everyone else at the time in the rock world.

As most other here, I grew up in the 80s and know most of the A,B,and C list bands to some extent. I was/am a 70s/80s rock music nerd. I read the magazines, watched Headbangers Ball, bought the CDs, went to the concerts, etc. I certainly knew Yngwie's name and I think I recall seeing a video once or twice but I couldn't tell you a damn thing about him or his music. I don't recall him touring, album releases, nothing.

I really doubt anyone felt threatened by a guy who had practically zero commercial success. I'm sure he's a million times better than C.C. Deville and every other hair metal guitarist but I doubt C.C. or anyone else lost a second of sleep over it.

I’m talking about other guitarists not fans

So am I.

No other guitarist gave a shit about Yngwie being threatening. If Yngwie was in some super successful hair band as a hot shot guitarist and was going to have a number #1 songs, million selling albums, and sold out world tours and all sorts of chicks throwing panties at him and guitar-nerds worshiping him, sure there would have been plenty of average guitar players that would have felt threatened. But the reality of it was a dude like C.C. Deville was living that dream and Yngwie had a small audience of dude guitar-nerds watching him in clubs and theaters.

Being a great guitar player is one thing, but also writing a shit ton of classic songs in another.

fret123 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 03, 2025 7:04 pm Everybody was threatened by Yngwie when he arrived on the scene. Any guitarist who said he wasn’t is straight up lying. He was technically head and shoulders above everyone else at the time in the rock world.

Can’t recall one Yngwie song

But I do recall many VH songs , even the ones that people would not call memorable .

And I do know most of Poison’s catalog

My grandfather was absolutely terrified of Yngwie! I can't remember if I played him Trilogy or Eclipse, but he sat there with a blank stare on his face and he started drooling. About halfway through the album my mom made me turn it off because she could tell grandpa had shit his pants. So I turned it off. A month later he was dead. I mean he really must've hated Yngwie to take things that far. I still feel terrible and a bit guilty about doing that to my grandpa. I had no idea he would react that unfavorably.

All bullshit. Technically better probably but Ed had sales, coolness, etc...No way was he afraid of Yngwie.

Meanwhile
Dave Roth releases a video telling stories of he and Eddie in the bathroom at Eddie’s wedding reception while ALL former members , Valerie , producer and manager verify not only did Dave refuse to be a groomsman but didn’t attend the reception out of jealousy.
So of course he’s telling the truth about Eddie’s ghetto blaster.

Edward’s actual response to Yngwie was he thought most of Yngwies compositional style was stuck in one period and asked if everything he plays was trapped ( my words not his ) in that time period.

Don’t believe me ?
FINE

Yngwe is going to release a song he cowrote with Ed while in a dream.

See how fucking weird that sounds?

I can see Eddie saying "I will never play on the same stage as Yngwie Malmsteen," but not for the reasons he thinks.

Chip Z'Hoy wrote: ↑Thu Jun 05, 2025 5:48 pm I can see Eddie saying "I will never play on the same stage as Yngwie Malmsteen," but not for the reasons he thinks.

fret123 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 03, 2025 7:04 pm Everybody was threatened by Yngwie when he arrived on the scene. Any guitarist who said he wasn’t is straight up lying. He was technically head and shoulders above everyone else at the time in the rock world.

I’m a guitarist and was when Yngwie came onto the scene. I wasn’t “threatened” and neither was anyone else who wasn’t trying to be shredder of the year. He was great player (more of a novelty actually), but I couldn’t name a single song title with a gun to my head. That type of music was a niche for guitar wankers which is why those are about the only people who even who he even is.

EVH was not only an innovator for an entire generation of players, like Randy, he was also an incredible songwriter who was able to bring his massive talent to the mainstream with songs that have and will stand the test of time. “Technicality” is only important to other guitar nerds. What he was doing was pretty much what any violinist in any symphony was doing for many decades only he did it on guitar. What was innovative about him? What did he change really? He played fast and clean classical arrangements, but that’s pretty much it. You can only listen to so many songs with a guy running scaled over that 6/8 drumbeat. That’s why his music is completely ignored/forgotten.

Velvis wrote: ↑Tue Jun 03, 2025 8:41 pm No other guitarist gave a shit about Yngwie being threatening. If Yngwie was in some super successful hair band as a hot shot guitarist and was going to have a number #1 songs, million selling albums, and sold out world tours and all sorts of chicks throwing panties at him and guitar-nerds worshiping him, sure there would have been plenty of average guitar players that would have felt threatened. But the reality of it was a dude like C.C. Deville was living that dream and Yngwie had a small audience of dude guitar-nerds watching him in clubs and theaters.

According to guys like Lynch and Cavazo, most everyone in the Hear-n-Aid session was. Why would they lie?

HoldenSSV wrote: ↑Fri Jun 06, 2025 5:08 pm

Velvis wrote: ↑Tue Jun 03, 2025 8:41 pm No other guitarist gave a shit about Yngwie being threatening. If Yngwie was in some super successful hair band as a hot shot guitarist and was going to have a number #1 songs, million selling albums, and sold out world tours and all sorts of chicks throwing panties at him and guitar-nerds worshiping him, sure there would have been plenty of average guitar players that would have felt threatened. But the reality of it was a dude like C.C. Deville was living that dream and Yngwie had a small audience of dude guitar-nerds watching him in clubs and theaters.

