April 8, Cleveland, OH (The Odeon):

From Brent Cole:
I had the best time at this show. Yngwie played the best I ever seen. Yngwie you played some of your best songs. You are the best guitar player ever! I was going to go to the shows in Chicago and Cleveland too, but things happen. I hope you reschedule them again. I wish you could play in Indiana! Yngwie, my heart goes out to you, April, and your son! I hope to see you play soon. Rock on, master magician!

From Shawn Evans:
Hello! I just wanted to write and let everybody know that Yngwie gave another phenomenal performance. There was one huge problem with the show. You see, Jorn Lande did not perform because he got in a fight. As security rushed through the doors to help, I could see Jom being taken away. It really isn't bad news, though. Yngwie sang the songs that had words... and he did absolutely wonderful! I think he should continue to sing. He is great! His playing was perfect as usual. The only really bad problem was the 40 minute delay that I had to endure. It was all worth it, though. Yngwie's concert was better than sex! If Yngwie sees this, I was the little guy in the second row, right in front of where you played most of the time. My arms never stopped waving and my voice is raw from yelling and screaming. Great Job Yngwie.... way to kick ass! PLAY LOUD!!!

From Melinda:
What happened at the Cleveland Ohio concert??? I was there... next thing I know, no Jorn....was he sick...or did I get to witness the 1st night of him being fired? Well, Yngwie, if you're reading this....I may have not got to hear You Don't Remember I'll Never Forget, or Queen Is in Love, Liar, Heaven Tonight, or Devil in Disguise....but you still put on one great show....and I give you all the credit for not cancelling the show and going on with it...thank-you....it was still great. I do hope that somebody lets me know what happened last night though.... I was wanting to stick around and try to meet you, but the Mr. Yngwie want-to-be I was with had to go to white castle. Oh well ...maybe one day...because I think it would be really cool to me you...no matter what the rumors are, I think you're cool.

From George:
I am a 40 year old fan of your music/playing since your 'Steeler' and 'Alcatrazz' days, growing up in New Jersey, and now living out here in Ohio. Firstly, I just want to thank you for your incredible devotion to your guitar craft and music all these years! You are an inspiration for technical yet emotive guitar players! Your music has given me countless hours of sonic joy and ecstasy, and has enabled me to achieve 'eargasm' on many occasions, if you know what I mean, and I think you do. It must feel great to be a true guitar legend!

I just wanted to say that I have seen you in concert many many times over the years (Joe Lynn Turner was your best and most polished/professional vocalist, in my opinion- totally world class!), and to be very honest with you, am VERY DISSAPOINTED in the Cleveland show that you did without your current vocalist, and even a bit 'angry' at you and/or your management for not letting your paying fans know. You guys should have INDICATED somehow (perhaps an announcement or poster as you come in to the venue) that you would not have a vocalist, and that you would be doing Purple and Hendrix cover tunes. This way would ideally have provided a fair warning and hopeful outlet to get a refund for those that came to see and hear your complete band. Hey, I give you a lot of credit for trying to 'hold the fort' musically, but the fact is that for many of your fans, it is the WHOLE BAND that they pay to see, no disrespect meant.

Granted, this call must have been tough for you because on the one hand, you did not want to dissapoint your fans by cancelling, and on the other hand, i'm sure you were concerned at pulling this off without a vocalist for you fans that expected one! George in Cleveland

April 7, Detroit, MI (Harpo's):

From Ken Clark:
Hello, Just wanted to say Yngwie rocked the Motor City! We got there a little early before Lizzy Borden (a.k.a. Twisted Sister) went on stage. After suffering though their set, (Doro from the last tour was much better) Yngwie was set to come out, the familiar "Rising Force" starts and when the smoke cleared, many people were left with mouths open at what was taking place before their eyes. They also played "Crucify", "Catch 22", & "Bad Reputation" from the new album as well as "Seventh Sign" , "Far Beyond The Sun" , "Red House", & "Black Star" among others. I was happy to see new Yngwie T shirts with the "War To End All Wars World Tour 2001" on the front with a picture of Yngwie in his suit of armor. A nice change from the black & white "Yngwie Who?" shirts, but those were available as well. After the show we got to go in the tour bus to meet the man himself and his wife, both were very nice! I really don't know why Yngwie just doesn't sing the songs himself, instead of dealing with the revolving door of vocalists. I hope the tour gets back on track soon. Thanks to all. Ken Clark

From Brent Cole:
I had the greatest time of my life. Thank you Yngwie for letting us on the tour bus after the show. Do you remember me? I'm the one who said hi to you and your beautiful wife April. I was the one who told you are the greatest, and I bought your ring and showed April, and I told you and April that I loved you both when I left. I had a really great time. I caught a few picks, took some pictures and got your set list. Also thanks for the autograph. It will be cherished. I drove from Ft. Wayne, Indiana to see you. It was worth every mile.

From Paul A. - The Good Doctor:
Even Tiger Woods will now and again shoot a 72 for 18 holes - for him not good, but not bad. So it was for Yngwie at Harpo's on Saturday night - a 72 or maybe a 73. In many of his solos he cheated by using hammer-ons and pull-offs where he would normally pick every note. It could be he was tired from the 2-hour guitar solo he played in Toronto the night before. Whatever it was- it was not vintage Yngwie. It's sad that Yngwie is relegated to playing shitholes like Harpo's (actually Detroit is one gigantic shithole) with crappy-assed bands like MSOD (whoever the hell they are) and Lizzy Boredom. The acoustics were nonexistent in this sorry excuse for a 'concert theater'. Add to this the listless audience and you have what makes for a less than savory night of neoclassical fusion. In the mosh pit where all of the action is supposed to be, you could have put down a blanket and had a picnic with the whole family and still have plenty of elbow room - there was nobody there! Yngwie had to notice that no one had shown up for his concert. In a place that easily could hold 1000 victims, I mean people, there were at most 700 'fans' at the ready. Yngwie is a guitar virtuoso who had at best a satisfactory performance, but given the crowd and the acoustics, I suppose he did just fine. Good luck to Yngwie - he is truly the only guitarist who has The Gift. I hope he performs to his ability with the New Japan Philharmonic in June. At least these people are near the same talent level and can possibly challenge Yngwie, which is something that he needs.

April 6, Toronto, Canada (The Docks):

From Peter Krska:
Hey cool show at the Docks in Toronto. I thought it was very cool of Yngwie to play even though his band mates were held up at the border. Yes! The show seemed personal and that is what I love. Up close and personal. Heck, even if Yngwie was onstage alone, I would have enjoyed the show!!! Hmm. Yes! I did not know he could sing. Very cool.

Keep rocking Yngwie, don't give it up to all this rap crap, cause it almost seemed as if rock died for a while. The world is full of basement rock types that don't have any talent, except for one hit wonders. Yngwie is the last of the greats to still be playing. And I love the playing. Inspiring....

P.S. The Toronto crowd is very tough. Don't be discouraged about the lack of noise. Torontonians are really very critical about bands, heck we seen enough of them throughout the years, and most of the people in the crowd were musicians, so they tend to be critical. But the thoughts in everyone's minds was still pure bliss. Comforting to know that Yngwie is here and he's playing to us.... putting on an amazing show. Great technique and style. So we are too cold to yell..... perhaps if the temperature was that of Miami, Florida, we would have the energy to yell louder. But, not to fret, we loved the show, and I am looking forward to the next show. Wanna pull a hero move, make a quick stop back to Toronto, with the full band and give it another go. This will wake up everyone... to give more back to the band. I was really disappointed to see that there was no merchandise there.... I was ready to stock up. Next time I sure I'll get the chance, just let it happen soon!

From Stephen LaRocque:
I caught the Yngwie show at the Docks last Friday in Toronto and it was simply amazing. It looked like there were between 1000 and 1200 people there. While it would have been nice to see a full band, it was more important to see my favourit guitar player in action. While other acts might have cancelled or done a show of the same old stuff, Yngwie pulled out all the stops to give the fans what they wanted - Yngwie. And after almost 20 years of live performing, there is still no other guitar player out there who can beat the master at his own game for skill and proficiency. From the audience response, most critics on the web site are the minority. This show went quite well. I actually prefered to see Yngwie in such an informal environment. Instead of getting a show where the audience got to hear mostly album cuts done similar to the album or a show that is identical between, the Toronto fans were treated to Yngwie at his best - improvisational and uninhibited. Great hearing the Hendrix and Purple covers. Yngwie always loved the masters (and Blackmore surely is without question the most influential guitar player in the history of heavy metal), and these covers a great chance to hear something different than just promoting the new album. What else can I say? Come back to Toronto for another show soon!!!!!

From J. Rowland:
I would just like to say that although I was disappointed in not seeing the entire band in Toronto, I would have been more disappointed to not see Yngwie at all. The weekend before I drove 3 hours to see Yngwie in Albany since I couldn't make the closer 1 hour Buffalo show since I had to work that night. I was so blown away by Yngwie in Albany that I had to see him again if at all possible. The last time I had an opportunity to see Yngwie was 1987 so I was really hurtin' to see the Maestro. Even though I must say he was better with the entire band and the set they rehearsed so hard to play for us, I was definitely moved by Yngwie's monumental effort to give us something special under the circumstances. On a more positive note, I have to say I have been shocked by the fan turnout at these shows. I know only 2 or 3 other official Malmsteen fans and to see people turn out by the hundreds (maybe even over a thousand) was awesome for me. I hope it means on the next tour with more promotion Yngwie will do more U.S dates because the fans are definitely out there. C-YA, J. Rowland P.S. Good show Yngwie, Huge heart!

From Chris:
My oh my... Amazing that fans were pissed at that eh? I like Mats a lot, don't think I'd miss any of Yngwie's singers though. I swear though, I'd never complain even if it was just Yngwie up there for 3 hours. I don't think I CAN get sick of watching him solo, up until I break down from sheer exhaustion! He has been around a long time, and every tour I fear it will be my last viewing. It's gonna be sad when Yngwie 'retires' one day. I'm sure he'll play guitar till the day he dies, but he can't tour/record forever. Please let him know that we love him... and for every pissed off fan that emails you something bad, there are 20 others who are happy about what he does. I'm not innocent either, I was in a tirade last year if you remember about the cancelled show in San Diego. :/ Remember, happy people usually don't write in. They stay content. :P I think if Yngwie was born in the 1750's, and there were no electric guitars, he would have annihilated Mozart. :P

From Martin:
All I really wanted to add is ...... It seems to me (especially in the realm of live music, it's been like this ever since I can remember), people are EXCEEDINGLY resistant to the ideas of change and unpredictableness - essentially, most of them want a "human juke-box" to faithfully recreate the familiar sounds and song they "know" from countless hours of listening to any given C.D.

