[Webmaster's note: Thanks to Stephen Tucker for a complete log of the chat.]

[Metal Edge]: Hello and welcome to Metal Edge Online's chat with Yngwie Malmsteen! Just a reminder, please try to keep your questions short and concise : )
I'm happy to announce that Yngwie has arrived in our chatroom and is posting under the username YJMPlayLoud. Let the chat begin! : )

YJMPlayLoud: I am glad to be here tonight with you guys.

Question (yng64): What do you think of JOE STUMP?
YJMPlayLoud: To be honest, I have only heard a little of his stuff. By the cover of his CDs it is obvious what he is trying to do. I met him once. He was nice.

Question (Satch444): Yngwie...What is your opinion of Vinnie Moore?
YJMPlayLoud: I have not heard him since the 80s... he was a very blatant copy artist back then when all the Shrapnel artists were doing the shred thing.

Question (Yngwie_fan): When did you get your first car, Yngwie?
YJMPlayLoud: In Sweden I had a Volvo (no license).... when I came to the US, I had an old '66 Cadillac Seville [Webmaster's note: and a Jaguar sportster].... Since then it is all Ferraris.

Question (malmsteenmaniac): Yngwie, what is Antonio getting from Santa Claus?
YJMPlayLoud: Antonio is getting a little Harley Davidson and Mercedes (child-size play cars).

Question (Mark): Yngwie, if Jorn does not work out will you call Mats Leven for the next record?
YJMPlayLoud: No, his vocal range is limited.... If Jorn does not work out, I will have auditions.

Question (Mark): Yngwie, will you take critics' advice and let someone produce?
YJMPlayLoud: An outside producer ? No... I don't fully understand what people don't like about the sound of WAR, although I have a theory.... People have grown used to the slick, polished Chris Tsangarides sound, so that this heavy, raw, and almost LIVE sound which I used on WAR shocked them... But THIS is the sound of the music the way I like to hear it... Listen to The Seventh Sign; it is very similar.

Question (risingJeff): How much did it cost to make your studio?
YJMPlayLoud: The studio approached 1 million dollars to build.

Question (rising Jeff): Are you gonna play some Alchemy tunes live still?
YJMPlayLoud: On the 2-hour-long sets as a headliner, I will include songs from Alchemy.

Question (FREEK): I once read that you build and fly remote control aircraft, is this true?
YJMPlayLoud: Remote control airplanes... Yes, I have several.

Question (malmsteenmaniac): YNGWIE, do you plan on more touring in the U.S. for WAR?
YJMPlayLoud: We may tour the U.S. again in Feb-March [webmaster's note: looks like March-April now] for WAR.... then on to Europe and Asia for April-July.

Question (FREEK): I like your bass work on WTEAW; do you plan on assuming bass duties from this point forward in the studio?
YJMPlayLoud: I plan to play BASS myself on all future albums.

Question (Yngwie_fan): Yngwie, why did you change the name of "Arpeggios from Hell" to "Molto Arpeggiosa"?
YJMPlayLoud: "Arpeggios from Hell" was the first version [on the Full-Shred video]... since I embellished it for the album, I gave it a more elegant name.

Question (Yngwie-clone): How about an album with Dio on vocals?
YJMPlayLoud: Since we are now both on the same label, it could happen that Dio would sing on my album. That is up to Ronnie-- my door is open.

Question (Yngwie_fan): When will you come to Brazil?
YJMPlayLoud: We are trying to work on a South American tour now. Mike is handling the business side of that.

Question (FREEK): We have now had a Flamenco piece, a reggae piece, an eastern influenced piece, what can we expect as a bonus track on the next album?
YJMPlayLoud: Expect the unexpected...... HA HA!

Question (FREEK):As long as it isn't a COUNTRY tune, Yngwie, I'll be happy.
YJMPlayLoud: No country song... don't worry.... except maybe "Plastic Jesus".

Question (yng64): Yngwie, why did you do away with the cool Taurus Bass Pedals ?
YJMPlayLoud: They broke so I replaced them with some MIDI keys and some vintage keys.

Question (FREEK):How has becoming a family man changed your perspective? MIRACLE OF LIFE is a beautiful tune dedicated to your new son.
YJMPlayLoud: The song MIRACLE is not only about Antonio. It is also about myself, my mother's life and death, April, and of course, Antonio. The Miracle of Life goes on and on.

Question (Yngwie_fan): Yngwieeee, How many languages do you know how to speak?
YJMPlayLoud: Swedish and English, some German and Italian.

Question (Mark): Yngwie, how about playing FOR someone on an album, like Coverdale perhaps. Why does it always have to be one of your projects that we hear you play?
YJMPlayLoud: I have actually played guest solos on several tribute albums. I am open and available to guest appear on almost anything EXCEPT a rap record.

Question (Yngwie-clone): What did you think of Stevie Ray Vaughn?
YJMPlayLoud: SRV was a great Texas style blues player...great.

Question (Mark): How has WTEAW been selling in the states...any sales numbers?
YJMPlayLoud: WAR is doing much better in the USA than recent albums, but it has only been out about month.

