Yngwie Malmsteen, playing to a busy, but less than full, main hall at The Garage venue in Glasgow, delivered a set that showcased his well-known neoclassical style, including staples like “Rising Force,” “Far Beyond the Sun,” and “Black Star.”
The performance featured a selection of pieces from his extensive catalog, allowing the crowd to experience a technical approach to guitar playing.
For those who enthuse about Malmsteen’s signature rapid-fire arpeggios and intricate solos, they were well catered for throughout the evening with the set including his interpretations of classical pieces, such as his take on Paganini’s 4th Caprice and Bach’s “Badinerie,” alongside a cover of Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water.” and a Hendrix cover in “Red House”.
The sound mix at The Garage was not the best on the evening but the guitar work of Malmsteen was more than audible and the crowd seemed enthusiastic.
The stage presence, though almost entirely lit in red and with more smoke than necessary which much of the time obscured the view, was as expected for an artist of Malmsteens stature.
The focus was natural primarily on his playing though the other musicians present were clearly very proficient as a backing band.
Overall, the concert provided a straightforward presentation of Yngwie Malmsteen’s established musical identity and Fans of his distinctive guitar style clearly enjoyed the selection played during the course of the evening.
Photos and review by Gavin Ross