And yes, it's very apparent that the improvisational "live without a net" nature of Yngwie's playing on ANY given night entails these features WITHOUT the absence of 40% or his band! I guess the degree of the "unexpected" was just a little bit more that most small minds can/could endure. Suffice to say, I know everyone the world over will (in the coming months) be treated to the magnificent spectacle of the concert, the way it was origianlly "planned, rehearsed and conceptualized." Me??? I just consider myself one lucky bast**d to have seen Yngwie in such a novel setting.

From George Kirk:
Before I write my review, I must say this: I am a HUGE Yngwie fan. I have every album on vinyl, tape, CD, every video, and everything he's recorded that I am aware of. I last saw Yngwie in 1994 in Toronto on the Seventh Sign tour, which left me with tears in my eyes and goosebumps, it was such an incredible concert.

It is with great regret that I can't say the same about the show last night. I was literally sleepless for 3 nights prior to this show, eager in anticipation, dying to see my guitar hero up close once again.

Yngwie came on around 11:15...opened up with a scorching (and way too loud!) "Blitzkrieg", which I thought was a little odd considering the sets lists I've seen on the site. That was the point when I noticed Mats wasn't on stage, nor were his keyboards. When he launched into "Highway Star" next, without a singer, I knew that something had happened.

To Yngwie's credit, he played his ass off - but the problem was simple: You can only play diminished arpeggios and dweedle-y dee for so long before it becomes too much. Many people started to leave early, Yngwie at one point said "you're a tough crowd". I think it's fair to say many of us were disappointed. - don't get me wrong, I'm CRAZY about Yngwie - I was set to meet him and everything after the show, but after 30 minutes of seemingly random guitar solos, Hendrix and Purple covers, I said "to heck with this" - the five friends I brought with me (and I paid for their tickets!) thought that he was a magnificent player, but after half an hour said that "if this is all he's going to do all night, we've seen enough."

I was dying to hear tracks from WTEAW live. The Maestro's playing was magnificent technically, but there wasn't a good vibe after about 3 songs into the show, once everyone realized that this was not going to be much more than a power trio jam night. Sorry Yngwie - you tried your best, but you can't do a show with 3/5 of your band. Your management should have their bells rung for f***** up like this. Thanks for coming though, and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE COME AGAIN...I don't want to wait another 7 years! JUST MAKE SURE THAT THE REST OF YOUR BAND CAN COME WITH YOU!

From Witchqueen:
Dear Anne (and yngwie fans everywhere): I'm only submitting this review of last night's "shredfest" in Toronto as it contained an anomally I had never encountered personally, nor even heard of in relation to any show's concerning Yngwie. I had the most unique experience of seeing Yngwie with only bassist and drummer to propel and inspire his 6 string exploits. It seemed (according to Yngwie) that his other 2 bandmates had been "detained" at the border for whatever reason........I guess for the people that went to the show to hear songs from the WTEAW's.........this WOULD have been a major dissapointment ...... HOWEVER!!! for Yngwie's truest followers it was a dream come true!! Bereft of 2 of his sidemen, Yngwie seemed to positively thrive on the added musical freedom as well as responsibility......tearing through "Lazy" and "Highway Star" by Deep Purple, "Spanish Castle Magic" and the (by now) staple of his set "Redhouse" by Hendrix.......a lesser guitarist when placed in a similar situation could have EASILY fallen into a heavy-handed display of burdonsome overindulgence.......not our man Yngwie however........ There was a lightness and frivolity that permeated the show from beginning to end.........capped off with an extended acoustic into (as well as flawlessly executed).....Black Star......I really wish everyone could have seen Yngwie in this rare (since maybe his days in Sweden) context....I guess I needen't mention that I didn't see ONE person asking for a refund as a result of the "depleted" lineup........please believe me when I say that sometimes, Less truly is More........and last night in Toronto was as ample a demonstration of that tired old adage as you (or I) will ever likely see.......to anyone who sees this in time, do yourself a favour and make the trip to Harpo's in Detroit tonight (same venue he played last December)...all the best, The Brain Caper Kid

From Darrin Howse:
Was at your show at the Docks last night. Please don't think that we didn't enjoy it because we weren't freaking out. I think that most of us didn't realize that the singer and keyboard player were missing until you told us about 3/4 into the show. Also there were a lot of young kids who were absolutely in awe of you. I m assuming that you played more solos than you usually would. I think that you blew their minds! It was pretty funny to see jaws hanging wide open in wonderment! I guess we should appreciate the fact that we were able to experience the 80's firsthand.

April 5, Buffalo, NY (Sideshow Music Hall):

From Larry Vibisky:
The show on April 5th at the Sideshow music hall was great. Yngwie was quite impressive. Yngwie really seemed to be having a great time on stage. There were a few minor technical difficulties during the intro to Bedroom Eyes, after that it was smooth sailing. This was my first time seeing Yngwie, and I was front row in front of the keyboards. He didn't quite make his way over to stage right but, the view was great. During the show his Baroque background was evident. The showy, flashy technique, improvised guitar solos..truly Baroque influenced. The sound was extremely loud. My tip to anyone going, take earplugs. This not only saves on your ears, it also makes the band sound tremendously better, its true. The notes sound more defined, clear, and not as muffled. Go check the band out! it was Great! ---

From Margaret:
I just saw your show today in Buffalo at the funhouse, you were phenominal. I am 17 years old and the fact that I can have the same music taste as people as old as my parents is great... we can agree on something to listen to. I was wondering who were the guys that were on stage with you... ...it will bother me untill I know. thanks alot. You ROCK!

April 4, Pittsburgh, PA (Beehive):

From H. Fox:
I will miss Yngwie! After seeing four of his shows (Wantagh L.I., Birch Hill, N.J., Webster Theatre, Hartford, CT., and B.B. Kings in NY), I feel as though I went on tour with him! My b-friend, Robert, first took me to the concert last year in Birch Hill where I saw him perform 3 times. Even though I don't play guitar and never really had any interest in neo-classical music, I love Yngwie, I love his music, and I don't think I can ever get tired of listening to it. Yngwie put on great shows on all the nights we attended. And every night was different. In B.B. Kings, he even managed to let a member of the audience take hold of his guitar while he tapped something amazing for us. He was very open with the croud and creative. He seemed to be in good moods and he had this sarcastic sense of humor. He managed to reveal his feelings through Red House in Birch Hill where he got a little upset with Rick and started singing unhappy little words about how he couldn't hear his own F%^&$g voice! I hope Yngwie will be back soon and I hope he has many more shows in New York (even the audience in NY seem to appreciate his talent more!). I can't wait to hear him again. 'Til next time, "kiss kiss, merry christmas, and all the other good stuff"!!!

From Mad Maxx:
The concert at the BEEHIVE theater was just incredible, the mix was perfect.. you could hear everything. Yngwie was at the top of his game. I got a bunch of pictures of Yngwie and was near the front directly in front of him. I got to say hi to Yngwie before the concert in the lounge. This was one of the best concerts I've ever gone to. Thanks Yngwie for the inspiration!!

From Vince Palamara:
Just came home from seeing Yngwie 4/4/01 at the Beehive Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA---line around the venue, 600/ sold out (!!!!)...awesome show; even Lizzy Borden wasn't too bad! Tremendous response from the audience---Yngwie and band were in top form!!! Set list (not exactly in order): RISING FORCE, CRUCIFY, BAD REPUTATION, WILD ONE, CATCH 22, MASQUERADE, FAR BEYOND THE SUN, BEDROOM EYES, SEVENTH SIGN, GUITAR SOLO (INC. TRILOGY SUITE AND I THINK HE ALSO DID RED HOUSE), BASS (DRUM) SOLO, BLACK STAR, I'LL SEE THE LIGHT TONIGHT - 2 hours of awesome guitar/ theatrics...very big/ appreciative crowd...in this day and age of shit like Limp Bizkit, the Backdoor Boys, In Stink, and Spear Britney, it was soooo good to see THAT many people at an Yngwie show on a work night (I was honestly expecting a small crowd: pleasant surprise)!!!! Yngwie is God!!!:)

April 3, New York City, NY (BB King Blues Club & Grill):

From Paul Vidaic:
This show was even better than Yngwie's show at Webster Theater. I was the first person there and I heard yngwie warming up on Prophet of Doom and Blue, but he didnt play them when the show started (8 oclock show). He probably played them at the 10 oclock show. He played the same songs that he played at Webster Theatre. It was awesome when I heard him play the beginning of I Am a Viking, but he was just messing around until his guitar tech fixed something. I was even closer to Yngwie at this show than the last one. The guards starting taking cameras away, but I managed to get 12 pictures and then I stopped when I saw them taking peoples' cameras away. This place was kind of a restaurant so it was funny when he threw a pick into this guy's beer glass next to me. At the end of Black Star, he let this guy hold his guitar while he tapped a bunch of cool stuff on it. He also played a part of Van Halen's Eruption...with his teeth! He gave me and a bunch of people 5 when the show was over. Yngwie's playing was very very very...very good. His solo was pretty long (about 15 minutes or something). To finish off, I just want to say that Yngwie is God.

From Yelena Manulis:
Devastated that Yngwie would avoid NYC on his 2001 Tour, my friends and I were pleasantly surprised when the April 3 date was added to the list. We have a tradition never to miss any of Malmsteen's shows so the night at BB King's was a pure blessing. Yngwie's playing was phenomenal and stronger than ever.Words fail to describe the power this dazzling dragon had over the audience as soon as he hit the first chords of "Rising Force". No cameras or recording were allowed, but who could resist Malmsteen's intoxicating charisma and not capture the king of all guitars in his full glory? To all of you who pointed fingers downwards at WTEAW, you should put your heads down! The new songs are truly mind blowing. We're dying to see Malmsteen play real soon again and hope to see millions of his concerts in the future!