Question (Jazmine): Yngwie, are you disappointed with the Japanese sales figures so far? (about 6000 copies at the moment)? How will Pony Canyon rectify this?
YJMPlayaloud: Japanese sales are much better than what you indicate from the report they sent me; there is talk of a complete box set now covering all albums.

Question (Satch444): Yngwie.....How would you recommend getting started on sweep arpeggios?
YJMPlayLoud: Sweep arpeggios are a misconception with me. My technique is more extensive... practice slowly and dampen the strings you don't want to ring. Do one or two chords at a time, then string them together as you progress.

Question (Yngwie_fan): Yngwieee, was that Jaguar in the clip of the song "You Don't Remember" that you crashed in 87?
YJMPlayLoud: Yes, that is the same one.

Question (FREEK): Will Jorn tour Asia and Europe with you or will he return to his gig with MILLENIUM?
YJMPlayLoud: We discussed it ... the plan is for him to join me.

Question (AdamRice): You said in an interview that you had really outdone yourself on Alchemy... do you feel the same about the new album?
YJMPlayLoud: I love WAR, not because it is the most recent, but because it has that raw, almost LIVE edge the way I like to hear music.

Question (FREEK): How do you feel about the critics that say your style never changes or evolves when it is plainly obvious that there is a tremendous amount of difference between
YJMPlayLoud: Freek, I can answer your question by referring to your question. I take pride in the fact that I have a unique style that can instantly be recognized as me with 1-2 notes. Look at AC/DC, etc. They are much the same..... look at ZZ top and Iron Maiden.

Question (FREEK): CRUCIFY works extremely well in the LIVE environment. It was a pleasure to hear/see that one performed.
YJMPlayLoud: I am glad you liked it… it is very EPIC and different.

Question (Yngwie_fan): Hey, Yngwie, how about Joe Lynn Turner? Will he sing on your CD again?
YJMPlayLoud: We had a good thing going back then. He is a good guy, but he doesn't match the direction I am heading.

Question (Playloud): Yngwie, I love the styles of prior albums such as Eclipse, Fire And Ice, Seventh Sign: the way you would have a bluesy style song, a ballad, an epic, etc...do you see yourself returning to this type of album in the future?
YJMPlayLoud: Concept albums with blues, ballad, fast, etc..... I felt I got too much into a formula with some of that... I like to branch out more.

Question (Yngwie_fan): Yngwieee, do you like to play collective sports like volleyball, soccer?
YJMPlayLoud: I play tennis every day out back [webmaster's note: Yngwie has a tennis court in his backyard]. I am not much of a team sports player. I like all responsibility to rest on me-- just like my music!.

Question (Allegro_Dragonstorm): Yngwie, you said once that you think that downloading MP3s and having the entire CD without buying it is wrong, but how do you feel about people downloading demos off places like Napster? Ones that you have not put onto CD? I recently found a copy of you playing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" which I thoroughly enjoyed. [webmaster's note: that song was by Chris Impelliteri, not Yngwie-- you can't trust things you find on Napster.]
YJMPlayLoud: I believe if people can download music for free and nobody ever pays the artist for it, then that is theft, plain and simple. How would you like to go to work each day and not be paid ??

Question (Yngwie_fan): You played a song of Rush on your Inspiration album. In the 80s decad,e they had a big success and still do; what do you think about their music?
YJMPlayLoud: I remember when I was 13, I heard RUSH for the first time and really liked it. They were never an absolute fave, but I like them a lot.

Question (Playloud): Yngwie in past years you've had to play in some pretty bad clubs in the USA; does that bother you at all ?
YJMPlayLoud: With the renewed career in the U.S. now on Spitfire, I will hopefully see bigger and bigger venues. But I will play where I am asked if it means reaching the fans... without the fans, it means nothing.

Question (More): Will we ever hear Heaven Tonight live again? It's not like Teaser!!!
YJMPlayLoud: "Heaven Tonight" is pretty old now... probably wont be in live shows anymore.

Question (Satch444): YNGWIE HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR SHOW ON DEC 7 AT THE WEBSTER THEATER IN HARTFORD?
YJMPlayLoud: Nothing sticks out in my mind special about that one... why do you ask? After 20-25 shows in 35 days they start to blur together some.

Question (Allegro_Dragonstorm): Yngwie, you have mentioned in interviews that people such as Tony MacAlpine are trying to copy you. How do you feel about those who say you try to copy Paganini or Bach? You do use many of their themes in your songs.
YJMPlayLoud: Copying my style ? Yes and no as far as it bothering me. I am flattered as long as they give me some credit when I have been an obvious influence. The only thing that gets to me some is when some guitarist claims he has never heard of me but is playing some obvious Malmsteen lines.

Question (FREEK): OK Yngwie, what's Mats Olausson's secret to staying with you for over 10 years? No one else seems to make it past 2-3 years.
YJMPlayLoud: He knows his position in the organization and does not cause problems. But more importantly, he is a brilliant keys guy.

