In a heartfelt and candid interview, Jeff Scott Soto reveals his desire to rekindle his friendship with Yngwie Malmsteen, nearly four decades after their professional paths diverged. But here's the twist: despite Soto's olive branches, the relationship remains strained, with Malmsteen seemingly uninterested in reconciliation. And this is the part most people miss: Soto's efforts are not about reviving their musical collaboration but about achieving personal peace and closure. He emphasizes, 'I just want peace. I want love and harmony between me and everybody else I've ever worked with in my career.'
Soto, who lent his vocals to Malmsteen's first two albums, 'Rising Force' (1984) and 'Marching Out' (1985), recently discussed their complex history on Artists On Record With Stefan Adika. He clarified that Malmsteen's recent online outburst, criticizing singers for allegedly capitalizing on his brand, was not directed at him. Instead, it targeted other former vocalists who perform tribute shows centered around Malmsteen's music. Soto asserts, 'I'm not doing anything where I'm going out doing Yngwie shows or trying to capitalize on his name or his legacy.'
Controversially, Malmsteen's comments sparked debate about artistic ownership and legacy. He argued that singers hired for his solo records are merely 'work for hire' and do not share in his legacy. Soto, however, highlights his own contributions, stating, 'I'm on easily over a hundred records. Just my solo records alone, I've got eight solo records.' This raises a thought-provoking question: Who truly owns the legacy of a collaborative artistic endeavor?
Soto's attempts to reach out to Malmsteen have been indirect, as he lacks direct contact information. Yet, he consistently expresses his desire for reconciliation in interviews and public statements. In a poignant message to Malmsteen, Soto says, 'We made some great music together... Let's put 'em aside. Let's break bread again. Let's be buddies.'
The situation took an unexpected turn in 2022 when Soto attended a concert at the Canyon Club, where Malmsteen was headlining. Soto claims he was threatened with the show's cancellation if he remained in the venue. Malmsteen disputed this account, accusing Soto of seeking attention and sneaking into the show without paying. This incident further strained their relationship, with Malmsteen's management labeling Soto's actions as 'classless' and 'disgraceful.'
Soto's response to these accusations was one of bewilderment and sadness. He wrote, 'I don't and don't need to ride anyone's coattails... I have my music and the current things I partake in to do this. Everything else I share is a celebration, nothing more, nothing less.'
The rift between Soto and Malmsteen dates back to 2017 when Malmsteen claimed sole authorship of his early albums, dismissing contributions from vocalists like Soto. Soto refuted this, stating, 'It's false information... we co-wrote [some of] those songs together.' He attributes Malmsteen's statements to 'selective memory' or personal animosity.
Soto also speculates that Malmsteen's wife, who manages his career, may have influenced the guitarist's increasing isolation from former collaborators. He cites the tragic example of Marcel Jacob, Malmsteen's former bassist and Soto's close friend, whose death was met with silence from Malmsteen. Soto's public statement, 'To me, Yngwie is dead,' likely contributed to his own estrangement from Malmsteen's inner circle.
As the saga continues, Soto remains steadfast in his pursuit of peace. He concludes, 'I just wanna be the guy's friend again.' This story leaves us with a compelling question: Can old wounds be healed, or will pride and misunderstanding keep these two musical legends apart? The answer may lie in the comments—what do you think? Is reconciliation possible, or is this feud destined to endure?