April 1, Hartford, CT (Webster Theatre):

From Regina C.:
Sorry for the delay in getting in touch with you. It took 2-3 days to recoup from that wonderful concert in Hartford, CT. We are finally back to normal. While waiting to pick up Tom (our son, who is a cancer survivor), Joe and I were in the parking lot an hour+ waiting for the concert to end and listening to his music out in the parking lot. It was GREAT!! Also while we were waiting and the fans came out, we heard alot of good feedback. Tom said his playing can't get better and than it does!! He enjoyed it immensely. And the shocker of the evening was when they called his name out announcing his 10 year membership in the fan club. It was so unexpected - that was such a nice touch from you.

Yngwie also had a long line of fans waiting for his autograph by the tour bus. Another nice thing - he and another fan came out of the theater late and were put in front of the line and were the first to get on the tour bus to meet Yngwie and get his autograph. The other gal was not looking too healthy. You can see she was in chemotherapy. Thank you for all your help in making April 1st concert work out so well for Tom. We appreciated it. Regina C.

From John:
Hi Anne, I just wanted to let everybody know that Yngwie's show at the Webster Theatre in Hartford,CT was great! This was the 5th time I've seen Yngwie in the past two years and I think this was the best show yet! I even met him and April on the tour bus.Yngwie signed a few CD's cover's for my 7-yr. old son and I. Yngwie's a really laid back guy and I really am glad I met him. I've been a huge fan of his since the '80's.The set was mostly songs off WTEAW which was cool and he even threw in "Seventh Sign" before the encore! Yngwie's the best. John

From Iedpaul:
Ok, where do I start? Lizzy Borden did a pretty good job opening up for Yngwie, the lead singer was kind of funny with all his different costumes (that's in a good way).

I was right under Yngwie, there were only 3 kids in front of me about my age (15) so I was pretty close. Of course everyone went wild when Yngwie came out. He started off with Rising Force (everyone went nuts...duh). He played Catch 22, Crucify, Masquerade, Wild One, Far Beyond the Sun, Trilogy, I'll See the Light, the Seventh Sign, and Black Star. Yngwie made a great show, or should I say a perfect show. The place wasn't that big, but that made it a little more fun for us. Yngwie had great stage presence. He played the guitar behind his head (which I have a picture of and will be uploading soon) and with his teeth.

After the show, I waited by the tour bus, with my Strat. I was probably about the 5th person on the row. After waiting about 30 minutes, Yngwie came and started letting people go on to his bus one by one to get autographs. I got my guitar signed ( I was the kid with the cream Strat and black pickguard) but they didn't let me get a picture with Yngwie, that's ok though because the show was AWESOME!

From Shredcarcass:
Just got back from the show,and what a splendid show it was. Not as good as the last one I saw, but..Anyway, the sound was pretty crappy in the hall, but they put on a great set. Far Beyond came across very well. I got to talk with Yngwie for a minute, and he is a truly wonderful man. He signed my pickguard and started to talk guitars until April reminded him that other people were in line. So, I've met Yngwie Malmsteen, now what the hell do I do with the rest of my life? Oh yeah, I'm pretty pissed off at Lizzy for not playing"Give em the axe"!

From Clark Howell:
Yngwie's return to the Webster in Hartford for the third time in the last two years highlighted the strength of the brand new material on War to End All Wars. Many new young fans were in the crowd, and they were familiar with Yngwie's songs and stunned by the show.

Lizzie Borden did a great job opening up, and earned the approval of the audience. After Borden, April Malmsteen came out and picked a few die-hard Yngwie fans (including one who was dressed like a young Viking chief) to present posters to on stage. Finally Yngwie hit the stage, and the crowd went crazy, singing along with every tune. There were many songs from War, including Catch 22, Crucify, Wild One, Bad Reputation, and Masquerade. Yngwie was his vibrant and enthusiastic self... I especially enjoyed his singing on "Bad Reputation" and "Red House". With an hour and forty minute show, he was able to expand his guitar solo, playing beautiful classical passages, and some real down-home smokin' blues. One new trick I especially liked was when he played guitar behind his head-- this time he turned his back to the audience so we could all see the guitar and his fingers very clearly.

After the show I waited to meet Yngwie and April at the tour bus, as so many who have reported here on the fan club website have done. I thanked April for the guitar I won in the Metal Edge Online contest. She was very excited about that-- she made sure Yngwie gave me an autographed picture, and she asked for a copy of a picture that I brought with me showing the guitar and my niece Darcy. I was happy to give it to her! I gave Yngwie a copy of my new CD ("Satan Claws- Season's Cleavings"). Yngwie was so warm and friendly-- he shook my hand, signed the pictures, and seemed genuinely touched when I told him how much I love the lyrics to Crucify. "I appreciate that, because I write from the heart," he said. Yngwie, great show and thanks again for a lifetime of memories!!

March 31, Albany, NY (Saratoga Winners):

From Penny & Alan Brand:
Anne: I just had to write you one more time....My husband and I DID enjoy the concert at Saratoga Winners, Albany, NY. I wish we had had the sense to hang out by the buses with everyone else after the show, but we figured that Yngwie would be on the bus and hiding out with the schedule he is on! The show was GREAT! I hope to get the opportunity to see him again in the future. Yngwie was absolutely inspiring! I wish the stage was larger and hope next time he comes to Albany (PLEASE TELL HIM TO COME BACK AGAIN) he plays in a larger venue with a better stage set up! There were people waiting in line behind us from Rochester, Canada and all over. It was sooo awesome to see such a crowd for Yngwie. I was disappointed he didn't play my wedding song....Dreaming, but just to see him perform and hear him live was a dream come true. Yngwie, you are sooo amazing....I can't say that enough! Next time, I hope to meet you and the other band members. Let me just reiterate that I hope he will return to our area, the Albany, NY area and beleive me, if he does, my husband and I will be there early and stay late! Thanks for a much needed night out and one I will talk about the rest of my life! By the way, I loved Lizzy Borden as well. I hadn't ever really listened to them much, but I did enjoy their music and show! Thanks for introducing me to another great group! Thanks, Penny Brand

From Scotty D.:
Show to End All Shows: Well,I think I can move on now... after the show @Saratoga Winners I can honestly say I need not see any other shows. Upon my arrival the first thing i noticed was "why is Yngwie playing @ such a small venue?"...although the place held QUITE a few people, I thought for how jam packed it was, they could have EASILY fit into a forum type setting. The security there were definately a bunch of "wanna be thugs" - although I managed to slip by them w/my camera, they were all over me at the end of the show. (I still got out w/my film!)

O.k.- about the show... of course they opened w/ Rising Force. I was suprised @ how many WTEAW songs they did, but the great thing was they sounded better live than they do on the c.d! Yngwie was soooo cool, I thought the band was gonna lose him because he was all over the place! (yet suprisingly accurate!) - what i mean is, even though he was whizzing the guitar around his head, playing w/ his teeth, throwing it all freekin'over the joint - he did'nt miss a note the whole show!!! I guess I can't say much else that has not been already said except at the end of the show, the security guard told me to give him my film - of course I was ready to fight for that film with every bit of life I had left in me (which wasn't much considering the show I just seen) fortunately, I used my brain instead of my fists. I simply told him I was a police officer, and had permission from the managment. Now whether either of these "facts" are true, I plead the 5th.We (me and my fiance') walked out of the place, waited in line to meet Yngwie, got a picture with him (damn, he's tall!), got an autographed cd, and two "yngwie, play loud pens - yes, pens!) and last but not least, a pick that I now have in my 8 by 10 blownup photo of a great concert shot (framed). So now, what's next???

From LiquidTenseDream:
I was blown away by Yngwie's show on March 31st at Saratoga Winners. The show started out fairly low key with a short set from Albany native Mike Campese. Mr. Campese played exceptionally well, I've heard of him before and looked at his lesson in Guitar Player magazine. His band was great. I got to talk to him after the show, and get his e-mail address, we've talked back and forth a few times. If you are interested in reading more, his website is www.mikecampese.com.

Following Mike was Lizzy Borden. He really rocked and his band gave a stellar performance. Unfortunately technical difficulties made it incrediibly hard to hear his guitar player. After the show I got to meet Lizzy's guitar player, he was a really cool guy, we talked about guitars and women, what else is there.

Finally the moment we had all been waiting for. Maestro took the stage and kicked ass all night. He played a lot of heavy shit off WTEAW, as well as all of his favorites. The Seventh Sign really rocked, and it gave everyone in the audience a chance to take over on lead vocals. Yngwie's rendition of Jimi's Red House smoked us all with Yngwie's uniquely blended pentatonic screams and harmonic Minor signature. Yngwie took a short break and then finally played my favorite Black Star, during which I caught the pick that he used for most of it.

As if the night couldn't get any better, I got to go on Yngwie's tour bus and meet the King, the Queen, and the Prince, Yngwie, April, and little Antonio. This was by far the greatest concert experience I've ever had.

From Mark David:
Saratoga Winners-Albany, NY (March 31,2001) Dreams do come TRUE!!! On Saturday, March 31st, Yngwie Malmsteen played Saratoga Winners and my band got to open. Something I've wanted to do since I was a kid in high school! 7 years ago Yngwie played Winners and my brother and I hung out with him for the day. So, NO stranger to Yngwie's temperment but, wait.... A calm Yngwie!!! (details coming).

First, clearing up confusion from other reviews (opening act is called: Mike Campese). Another guitar virtuoso, yes we are local and I'm the bassist. No review, (obviously it's up to those who went) we do seriously hope you enjoyed what we had to offer! Yngwie's mother-in-law bought a cd and Yngwie smiled as we walked off. We hope that's a positive sign.

Anyway, On to Lizzy Borden. I thought they sounded really good! I was BIG into them back in high school, too. They did material from the new album and old stuff as well. NO "Give 'Em The Axe" though, that shocked me! I helped roadie for them and talked to them, REALLY nice guys!

