Legendary Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen has publicly criticized several singers from his early solo career, accusing them of attempting to profit from his name, catalog, and legacy.
The 62-year-old guitar virtuoso, who has worked with vocalists including:
- Nick Marino (2013–present)
- Michael Storck (1978–1979)
- Jeff Scott Soto (1984–1985, 1986–1987)
- Mark Boals (1985–1986, 1996, 1999–2000, 2001)
- Joe Lynn Turner (1987–1989)
- Göran Edman (1989–1992)
- Michael Vescera (1993–1996)
- Mats Levén (1997–1998)
- Doogie White (2001–2008)
- Tim “Ripper” Owens (2008–2012)
Malmsteen took to social media on Thursday, December 18, to air his grievances. In his post, Malmsteen made it clear that he views the singers he worked with as hired contributors, not creative partners with any claim to his catalog: "So it has come to my attention that these hired and paid singers that I hired for my solo records are all trying to capitalize from my brand!" Malmsteen wrote.
He continued: "Let's be clear: performing on MY SOLO records does not equal ownership, authorship, or legacy. Writing a line here and there doesn't make someone a songwriter, and singing my material doesn't make it theirs."
Malmsteen emphasized that the vocalists were paid on a work-for-hire basis, likening their role to that of session musicians: "They were merely given a salary (work for hire) to put down MY written parts, just like the keyboard player, bassist, drummer, etc."
Malmsteen went on to question the motivations of former collaborators who continue to perform or tour using his name and catalog.
"If the only way you can tour or get attention is by leaning on my brand and using my name and album titles and my SOLO catalog, then you've already answered the question of who actually built something," he wrote. "What have they recorded/created the last 30, 40 years?"
While Malmsteen did not name any specific individuals, his remarks come amid recent tour announcements involving former Yngwie vocalists.
Earlier this month, Mats Levén announced two shows in Japan in May 2026, reportedly centered around material from 1997's Facing The Animal — the only Yngwie Malmsteen album Levén appeared on.
Additionally, Mark Boals and Michael Vescera have announced a September 2026 European tour titled "The Seventh Trilogy Tour." Promotional materials for the trek bill the pair as "The Voices Of Yngwie Malmsteen."
