Yngwie Malmsteen Shares Opinion on Eddie Van Halen, Talks How Metallica’s Lars Ulrich Behaved When They Met

“I was in a band called Alcatraz back in ’82, ’83,” Yngwie said.

During a conversation with Radioactive Mike Z, Yngwie Malmsteen talked about Van Halen, Metallica and Lars Ulrich, and more.Yngwie is promoting a new album titled “Parabellum.”

When asked, “We recently lost Eddie Van Halen, I wondered if you could talk about the late great Eddie Van Halen?”, Yngwie replied (transcribed by UG):

“Yeah, I loved everything he did. I remember when he came out, I was just a kid, but he was amazing. Definitely, he was a great idol for everybody, loved it.”

Do you have a favorite Eddie Van Halen song or solo?

“No. The first two albums I think were the ones I liked the most-raw, I liked that, but everything was good.”

What was your reaction the first time you heard ‘Eruption’?

“Well, I thought it was great, but to me, the whole feeling of the way the whole band did it, that’s what I really reacted on. Just a very live, raw feel, I thought it was amazing.”

We feature Mandatory Metallica every night at 10 o’clock. Do you remember the first time hearing Metallica?

“Actually, I remember the first time meeting the guys, because I was in a band called Alcatraz back in ’82, ’83. We used to go up to do photoshoots and stuff, that’s when I met them.

“And you know, I’m Swedish, and Lars [Ulrich, drum,s] is Danish, so we hit it off for a very good time. I loved the band, amazing, I think they’re incredible.”

An amazing career that they’ve built, it’s even crazier that the ‘Black Album’ is 30 years old. Do you have a favorite Metallica song we could play for Mandatory Metallica?

“I don’t, but I really love ‘Enter Sandman.’ I know it’s probably a typical song, but I love it.”