Now, to the MASTER!! I got to the club at 5 pm, Yngwie was on stage using his cell phone. Seemed real calm and NO cigarettes! The band sound checked to Far Beyond & Evil Eye (Yngwie had my jaw on the ground). It was quite simply the BEST he has ever sounded (and I've seen him over a dozen times at least)! Way too LOUD, though! Yngwie took over playing & singing Hendrix & Deep Purple(Highway Star) as a three piece (no keys). When Yngwie took to the stage at 11 pm the sold-out crowd was ready (you would need a shoe horn to squeeze in another body!!). Yngwie started off with "Rising Force" And man, It was LOUD! Yngwie sounded AMAZING!! Other tunes included: Masquerade, Catch 22, Wild One, Crucify, Bedroom Eyes, Black Star, & I'll See...He was completely on that night, flawless really. As the local paper said: "his playing seemed near impossible". The man is truly the master of the 6-string!!!

Yngwie's changed lifestyle (No cigarettes & NO drinking) has made him a better person (stay with it mate, you seem so relaxed now). I really was concerned for Antonio's ears, April had him backstage (hope he has ear plugs). A big thumbs up for your family and crew - they were very nice people! Thank You, for allowing us the priviledge (next time - I'm jamming Hendrix with you during sound check! :)). Come back to Albany, we'll do it all over. GOOD LUCK with the rest of the tour. Mark David

From Yanick DeGrandpré:
Very good show. This was my fourth Malmsteen concert. Excellent. There is only the Odyssey show (Montreal) that beat this one. I must admit that I was a bit pissed that Montreal was not part of the 2001 tour (last three shows up here seemed to me to be all sold-outs). Anyway, I drove down for 4 hours with my wife to Saratoga (which is closer than Toronto or Buffalo) and really didn't know how big of a crowd would show up there. Although the Saratoga Winners looks like shit (my wife suggested it should be renamed Saratoga Loosers when we first saw it), it turned out that it is an interesting small venue in that it allows the audience to get that "close" feeling with the performing artist.

The first band of the night was Circle something or something Circle. Seemed like a local band. Anyway, the guitarist was interesting, well-trained technically and able to flash when needed. Although it lacked style (there are too many of these Satriani-type players out there), it provided an interesting appetizer for the show. The second band (Lizzy Borden) was not my taste. Plus I've never seen a band produce itself with such a low guitar volume (maybe that was a good thing after all - judging by the numbers of "middle fingers" raised in the crowd).

After reading the previous feedback reports (and based on my previous Malmsteen shows) I was anxious to see if the volume would be (hopefully) well balanced between all instruments: I was quite satisfied - sound was REALLY good from the middle of the building where I was standing for the first half of the show. After a "so-so" Rising Force solo which made me fear the worst (Yngwie was sick during the Fire & Ice show in Montreal - performance was "average"), Yngwie charged ahead for the rest of the show. A real virtuoso performance. He was obviously in great shape, both physically (although the size of the stage didn't allow a lot of movements and pick-throwing was scaled down from previous shows) and mentally (never seen him smile that often on-stage and have fun up there). Some dude high on weed tried to go up on stage and got punched really bad by the bouncer after the first song. The new album songs came out very strong, especially Crucify, which is killer live (the way Yngwie plays some parts of it from above the guitar neck instead of below just makes you go totally nuts). I won't pick up my guitar at home for the next month - too frustrated not to be able to get to that level. I spent the second half of the show by the stage, the closest I ever got to the maestro in my life and could see how emotional he gets during some songs (especially Adagio and pre-Black Star pieces on classical guitar). There were no ballads "per se" but a couple of the usual classical pieces (Adagio, Badingere, Paganini stuff, etc.). The show lasted a bit less than 2 hrs if I recall well. I left the venue very satisfied. For those who never experienced it, going to a Malmsteen show is a marvelous experience. It also seemed like the Yngwie Who ? T-shirt sells well.

On the negative side: In songs where Matt's playing is more important, I would push up a bit his volume. Personal taste: I would kick out of the set Red House. One point worth mentioning: I didn't see Yngwie smoke cigarettes during the show. Did he quit smoking ? It would be a good thing - we want to keep you with us the longest possible.

From Tom Herring:
I have loved Yngwie ever since the 80's when I was a teenager. I have most of his albums, and know the music by heart. On Saturday night I had the chance to go see him in concert for the first time. I went with my wife, and my best friend to Saratoga Winners in Albany NY. Yngwie was playing with Lizzy Borden, and one other opener (I can't remember his name). The first act sounded pretty good, the guitarist was a lot like Yngwie with a lot of fast solo work. Then came Lizzy Borden. Incredible! What a great act, another band that I have been listening to since the 80's and never got the chance to see live. I was very impressed, the stage presence, and energy were great, and Lizzy was right on the money! And, I was right by the stage for an up close view of all the action.

Unfortunately, at the end of Lizzy's set, my wife needed to get a drink, so we gave up our most excellent spot right near the stage to go back by the bar, where we wound up staying. Then came the moment I had been waiting for, Yngwie took the stage. In my opinion, he is the greatest player to ever touch a guitar! Let me start by saying that he is a terrific show man, his playing is smooth and accurate, and he truly seems to be having fun. That being said, I will tell you that this was the first concert in over fifteen years of going to concerts that I have walked out of before the headliner was finished. The combination of the ridiculously high notes he hit, and the unbelievable volume (in my opinion it was just too damn loud for that little club) was just too much, it honestly became painful. Now I don't want anyone thinking I am just a big wuss. I went to see Ratt a couple of weeks ago at the Chance in Poughkeepsie and it was great. I have seen Kiss, Skid Row, Tesla, Queensryche, Judas Priest, Faster Pussycat, Whitesnake, Motley Crue, Poison, Alice Cooper, Ugly Kid Joe, and a LOT of other bands, at indoor shows, outdoor shows, and in clubs, and I have never walked out of a show, or thought that a band was playing too loud before in my life. I am really sorry that I couldn't see the rest of the show. I love his music, but this was so loud that it was just mumbling in my ears, and I had a hard time even recognizing the songs he was playing.

Looking back now, I am glad my wife needed that drink because I can't imagine how much louder that would have sounded if we had stayed up front near the speakers. I hope some day I will get to see Yngwie at an outdoor show!

March 30, Old Bridge, NJ (Birch Hill):

From Steven Sherwin:
My dad and I just saw Yngwie for the second time this week!! We went to the show down in Virginia at the Norva Theatre just six days ago. If this review gets to Yngwie please tell him thank you for getting me into the club since I’m only 17. And afterwards he told us he made sure we got in! And he must have because to our surprise everyone that worked at the club knew our names!!! Even the bartenders!!! Yngwie is the greatest!!! Ok so now on to the actual concert. Yngwie came on around 11:30 or 12 and put all the other opening bands to shame. The whole band sounded so tight and mind blowing! Watching him play the new riffs from War To End All Wars was awe-inspiring. I don’t know how he does it!! And I got to hear Far Beyond The Sun which is my favorite song that he does. Another part of the concert the really stuck out in my mind was when he was finishing up his second solo.Well Yngwie finishes his solo and then noticing his bass player isn’t ready, he starts improvising an extended solo!! He then goes into this all out assault of shred and runs that left me with my jaw dropped open!! It was incredible I’ve never seen him do that before. He finished up and looked a lot happier. I knew he must of felt better after getting that all out! So after the concert my dad and I waited outside for the bus. The line was quite a bit longer than I had remembered from the last time. But we stuck it out because we just had to see Yngwie again. When we got on the bus he remembered us and was very nice and also signed our guitars!!! I’ll never forget both concerts I saw this week with Yngwie. They were the greatest!!! Good luck to you on your tour, and I hope to see you the next time you come back to America!!! YNGWIE RULES!!!!

From Lynn:
Well, just to let you all know that the Master was in Jersey on the 30th and the concert kicked some major ass! I only got to the show to see Yngwie and he was pretty pissed at his sound guy but after his ranting and raving Rick finally got the sound right. Unfortunately the lighting guys at the Birch Hill pissed him off also by shooting the spotlight on him instead of the guitar, so he belted out "HEY FUCKERS TRY KEEPING THE SPOTLIGHT ON THE NECK NOT ON ME!!!!" and after that, well, they did what he said. I stood out by his tour bus for about 45 minutes until he came out to sign autographs, and thank god I was the 6th person in line! I went into the bus, had him sign my ticket, he asked my name and he shook my hand and gave me a hug! He's the best, and my dream of meeting Yngwie finally came true. Thank you Yngwie for being a great person to meet and to respect. The day I met you will live in my heart forever. THANK YOU!!! Lynn

From Tony:
Lets see..Me and my girlfriend arrived at the place 2 hours early...I wasn't sure how many people were goin to show up, so i got there early. At around 6:30 we saw Yngwie do a soundcheck..that was pretty cool. So anyway...we waited...and waited...and at 9pm we finally got into the place! Me n her went right to the front, about 3 ft from Yngwie's mic. In about an hour there were around 200 people in this little area of the club. The opening bands were pretty good. There were 3 opening bands, so Yngwie didn't come on till 12, which was very tiring. Yngwie's show was pretty good. My girlfriend almost fainted, because there was this huge old guy pushing her, 100 others pushing, and it was fu**in hot in there! So i caught the security guard's attention..he came over and amazingly like flipped her over the railing to fresh air. Then once she got that fresh air she went and stood by where Mats was playing. So anyway..back to the show..at the beginning, Yngwie was pissed at the way his guitar sounded, so he went to the mic and said, "Hey rick, can you please change the sound of my fu**in guitar please, or i'll fu**in leave right now"..so after a little while Yngwie was happy with his sound. I was dissapointed though...his guitar was wayyyy to loud, I could hardly hear the singing, and i couldn't hear the keyboards at all. Towards the end, I wasn't feeling too good (smoke everywhere, and it was 300 degrees), and after a while his playing seemed almost annoying. Dont get me wrong, Yngwie has been like the greatest musical influence to me and my music, but all his solos sounded the same live...On the records it seems like they're less repetitive, and they sound great! I would've enjoyed it a lot more if i wasn't standing for 8 hours, and was in the hottest room in the world and was myself about to faint. I did however, take a few good pics. After the show i went to his bus, but there must've been around 150 people waiting, plus it was 2:30, and me and my g/f were extremely tired and sore, and hungry, and thirsty! I really wanted to meet him, i doubt he would wanna sign autographs for like 200 people, right after a show, at 2:30 in the morning. There's always next year though. Well, that's about it. Yngwie kicks ass, and i'm tired and hungry..so i'm gonna go now and stop writing...cyaaaaaaaaaa. Tony, New Jersey