Question (risingJeff): Do you have any other favorite guitars besides the strat?
YJMPlayLoud: The STRAT is number one for me!!!

Question (MaryJane): Why does Mats' role seem to diminish with every album?
YJMPlayLoud: On recent albums, the keyboards have been less prominent due to the albums' heavy nature, as opposed to the late 80s and early 90s when I was a bit more commercial sounding.

Question (Satch444): YNGWIE....HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT SATRIANI?
YJMPlayLoud: He is very good at what he does. He is quite lucky too, for sailing in on the wave of Vai's style and all that. I don't feel he has established a new standard like my friend Steve Vai. Steve is very unique, but I find Satriani a bit bland honestly.

Question (More): Uhhh.... Satriani taught Vai, didn't he?
YJMPlayLoud: Satriani was Steve's teacher, but it would seem in this case that the student surpassed the teacher.

Question (More): Yngwie, will management or Spitfire suggest a Producer for the next album, and if so, will you take the advice?
YJMPlayLoud: Again, I don't want an outside producer. I don't want that slick Chris Tsangarides sound again. I like the music to sound more unleashed and raw-- like it's live and you are sitting in the studio with me.

Question (yng64): Yngwie, would you consider doing a score for Movies?
YJMPlayLoud: Yes, I want to move into movie scores in the near future.

Question (risingJeff): How many picks do you go through each night?
YJMPlayLoud: I usually burn through 100-150 per night, depending on the length of show.

Question (malmsteenmaniac): What kind of movie would you like to compose a score for?
YJMPlayLoud: I would like to write a movie soundtrack score for anything of substance, like a drama or something. A horror movie would be too one-sided.

Question (Playloud): Yngwie, what's your favorite Ferrari, and do you watch or like formula 1 racing ?
YJMPlayLoud: Ferrari 308 and 250 GTO (of which I just got another). Formula 1.. no interest.

Question (Allegro_Dragonstorm): Yngwie, would you ever want to try acting? If for instance there were a new Monty Python film and they wanted you in it?
YJMPlayLoud: This is a bit extreme and I don't know who knows this, but I was offered the main role in a movie about Paganini in the 80s. I did not accept it at the time, but now I wish I had.

[MetalEdge]: Yngwie's manager will remain on line for a few extra minutes after the chat to answer some questions. Thanks to everyone who joined us, and very special thanks to you, Yngwie!

Question (FREEK): Mike [Spitzer], how hard was it to get Yngwie the exposure he is getting in the States for WTEAW; was the previous management not making an effort?
YJMPlayLoud: I must thank my new manager Mike Spitzer, Spitfire Records, Chipster Promotions, and my wife for getting my name back in the industry in the U.S. Past management was not performing at all... wait, hold it-- they sucked, plain and simple.

Question (Yngwie_fan): Are you going to play in Brazil?
YJMPlayLoud: We are trying to set up some South America shows now.

Question (Satch444): WHAT ABOUT CONNECTICUT NEXT YEAR YNGWIE?
YJMPlayLoud: If anybody has suggestions for big tour venues in your area, send them to AGENCY GROUP in NEW YORK.

Question (malmsteenmaniac): How big are you talking??? Arenas, Convention centers, large clubs???
YJMPlayLoud: 1200+ people.

Question (Yngwie_fan): Yngwie, do you like Queen?
YJMPlayLoud: Yes, I like them. I honor them in the chorus to "Prophet of Doom."

Question (Playloud): Yngwie, are you going to do another Concerto album?
YJMPlayLoud: YES, you can bet your ass on it. I have already composed 3 movements. In June, I will be performing in Japan: the Concerto and a few classic tunes with full orchestra, which will be on DVD video. Concertos take 2-3 times as long as a rock album.

Question (Allegro_Dragonstorm): What is going on with Baroque and Roll?
YJMPlayLoud: Baroque and Roll is on standby now because of Spitfire. Any last questions before I head back into the studio?

Question (FREEK): HOW LONG BEFORE THE NEXT ALBUM? =)
YJMPlayLoud: Next album... around 1.5 - 2 years.

Question (Yngwie_fan): Yngwie, what do you think about Yngwie Malmsteen???
YJMPlayLoud: I think I have a unique style.

Question (FREEK): Will you sing on the next album at all?
YJMPlayLoud: Some parts maybe, but I sing like a blues singer, I don't have the operatic range needed for my stuff.

Question (FREEK):Will you play drums on at least one track?
YJMPlayLoud: Drums on an album... hmmm. I am already doing bass-- this could become a one-man band HA HA . Another 3 minutes and I am off to work in the studio.

Question (FREEK): Is the studio now FULLY digital or do you still use some analog equipment?
YJMPlayLoud: The studio has a 24-track 2-inch STUDER analog reel and a 24-track digital console.

Question (FREEK):Are the tape reels relegated to practice and demos nowadays?
YJMPlayLoud: No, the Studer is top of the line analog; it is used on all albums.
Okay guys.... Thank you for inviting me in to talk tonight. Happy Holidays to all, and go buy my WAR TO END ALL WARS album !!!!!!!!!! Yeah !