According to guys like Lynch and Cavazo, most everyone in the Hear-n-Aid session was. Why would they lie?

Well, I had no idea he was even in Hear-n-aid, but in that context sure. It would probably be uncomfortable to play lead guitar in the same song as somebody significantly better than you also playing lead guitar.

But thinking back on it, wasn't it Dio's guitarist that did the solo?

Regardless though, once Yngvie's career went nowhere near the top ten or Dial MTV doubt anyone felt threatened.

I agree with Wiseacre. To me, Yngwie was a novelty, one trick pony. It was jaw dropping at first and yes he could do the sweeping arpeggios like a madman, but as Alice Cooper used to say, "Where's the song?" EVH could make your jaw drop in the midst of a great song and not just during the solo. Yngwie needed his Roth but his ego would never allow that.

Velvis wrote: ↑Fri Jun 06, 2025 11:54 pm

HoldenSSV wrote: ↑Fri Jun 06, 2025 5:08 pm

Velvis wrote: ↑Tue Jun 03, 2025 8:41 pm No other guitarist gave a shit about Yngwie being threatening. If Yngwie was in some super successful hair band as a hot shot guitarist and was going to have a number #1 songs, million selling albums, and sold out world tours and all sorts of chicks throwing panties at him and guitar-nerds worshiping him, sure there would have been plenty of average guitar players that would have felt threatened. But the reality of it was a dude like C.C. Deville was living that dream and Yngwie had a small audience of dude guitar-nerds watching him in clubs and theaters.

According to guys like Lynch and Cavazo, most everyone in the Hear-n-Aid session was. Why would they lie?

Well, I had no idea he was even in Hear-n-aid, but in that context sure. It would probably be uncomfortable to play lead guitar in the same song as somebody significantly better than you also playing lead guitar.

But thinking back on it, wasn't it Dio's guitarist that did the solo?

Regardless though, once Yngvie's career went nowhere near the top ten or Dial MTV doubt anyone felt threatened.

"But thinking back on it, wasn't it Dio's guitarist that did the solo"

Here is the list of performers during the guitar solo section.

Lead guitar solos
1st solo:
Craig Goldy (Giuffria)
Eddie Ojeda (Twisted Sister)

2nd solo:
Vivian Campbell (Dio)
Brad Gillis (Night Ranger)

3rd solo:
Neal Schon (Journey)
George Lynch (Dokken)

4th solo:
Yngwie Malmsteen
Vivian Campbell (Dio)

5th solo:
George Lynch (Dokken)
Carlos Cavazo (Quiet Riot)

6th solo:
Brad Gillis (Night Ranger)
Buck Dharma (Blue Öyster Cult)
Rhythm guitar melody lines

Dave Murray (Iron Maiden)
Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden)
Bass

Jimmy Bain (Dio)
Drums

Vinny Appice (Dio)
Frankie Banali (Quiet Riot)
Keyboards

Claude Schnell (Dio)

BlackdogRDC wrote: ↑Thu Jun 12, 2025 4:15 am

Velvis wrote: ↑Fri Jun 06, 2025 11:54 pm

HoldenSSV wrote: ↑Fri Jun 06, 2025 5:08 pm
According to guys like Lynch and Cavazo, most everyone in the Hear-n-Aid session was. Why would they lie?

Well, I had no idea he was even in Hear-n-aid, but in that context sure. It would probably be uncomfortable to play lead guitar in the same song as somebody significantly better than you also playing lead guitar.

But thinking back on it, wasn't it Dio's guitarist that did the solo?

Regardless though, once Yngvie's career went nowhere near the top ten or Dial MTV doubt anyone felt threatened.

"But thinking back on it, wasn't it Dio's guitarist that did the solo"

Here is the list of performers during the guitar solo section.

Lead guitar solos
1st solo:
Craig Goldy (Giuffria)
Eddie Ojeda (Twisted Sister)

2nd solo:
Vivian Campbell (Dio)
Brad Gillis (Night Ranger)

3rd solo:
Neal Schon (Journey)
George Lynch (Dokken)

4th solo:
Yngwie Malmsteen
Vivian Campbell (Dio)

5th solo:
George Lynch (Dokken)
Carlos Cavazo (Quiet Riot)

6th solo:
Brad Gillis (Night Ranger)
Buck Dharma (Blue Öyster Cult)
Rhythm guitar melody lines

Dave Murray (Iron Maiden)
Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden)
Bass

Jimmy Bain (Dio)
Drums

Vinny Appice (Dio)
Frankie Banali (Quiet Riot)
Keyboards

Claude Schnell (Dio)

Are you telling me that song had 6 guitar solos???

No wonder it wasn't a hit.

Wiseacre wrote: ↑Wed Jun 04, 2025 1:25 am Being a great guitar player is one thing, but also writing a shit ton of classic songs in another.

This!

Yngwie is annoying, and he couldn't write good songs.