March 28, Springfield, VA (Jaxx):

From John Parodi:
Hey Anne, what a grrreat show that was (Springfield on Wednesday). But I still can't believe why Yngwie is in such a good mood lately. Smiling, talking with the fans without them bringing any particular subject up, improvising on "Dreaming" before "Black Star" and asking the audience to sing with him, and then inside the tour bus in this very rare sociable behavior..great, but.......Very unusual!!!!! Cheerz and thanx 4 everything as usual, John

From Jose Fuentes:
The show was great in Northern Va-Jaxx! Lizzy Borden opened up for Yngwie! They were very relaxed and during some of the songs the guitarist and bassist pulled off some Yngwie licks. Their set lasted about an hour. Yngwie opened up with Rising Force! Yngwie really focused on playing fast! He ripped the song to shreds! Honest to god, at one point he played so fast it sounded like someone was fast-forwarding a tape or something! I just started to laugh so hard people next to me looked at me! LOL! There were many moments that floored me! During the Rising Force solo I felt like jumping on stage and dualing with Yngwie on keyboards LOL!!!!!!!!!! He played the Rising Force version-Albinoni's theme followed by the Rising Force song. Yngwie also played Crucify, Dreaming (instrumental on acoustic guitar!!!!!!), Bedroom Eyes, Bad Reputation, Masquerade, a solo (about 20 minutes!!!!!), Black Star and last but not least, I'll See the Light. After the show, I was one of the last people in line to meet Yngwie! I'll never forget April's reaction when she asked me if I had one of these (War to End All Wars cd) and I told her I bought it the first day it came out! Yngwie then signed the Concerto CD (24-bit Arton version) that I brought with me! Yngwie must have been there for about two hours after the show with the fans! Without a doubt, Yngwie was appreciative and nice to me and everyone else. This is one show I'll never forget!! Thank you very much! Jose Fuentes

From Coren Smith:
I was at your show the other night at Jaxx in Springfield, Virginia and you put on an awesome show!! Please come and see us again! You rock!

March 26, Winston-Salem, NC (Ziggy's):

From Kyle Harrison:
Tuesday was my first day back to teaching because I took Monday off to Travel to Winston Salem to see Yngwie again. The last 3 days have been quite interesting, watching student after student armed with smiles, Yngwie shirts, and a new outlook about music and the infinite journey of guitar. Not one Stevie Ray Vaughan album in my 3 days back. I had one student say " can you show me some harmonic minor scales, because blues scales seem kind of boring." Yngwie accomplished exactly what I had promised them would happen. Total encouragement and amazement. Yngwie pics and pictures were abundant.

I left Friday's show with a different outlook. Having met Yngwie on several occasions previously, the first thing I noticed was a calmer, more focused Yngwie. My wife was most impressed by the fact that he spent most of our brief conversation smiling and gesturing to my 5 year old son, Graham. You could see the pride he has in his own son and the magic that fatherhood has bestowed on Yngwie. Other things I noticed was a lady in his life that is strong and intelligent. I was amazed at the lengths he took to meet people after the show. While it may seem incredibly brief to fans, it's overwhelming trying to accommodate a mob of people swarming to meet you. I was a little taken aback when I arrived at 7 o'clock to find 300-400 people standing in line an hour before the doors opened. The owner later told me that Yngwie had more people than The Goo Goo Dolls, 3 Doors Down, and Incubus. Incidentally all 3 of these bands have had platinum albums, and or top ten and #1 hits in the U.S. within the past year.

I went to the show Monday to see if what I witnessed on Friday night was accurate. Being that I had consumed a few Amstel Lights, I was totally sober for Monday's show. The verdict remains unchanged. For the guitarist out there, make sure that you see this tour. Yngwie has always had a great legato technique. This however is the best I've ever seen his right hand. Marriage and fatherhood have done wonders for him not only musically, but there's a sense of peace within that radiates now. I'm glad I witness this rebirth. I could over indulge and list all the positives, but go see for yourself. I didn't tell Yngwie that my son's favorite musicians are Mozart, Vivaldi, Ozzy Osbourne, and Yngwie. No influence by me at all. I've simply exposed him to all forms of music and this was a natural gravitation. Thanks for the great show and opening up the world of music to all my students. I'm recording in Los Angeles in April and May and hope to attend at least one of the California shows. Also, a personal thanks to Anne for posting my wife's pictures. She loves watching Yngwie perfom and it was a thrill for her to share these pictures. Everyone, see this tour. He's back with a Vengeance. Sincerely, Kyle

From Tim Beaver:
I saw Yngwie in concert live for the first time on March 26, 2001 in Winston-Salem, NC at a little night club called "Ziggy's". I have been a fan ever since his days with the Steeler album and with Alcatrazz. I have prided myself in getting his albums the second they hit the shelf, but have never had the euphoria of his live show. AND WHAT A SHOW! With this night club so small, I was able to enjoy front row the entire show. This meant that I was able to get personal with Yngwie. Seriously, I can say that I spent at least 15 minutes of that show watching Yngwie's magic SIX INCHES FROM MY FACE! I knew he was the best before, but WOW! The ultimate thrill for me was his allowing me to hold his beloved Fender Strat in MY HANDS while he played on the neck! I've already got my ticket and guitar pick framed, but I only wish I had a physical picture! I almost felt unworthy, knowing the amount of talent that he has, the number of albums he has published, the millions of fans he has played to, and I was able to hold his guitar while he played it! To think, he was willing to play this little night club (I'd been surprised if it could have held 1000 people). What a trip! It'll be another six months before I'm able to listen to anything else!!

My concert days are done, as I will never get that type of thrill again (at least until his next tour hits the southeast). This is the way music should be; the sharing of superior talent to friends and family; that's what it felt like. The ultimate show!! Can't wait for the next tour!

From Bill Payne:
Thank you, Yngwie!!! I took my son to his first concert, well it was a choice between AC/DC and Yngwie. I picked the right one. It was at Ziggy's in Winston Salem, North Carolina. I made my son get right in front of Yngwie to see it all. Yngwie was excellent and my son will always remember that Yngwie is a great guitarist and a gentleman. We waited after the show and Yngwie was feeling ill, but he signed the fans' items anyway. My son, Allan Marshall Payne (12 Y\years old), was so happy when Yngwie signed his 3/4 Strat and he asked my son if he liked the show and to come see him again. Allan is ready when Yngwie comes back to the East coast. He has been listening to Yngwie for awhile and is taking guitar lessons more seriously, due to Yngwie's "Inspiration" over him. Thank you, Yngwie, for the experience!!!!!

March 25, Virginia Beach, VA (Norva Theatre):

From Kara Hall:
Just wanted to say "THANK YOU!!!!" to Yngwie for putting on an absolutely AWESOME show at the Norva. It was a surprisingly small crowd (the publicity in this area was severely lacking, in my opinion), but it made for a fairly intimate setting. Although I was not right in front of Yngwie (*sigh*), I only had 3 people between me and the stage, so I was closer than I thought I would ever get. I couldn't keep my eyes off of the master's hands. Truly amazing. There is NO ONE like Yngwie. I took my husband, a couple of friends, and my 14 year-old son to the show. My son has been to a couple of other concerts (different musical genres), and other live performances (operettas, musicals, etc.), but this was definitely his first rock concert. A couple of days after the show, my son borrowed an Yngwie CD from one of my friends. In order to get my friend's CD back from my son, I ended up buying Yngwie's Double Live CD. Now *I* can't get *my* new Yngwie CD back from my son. I guess this means Yngwie has 2 generations of fans in this household! I must say, my son has most excellent taste! Peace, Kara Hall

From Dee:
I went to a concert at the Norva in Norfolk, VA this past Sunday and heard the band for the first time. I have to admit I am not a metal fan ( I thought the first band stank), but I was very impressed with the instrumental aspect of Yngwie's band. I have no idea how many albums there are or the actual repertoire of the band but plan to spend some time in the music store to find out. With the skill and technique of the instrumentalists, it would be interesting to hear JS Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. If the Ode to Joy can be snuck in, why not the opening theme of the fugue? What Hendrix was to the Star Spangled Banner, Yngwie could be to Bach. Has he ever recorded classical guitar? Rock on gentlemen and thanks for the eye opener; I truly enjoyed it.

From John Sherwin:
My son Steve (17 yr old) and myself John, 55 yrs old,. just saw Yngwie for the first time live in Norfolk VA. We flew down from NJ. because all the other clubs require 21 + age limit.. He was GREAT!! We were right in front by his pedals, what a thrill... He started out with Rising Force which sent chills down my back, because I love that as an opening song!! He did it in Leningrad.. Just Great!!! Got some autographs, met Yngwie, he is the greatest guy, and loves his fans... He was so nice to us.. Yngwie was just wailing all night long.. the concert went by so fast, I could not believe he played for over 2 hours...!! We are going to Old Bridge NJ to see him again.. Yngwie told my son Steven, that if they dont let him in, to have them call Yngwie and he will make sure he gets in...Can you believe how cool that is!!!! Great songs all night... War to End All Wars stuff. Far Beyond the Sun, You don't remember!! Plus of couse his new album... War to End All Wars just blew my mind!!! Of course I can't hear too good yet, but who cares...PLAY LOUD!!!!!! We love you, YNGWIE!!!!!

From Andy Hilton:
Man, I've got to enjoy it while I can.... I'm sure I won't be seeing Yngwie on a significant tour of the U.S. for two years after this one. He has to do Japan in the Summer, then it's on to Europe and who knows where else. Maybe back to Asia? Even if he gets back into the studio by the end of the year, the next studio album shouldn't be out until Spring/Summer 2002. I'm looking at a year and a half wait minimum for Yngwie's next spin around my block. You gotta get to see the show! Wait until you see the scans of the photos I took at the show. There are some awesome shots in there! I got the film developed today, and I'll have them scanned by tomorrow! Rock on!

From Mike:
Hey, I just wanted to pass on my experience yesterday - because it was so awesome. I'll try not to make it too long as I have film to get developed (I will forward any good ones your way!). It would be really cool if you forward this to Yngwie (hint hint). Anyway, here goes. I guess it all started the day I found out that Yngwie was going to be in town on my Birthday (March 25 - The Norva in Norfolk Va). I had just flown back from the Arabian Gulf (I am an Electronics Technician in the U.S. Navy and stationed onboard an aircraft carrier). So, I get home and find out about the show and immediately get my ticket. Well, the plot gets even better because I have friends that are in a band and work at the local Mars Music Store. Well, they inform me that Yngwie will be doing an in-store signing session. I could not believe it! Now, I hadn't seen Yngwie since '88 (Odyssey Tour with Lita Ford and Black and Blue), and I had never MET him. Of course, I am sure that you guys have all heard the rumors - and let me assure you that they are B.S. I met Yngwie yesterday (in fact was the third person in line!). He was very cool about pictures and he autographed the headstock of my '97 American Standard Strat (I can't afford the good old ones!). He signed it Happy 31st B-Day and then autographed it. This meant a lot to me and was forever etched in my head as probably the greatest birthday ever. Now I have met most of my guitar "idols". I have met Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, Steve Morse, Eddie Van Halen (I have an autograhed Peavey EVH Wolfgang Special - that I don't now play and intend to sell one day, but I have no plans of selling my beloved Strat and have plans to clear-coat my headstock), and now I have met Yngwie. Thank you Yngwie for a very memorable experience!!! You are living proof that most rumors all just shit!!!

The concert experience was just as magical as the autograph session. My friends and I arrived at the venue early to eat in the attached cafe. Upon finishing our dinner, we were allowed early admission into the club (before all of the people at the front door). This was very cool because it allowed my friends and I to get right in front of Yngwie for the show. By the way Yngwie, I was the blondish-red-headed guy with glasses plastured right in front of your pedalboard/mic stand!!! It was such an awesome feeling to be that close to "The Man". When I saw Ynwie back in '88, I think that I was in a lawn seat at an amphitheater - so to be right up in front was truly an amazing thing for me. I have to admit, though, that I did not care too much for the opening band (the singer was such a clown and changed outfits between most of their songs - it was worth enduring though to see Yngwie). He still has all of those flashy moves that we all know and love to see (and some new ones that I will let you all wait to see in concert!). Yngwie played a handful of new favorites off of the new album "War to End All Wars" and he also played a lot of the old classics/favorites. Would have like to have heard "Gates of Babylon", but I plan on getting the Double Live DVD - so I will get to see that anyway I think.) I had a really great time and look forward to seeing Yngwie again in the future. Keep it up Yngwie - YOU ROCK!!!!!!!! An Eternally Greatful Fan - MIKE - thanks or the memories, man!

March 23, Charlotte, NC (Tremont Music Hall):

From Randy Williams:

Hi, I just went to the Charlotte,N.C. show. I'm a major Yngwie fan and have been since '83. Other than last night I've only had the opportunity to see him twice. The first time was on the Marching Out tour opening for AC/DC. On the big stage he just totally killed. I couldn't even stay longer than three songs for AC/DC. After Yngwie they just were anti-climactic. The second time was supposed to have been on the Odyssey tour opening for Lita Ford but it was cancelled due to some sillyness with his drummer. He either was pounded for trying to jump Lita or as the story went "slipped in the shower and fractured his arm". So I had to wait until the Inspiration tour . It was in a club and I was right in front . He was fantastic. He seeming very relaxed and was cutting up a lot.

Last night was totally great. Lizzy Borden had the highs go out on the P.A. after really coming on strong, but they were real troupers and despite a lousy sound they gave it their best. The club fixed things between bands and when Yngwie came out it was with guns blazing. We went up front and there were some guys there with lamanates , I guess they were from the local chapter of the fan club [webmaster's note: they definitely were NOT fan club members], but they were total dicks. One of them was trying to tell my wife and I how Yngwie hates people. I don't get that. They weren't rocking or getting into it at all; they were just standing there. We hung out up there and welcomed Yngwie on proper and went back by the board for the rest of a simply fantastic show (we could not let those guys harsh us out). I got to meet Yngwie on the bus afterwards and he signed my album jackets for Rising Force and Marching Out. I also got WTEAWs signed too . I was able to get Yngwie a little air play on WXRC 95.7 here the day of the show. ROCK ON !!! Randy

From Dave J.:
I really enjoyed Yngwie's concert at Tremont Music Hall on the 23rd. Yngwie's playing was superb as always. I was allowed to visit with Yngwie, his wife and Mats Olausson briefly in his tour bus, and Yngwie signed my Rising Force Live '85 video for me. I just bought War to End all Wars tonight and it is the best CD I have heard for a long time. I would just like to say I thought it was very classy the way Yngwie allowed his fans to meet and speak with him after the show. I like the photo of Yngwie with his son Yngwie Johann [Antonio] and the two suits of armor in the CD jacket.
(P.S. You ever noticed that Jeff Scott Soto looks like Slash from Guns and Roses:')?

From Edward Morgan:
To whom it may concern, Yngwie Malmsteen's show in Charlotte, NC was INCREDIBLE. I am honored to be a fan of his and i am grateful that he is humble enough to play such a small venue to see his fans. There is no greater talent in the world and i cannot believe that i have only seen him live once. At 29 years old i rushed to the Tremont music hall like a 16 year old and i have finally fulfilled a dream to see Yngwie. I left speechless. Thanks for steering him this way and i hope to see him again soon.

From Kyle Harrison:
It was the first time that I've seen Yngwie perform since 94, and I can honestly say he's playing better than ever. And this is the first time that I've made this statement since his car accident. I first saw Yngwie with Alcatrazz in 84, and saw him consecutively in 85,86, & 87. I next saw him in 89, and then in 92. His playing was good, but had a big gap to fill to catch his preaccident days. When we opened for him in 94, he had closed the gap greatly, but still wasn't up to what I considered his heyday. I thought that he had peaked by Trilogy.

Friday night was a different story. I presently have 65 weekly students that I instruct at Music & Arts of Charlotte. 52 of these students attended with friends. I'm so happy they attended this show. It's the best guitar exhibition that I've ever seen. And I've seen alot through 23 years of playing, recording, touring, teaching, and various musical endeavors. It was quite humbling in many aspects. I gave Yngwie my Pony Canyon release to listen to. I also gave him a treasured magazine from 1935 , with Nicolo Paganini on the cover. This is a magazine my father gave me back in 1979. And being that my father is now deceased, it has alot of sentimental meaning to me. It was my way of thanking him for the impact he has had on rock guitar in the U.S.. An impact that is rivaled only by Hendrix and Van Halen. And considering most of my students that attended are between the ages of 15-21, it's a new generation of Malmsteen listeners. The impact is what I expected. They were all blown away. Just short of the second coming. Very much like in 84, when I was at G.I.T. and had mastered DiMeola's, Uli Roth's, Randy Rhoads', and all the other players licks, I had become arrogant about my playing. I saw Yngwie with Alcatrazz in L.A. and was humbled immensely. All my students were blown away Friday night.I have become very complacent with my playing. I for the first time since 1984 was humbled again. I thought I had closed the gap on Yngwie long ago. I was wrong. This is the best he's ever played. I don't say this tritely, or to make conversation or praise. In fact this has taken far more time than I generally like to donate to a computer.And not being the type to idolize anyone, I just have a greater respect for Yngwie's playing than any rock guitarist that I've ever seen. And this being my chosen profession, it's quite humbling. The only problem now unlike in 1984, I'm practicing, teaching, and playing 10 plus hours everyday. I don't know what avenue to take.

In closing, if Michael Jordan was a rock guitarist, his name would be Yngwie Malmsteen. It was a stunning exhibition. Sincerely, Kyle Harrison

March 21, Jacksonville, FL (Lillian's Music Shop):

HI ANNE & CLUB! JUST SAW YNGWIE IN TAMPA AND JACKSONVILLE AND IT WAS GREAT. I GOT A BUNCH OF PHOTOS I WILL SEND REAL SOON. I'LL USE UP THE LAST COUPLE PHOTOS ON THE ROLL TONITE AT THE PAT TRAVERS CONCERT. YNGWIE AND APRIL WERE REAL NICE.YOU HAD TO BUY A W.T.E.A.W. CD TO GET A PERSONAL AUTOGRAPH ON THE BUS IN TAMPA, WHICH I DID CAUSE I LOST MY COVER TO THAT CD, LEAVING IT ON THE TOUR BUS IN ORLANDO AT DIO! IN JAX, EVERYONE GOT TO GO ON THE BUS REGARDLESS, PROBABLY CAUSE THEY HAD THE NEXT DAY OFF ON THE TOUR. I GAVE YNGWIE ABOUT 10 MINT PROMO POSTERS HE WANTED OF MARCHING OUT, TRILOGY, ECLIPSE, & FIRE AND ICE - ALL POLYDOR OR ELEKTRA PROMOS. I SAID HE COULD USE FOR THE CANCER RESEARCH AUCTION OR FOR FAN CLUB GIVEAWAYS OR WHATEVER. I ALSO GAVE HIM 2 COVER STORIES OF HIM. ONE WAS A REALLY EARLY PHOTO OF HIM & BILLY SHEEHAN IN I BELIEVE "CALIFORNIA MUSICIAN" AND THE OTHER WAS A COVER OF HIM & JOE LYNN TURNER IN KERRANG.
THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR DEVOTED WORK. THE LAST ISSUE [of Dragon's Fire] I REALLY ENJOYED. TAKE CARE, JIM

From Tim Brown:
I wanted to go early to make sure I could get in-- The club was only allowing 200 to enter. I arrived at 7:30. Doors are closed and there's a note on the door. YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN ONLY! Evidently Lizzy pitched a bitch about the size of the stage, and left town. Wimp! No, seriously-- I had heard that their drumkit wouldn't fit on the stage... I don't know what the deal was, but no opener... Actually, I wanted to see Lizzy because, I saw those guys in the "Me against The World" era and wanted to see how the new compared to the old in a live setting. At 10:30 PM, Yngwie and the guys hit the stage. They were amazing. My only complaint was that the overall volume was too much for the club. They should have lowered the band's volume just a bit, so that the vocals could've had a little more headroom. Anyway, The Show was Killer, and all the guys were Cool... I have to say that I was totally impressed with Mats! An awesome player. Again, I just wish they had lowered the Overall band's mix, and allowed the singer to have 3db of headroom....it would have made all the difference in the world! Yngwie? What can you say? He's a Master of his Art, and he's been a personal favorite of mine going on 20 years... So, If you want to see a great Show-- Go see Yngwie!

March 20, Boynton Beach, FL (Orbit):

From Tony Bracaglia:
Here is a road report for the Yngwie show in Boyton Beach on March 20th. The show was amazing - Yngwie was on fire, the band was kicking butt!!!! The turnout was not so hot; not too many people there, but the ones that were were die hard Yngwie fans. The promoter did not advertise this show at all so many pepole did not know it was going on and wanted to go . The show was great - we got to see Yngwie so up close it was just amazing!!! Totally awsome. I had a great time at the show and I hope we will see Yngwie again!

March 19, Tampa, FL (Frankie's Patio):

From Adam Santucci:
Last night I saw Yngwie for the 3rd time and he just keeps getting better and better. It was, however, the first time my friends Chris and his wife Kim saw Yngwie and they loved it. Yngwie and the band kicked ass and rocked the house, It was truly Amazing. I can't say enough good things about Yngwie. Yngwie, you Fucken Rock!!!! Thanks for an incredible show!

From Sean Osborne:
Finally after 15 shows I met Yngwie last night! It was brief , in and out of the bus, but shook his hand, got pictures, autographs, it was cool. He got a kick out of the fact that I had a Van Halen CD in the WTEAW case. I said" it's amazing how much your new album sounds like Van Halen". I took a roll of on-stage shots and i'll send you the good ones asap.

March 18, 2001. Atlanta, GA (Masquerade):

From Barry Murphy:
Well, First i want to say that your show in Atlanta at the Masqurade was one of the best ever, you are the best man. Your show was the best I have been to; it was better than Joe Satch., and Steve Vai's put together. Also what advice could you give to me and my band on getting a record deal and stuff. Like who should i try to contact in the buisness world?

From Parrish Sheffield:
I am just now coming back to earth after the Sun. March-18th show. I am very impressed to see that Yngwie hasn't lost a step nor one note. I 1st saw him warm up for Iron Maiden in 1986 in Atlanta and he is still "The Mystro"!! He truly has the true gift and love for his music. No doubt!! Yngwie is up there with Bach, Mozart, and especially Nicolo Paganini, the legendary virtuoso violinist who lived the modern day rock star life over 150 years ago. Mark my words, in 100 years, Yngwie will no doubt be remembered as the "Spirit of true virtuoso wizardry," as is Paganini. There are 1000s of ripping licks, tricks, style guitarists out there, but who all lack the creative genius as an "Yngwie." Before the show Sunday, I got down to the Masquerade at 1pm to see if I may be lucky enough to meet Yngwie. I saw him arrive around 3:30 PM to do his sound check, really a pre-concert jam session. I could hear him ripping as plain as day for over two hours with the back stage door open, as he started off jamming on old Dio tunes then on to his solo riffs and his own songs. I saw him leave the jam session to head back to the bus, but all I did was say "yo Yngwie." I didn't want to harass him so I waited till after the show to hopefully meet him. True enough, he allowed one at a time to enter his bus for an autograph and a chance to say hey. He was definitely nicer than the spreaded rumors I have heard of him. Again, the show was totally better than I could ever imagine. I now plan on the long trip to catch the show in Myrtel Bch, SC next Tues. since he doesn't come to Atlanta as much as I'd like. Yngwie, NEVER DIE!!! You are a LEGEND!!!!!!!

From Gayle:
Saw the Man last night and of course, was totally blown away as were my ears, it was worth it. was lucky enough to be right below his microphone. the only problem i could see was that i could not hear the singer at all could read his lips though. if i can remember all the songs, they included, rising force, crucify, masquerade, seventh sign, you don't remember, trilogy solo, far beyond the sun, spanish castle magic,black star for the encore. those were not in the order sung and i may have missed some but you get the idea. there was a lot of improv and just watching his fingers was mesmerizing. yngwie did his string pulling thing, throwing the strat around, lots of eye contact which was really cool. fog machine was working fine too. was soooooo hot in there, yngwie stopped many times for the old sweat towel. only had two guitars this time, had five last time, all alike pretty much, the cream colored ones. i could go on and on about the show, all i know is that it would be hard to find a concert to beat that, for sure. i want to be yngwie when i grow up, lol. if anybody can get a chance to see yngwie, they should try to go if at all possible, even if they have seen him before, i was in awe during the whole thing. later, yall. forgot to mention that he sang a lot more at this appearance, especially during bad reputation and seventh sign. he has such a good voice.

From Darren Simpson:
Hello. I just saw Yngwie play at Masquerade in Atlanta, Georgia. I took my 5-year old son with me. Yngwie and his wife invited us backstage to watch the show and even went so far as to provide for us with water and sodas. Afterwards, we were invited to Yngwie's dressing room to meet the man himself. I can say that I was deeply moved to be in the presence of my greatest musical influence and to be treated with such hospitality and graciousness by him and his lovely wife left me speechless with gratitude and respect. I would like to get a message to him somehow to tell him thank you for his kindness in speaking with me and my son, Taylor and letting us come aboard the bus after the show. I want him to know that he is a true gentleman and a living legend that I will admire for the rest of my life. I am profoundly grateful. If you, the director, have any recourse to sending Mr. Malmsteen this message, I would be very grateful if you would do so. He has touched the hearts of my son and I in a time when our family has been broken by divorce and separation. My thanks to you in this endeavour. Sincerely, Darren Simpson (Chevalier du Christos) and Taylor

From Jonathan Pinson:
I recently saw you in Atlanta at the Masquerade and have a quick question. About 3 times a song, you would throw a pick into the audience. The thing i am wondering is if you were even using a pick right after you threw one? You went all the way down the Fretboard a couple times before grabbing another on the mic stand? Also, you probably don't remember me but i was right in front at the concert and you gave me a cool look, and i think you noticed when everyone else was cheering and screeming, I was standing and staring mezzmerized by your perfomance.

From Paul Cantillo :
Last night I saw Yngwie and his band in concert at the Masquerade in Atlanta and it was really good to see him as the headliner and perform for 1 hour and 50 minutes as opposed to just 45 minutes when he opened for Dio. He opened with Rising Force and then played Catch 22, Bedroom Eyes,Prophet of Doom,Crucify,Far Beyond The Sun,Seventh Sign,The Masquerade,Wild One,Bad Reputation,Trilogy Suite(guitar solo),Red House,and he played I'll See The Light Tonight and Black Star as encores. I have to say it was a very energetic performance by him and his band and he was just in total command of his guitars as usual. The sound was good but a little on the distorted side since I was close to the stage. If I was standing more towards the back I think the PA system wouldn't have sounded as distorted with the high notes from his guitar during his solos. I do have to say that I enjoyed his guitar solo alot and he definitely played it with feeling and of course very fast. His fretwork and picking will always astound me because of his precision in playing all those scales and chordes.

Anyway, after the concert I was able to get him to autograph The War To End All Wars CD in his tour bus although the guys letting fans in didn't allow any pictures to be taken with him even though I had my camera. I'm sure there was a good reason so I didn't question it. I did tell Yngwie that I've been a fan of his for 17 years and that it was a real pleasure to finally have met him and I showed him my collection of his cds in a black cd case I got from my car after the concert was over because I thought he might be able to sign all of them since I heard of one other fan getting him to do so from a review. I respected the fact that it was cold outside and there were fans waiting to meet him so I didn't want to take long or take up his time. His wife April was in the bus also and she said hello. I don't know if she heard me say hi back to hear since I was in the midst of complementing Yngwie on his show. Anyway I had a good time seeing him in concert and I hope his tour is a successful one.

March 17, 2001. Nashville, TN (328 Performance Hall):

From Steph:
I saw Yngwie in Nashville this past Saturday night. It was a great show. Everyone sounded great and Yngwie's playing was awesome. I only wish it could have lasted a bit longer. Lizzy Borden was good, too, if you like them. Anyone going to see him is definately in for a treat. It was the best show I've seen in a while.

March 16, 2001. Birmingham, AL (Five Points Music Hall):

From Brian Butterworth:
I was at the show at Five Points Music Hall in Birmingham Friday night and it was awesome! I am just 19 and that was the first show I've ever been to. I was totally blown away! I couldn't believe how close I was to the man himself the entire show. The place he played wasn't very big and it gave the crowd a great chance to see him up close and in person. I was trying the whole show to catch a pick that he threw out but I didn't get a chance until later in the show. Right after the solo in "Masquerade" he threw the pick into the crowd. It sailed right over my head and into a big garbage can. Nobody went for the pick so I quickly pushed everyone out of the way and dug through empty beer bottles and glasses and finally found it in the bottom of a cup! The other fans in the crowd cheered for me once they saw I had it! My best friend said Yngwie made eye contact with him and threw a pick at him but he just couldn't to jump high enough to catch it. The concert started out with two! cool bands...I can't remember the first one but Lizzy Borden played right before Yngwie and they rocked! It was the 80's metal at it's best! Once I heard the opening keyboard for "Rising Force" I started going nuts! All 6'3 of Yngwie Malmsteen came out shortly after that and I was so pumped! During "Icarus Dream Suite" I actually started crying because for some reason it hit a nerve or something. I have never felt so good for a 2-3 hour period. After the show my best friend and I waited outside Yngwie's bus for about an hour to get an autograph maybe. I ended up getting my "I Can't Wait" CD signed by Yngwie while my friend got his copy of "Odyssey" signed. My friend also got Mats Olausson to sign his ticket stub. I just want to say thanks especially Yngwie for making it all possible for me and my friend to see you in concert. I will r! emember this for the rest of my life!

March 12 - 14, 2001. Three Texas shows:

From Oscar Sanchez:
When i read that Yngwie would tour through four Texas cites, it was the best news of my life because i live in texas. and furthermore, it was during spring break, so i could attend them all! With utter determination, i prepared to make the four-day road trip to see him in dallas, houston, san antonio, and finally austin. Unfortunately i was sick on sunday when he was to play in dallas, so i missed that show. But the very next day, i went on to Houston (Numbers), then San Antonio (Sunset Station), and finally Austin (The Back Room). It was an experience that i will always treasure. I had been waiting for an opportunity like this since October 11, 1996 when i saw Yngwie in San Antonio (Sneakers) during the Inspiration World Tour. All three shows were mindblowing!! and i would do it all over again any given day! I wish i could have followed him for the entire world tour! I loved the live versions of "Crucify" and "Masquerade" as well as the other ones from WTEAW. But my favorite performance must have been the "Trilogy Suite", because he did not play it in Sneakers in S.A. in '96. "Far Beyond The Sun" was to die for! Even better than in '96! In the Houston show, i managed to get one pick he threw in the crowd; in san antonio, i managed to get 3 (!); in Austin i got 2 (!). Add those with the 1 i got in '96, and that makes 7 guitar picks that the Maestro used himself!!! Definitely my most prized material possessions. The best part was after the austin show. I managed to meet Yngwie for the first time! I was so ecstatic! Finally i got to meet the person whom i consider to be a living god!! He took the time to sign autographs, and take pictures with the fans.....i wish i had film left in my camera to have taken one when i got his autograph!! and i also high-fived him as he moved away from the entrance from the tour bus. All of this is permanently etched in my mind for all of time. Even if i somehow suffered from total amnesia, i know i would remember this experience! I can't wait for the next world tour. I will see Yngwie's shows as many times as i possibly can, even if i have to drive all across a state, as i just did. Keep up the good work, Maestro!!

March 12, 2001. Houston, Texas (Numbers):

From Zack Hoban:
Tell Yngwie thanks for his show in Houston. First time to see him since I missed the Seattle concert in 1988. Tell Yngwie to show again in Houston next year and make sure to put more info out before the show date. Luckily a client of mine at the Q sport club where I work told me that his show was being held at Numbers in Houston. Keep up the good work. Zack Hoban

From HouseOfGod666:
I am 24 years old and have been a big Yngwie fan ever since I was 13. Never having seen him live, I decided to make the 4-5 hr. drive from Baton Rouge, LA to Houston, TX to catch the War To End All Wars Tour 2001 with my best friend and my girlfriend......and we were blown the f**k away!!!!!!! Staying in a dumpy motel and and braving hurricane-like rain on the way there was more than worth it to watch Yngwie play "Far Beyond The Sun" live and 4ft. from me. Yngwie played this crappy little bar in the Houston suburbs like it was Madison Square Garden and when (after sitting through a bland local band and a comical Lizzy Borden) the stage went dark and I heard the intro keyboard hum of "Rising Force"..... I pee peed on myself and was totally stunned. Just like alot of people, when I was a kid, Yngwie friggin' raised me! I finally found my daddy on March 12, and daddy......you were on!

From Carl and Meka:
Dear Anne , I e-mailed you a few weeks ago about Yngwie signing autographs for fans at his shows. I want to thank you for letting me know that he is very appreciative for his fans. He signed all of my cd covers and took time for pictures with my wife and I . The show was incredible-- despite the rumors, he was very nice to us . Thank you very much, we will be buying merch from the website soon.

March 12, 2001. Houston, Texas (Numbers):

From John:
I can't believe that noone is talking about Yngwie's concert at Numbers. Looks like I'll have to do it. Here goes: First of all, me and two of my friends were the very first ones in line. I'm serious. When we got there, there was NOBODY in line. What was cool was that we were so early, we could hear Yngwie warming up and doing sound checks. Yngwie ran through some sections of "The Wizard" including the solo (though surprisingly, they didn't play it during the actual concert). After a while, a small group of people started forming behind us. I think we waited outside the club for almost 2 hours before they finally opened the doors. As soon as we got into Numbers, we went right up to the front of the stage. The first band to come on was a local band called Tarantula. They were actually pretty good. Next, Lizzy Borden took the stage. Dressed like a combination of Alice Cooper and Dee Snider, he stalked from one side of the stage to the other and finally jumped into the front rows during their finale. Finally, after a wait that seemed like forever, Yngwie took the stage to the theme of "Rising Force." At this point, given that I was in the front row on Yngwie's side of the stage, the people around me started going insane. At times, it was all I could do to keep from being pushed into the 5 security gaurds irritatingly possitioned right in front of me. Seriously, on the other side of the stage, there was only one security gaurd per every 8 feet or so. On Yngwie side, they formed a human wall or something. Besides that, I was about 4 ft away from The Maestro the entire show. It was unbelievable (I guess I'm still stuck in the hero worship stage or something). Yngwie and crew did "Catch 22", "Bad Reputation," "Crucify," "Masquerade," and "Wild One" off the WTEAW album. Surprisingly, they didn't play anything from Alchemy or Facing the Animal. Unfortunately, I wasn't lucky enough to catch a pick or a guitar string. A pick did land in my area, but after seeing 5 people imediately dive for it, I decided that I liked my head just a little bit more than I liked a guitar pick. All in all, a truely unbelievable show!! After the concert ended, my friends and I imediatly conveened to the side of the establishment where Yngwie's tour bus was parked. After waiting in line for about 30 to 40 minutes, Yngwie emerged from the club and was greeted by loud cheering as he entered the bus. Anyway, after a while, a guy in a green shirt came out of the bus and stated that only one item per person would be autographed. No one was allowed onto the tour bus however (I suppose it was because it was around 1am at this point). That was really the only disapointing part of the night in that I had drawn a portrait of Yngwie that I had hoped to present to him in person. Anyway, I borrowed a pen from the person standing in front of me and wrote on the back "To Yngwie from your biggest fan in Houston" and signed the drawing. I then gave it (along with my vinal Trilogy album for Yngwie to autograph) to the guy standing at the door of the bus and told him that it was a gift for Yngwie. I had brought the strike plate of my stratocaster for Yngwie to sign, but given that it is black, and he was signing everything in black ink, decided that it wasn't such a good idea after all. Oh well...I proud of my signed Trilogy album. I hope Yngwie liked the drawing. Anyway...that's my rather long winded report. Awesome show!!! John

March 11, 2001. Dallas, Texas (Canyon Club):

From Randy Watson:
I have been wanting to see Yngwie live for several years but never got the chance. When I found out tickets went on sale for this concert I went and bought mine the same day. Despite the lousy weather we were having (as some of the other reviews say) I was determined that no matter what I was going to make it to this show. I drove for over 3 hours in the rain and when the show statrted I was so pumped up I could hardly contain myself. When the intro to "Rising Force" began the whole place went crazy. I have different videos of Yngwie performing live but still wasn't prepared to see him with my own eyes performing the solos to songs like Rising Force, Black Star, Far Beyond the Sun, and Trilogy Suite. After the concert I waited outside his tour bus for the chance to get his autograph and maybe even a picture along with a bunch of other fans. As it started raining and people started leaving I was determined to stay even more. When it was my turn to meet him on his bus I didn't know what to expect. There are just as many positive as negative stories about his attitude but my experience was nothing but cool. He shook my hand, signed my Korean Import of War to End All Wars, my guitar (a candy apple red Ibanez RG550), and when I asked about getting a picture with him, he said sure. As I got ready to leave the bus we shook hands again and he thanked me for coming out to the show. In short, it was an awesome show, Yngwie is very aware and appreciative of his fans, and I can't wait until he comes back to Dallas again. Sincerly, Randy Watson

From Parrish Dunnaway, Fort Worth, Texas:
This was one of the best Rock n Roll shows I have ever been to. It was also one of the most problematic. Lizzy Borden didn't show up, the other band didn't seem prepared to kill, and Yngwie's guitar tech had some minor problems- but enough bitching!!!! Yngwie came out (and STAYED out) like a bat out of Hell; and his soloing- DAMN!- I have never been rocked so hard. So fucking what if weather took out a small part of the show, weather in DFW has been fucked up lately (I pray we don't get flash flooding this weekend). I have been jonesing to see Yngwie since Rising Force came out during my high school years, and the opportunity presented itself this past Sunday. I was not disappointed in the very least. When the tour is over, I ask that you show Yngwie this email. He really reassured my faith in metal guitar and the inspiration it has brought to my own playing. God bless you, Yngwie.

From Connie:
WOOOOWWWW!!!!!!!!!! I have once again had the privilege of seeing Yngwie in Dallas, supposedly the first night of the tour....can't tell!!!!!!! He was as refreshing to see as ever! Quick, concise, explosive, ripping guitar as it was meant to be played. Not to mention the fact I was close enough to him to catch the sweat....my gosh, I wish the night had never ended. It was just pure fun that cannot be described with words, the feeling of and in the music, everyone was there to hear soul splitting guitar and that's what we heard. It never ceases to amaze me that someone can time after time cause my jaw to drop. Your CD's are great Yngwie but you blow yourself away live (he he)! I reduced myself to groveling on the ground with a bunch of sweaty guys for a PICK on four separate occasions and came up empty handed, the show was too good to miss. I figured if I asked nicely you might send me one. You would think after 7 or 8 tours I would have one by now, but alas............ Everyone looked as though they were not on tour but out ROCKIN' , having fun, it's not just a job....it's an adventure, you ALL kick metal butt! What a great night! I had a great time and can't wait to see him again, tell him the only BLONDE chick to his right in the second row was mesmerized, and went home SATISFIED!!!!! (well...almost) Do I have to mention that I wear glasses when I drive? Break a leg Yngwie, my Swedish amigo, may your tour go well enough that you can swing by the Bronco Bowl and give me déjà vu! Look for me right up front, you can't miss me, I'm as Scandinavian as they come!!!!! God be with you on this tour and always..... Sincerely, Connie

From Eddie McKee:
The Dallas Show was awesome! Even though the weather was horrible and the power went off during The Seventh Sign, Yngwie & crew played a great show. Yngwie was absolutely amazing. The best part of the entire evening was meeting Yngwie. After the show some die hard fans stood in the rain near the tour bus and we were rewarded with a one on one meeting with Yngwie on the tour bus. He could not have been cooler. Internet & press stories of "Mean Yngwie" are definately not true. I'm so glad he finally made it back to Texas & continued success on the tour for the next five months! THANKS!

Link to Concert Photos 2001

Tour Press Release

Reviews from Dio/Yngwie Tour

Photos from Dio/Yngwie Tour