The excitement in the air was clear as rock and metal enthusiasts gathered at BÖLE Arena & Club in Helsinki on the 4th of June, 2024. The lineup for the evening promised an unforgettable experience, featuring the gritty rock ‘n’ roll of PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS followed by the neo-classical metal mastery of Yngwie Malmsteen. Anticipation ran high, particularly for YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, whose legendary status as a guitar virtuoso had fans eagerly awaiting a night of unparalleled musical brilliance.
The evening kicked off with PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS, who immediately set the tone with their high-energy rock ‘n’ roll. From the moment they took the stage, the band exuded a raw, unfiltered charisma that resonated with the audience. Phil Campbell, the legendary former guitarist of MOTÖRHEAD, was in top form, delivering blistering riffs and solos with effortless precision.
The setlist was a perfect blend of their own gritty rock tracks and a few MOTÖRHEAD classics that sent the crowd into a nostalgic frenzy. Highlights included “Freak Show” and “Strike the Match,” which showcased the vocal prowess of Joel Peters and the tight musicianship of the entire band. The chemistry between the members was obvious, each song executed with a sense of purpose and passion.The band’s connection with the audience was undeniable. When they launched into MOTÖRHEAD anthems “Going to Brazil,” “Born to Raise Hell,” and “Ace of Spades,” the energy in the room surged.
PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS had the crowd singing along and moshing with abandon. It was a masterful display of engaging the audience, and the atmosphere was both intense and celebratory. The audience’s response was electric, with fans moshing and singing along, creating an atmosphere that was both intense and celebratory. The band proved once again that they are a force to be reckoned with in the rock world, delivering a performance that was nothing short of exhilarating.
As the final chords of “Strike the Match” faded, the stage was set for YNGWIE MALMSTEEN. The crowd buzzed with excitement, the tension was rising and when Malmsteen finally appeared fashionably late, the cheers were deafening. From the first note, it was clear that the audience was in for a masterclass in guitar wizardry.
Malmsteen‘s set was a dazzling display of technical prowess and showmanship. His fingers flew across the fretboard with astonishing speed and precision, each note ringing out with crystalline clarity. The setlist featured a rich variety of pieces, showcasing Malmsteen’s versatility and deep musical knowledge. Classics like “Rising Force” and “Far Beyond the Sun” with a little Brian May, “Bohemian Rhapsody” solo, were met with thunderous applause, as Malmsteen effortlessly blended neoclassical scales with heavy metal intensity. Continued music from Bach in “Badinerie,” the final part of his “Suite Number 2” originally written for flute, and pieces from Paganini’s 4th violin concerto and “Adagio.” The inclusion of the DEEP PURPLE classic “Smoke On The Water” was a crowd favorite. The start of the solo was pretty much as Ritchie intended and faithful to the original. The end, however, was very much as Malmsteen intended, showcasing his unique flair and interpretation.
He whizzes the guitar around his waist, plays it in the air, with his teeth, throws it up into the lights, and hurls it at his guitar tech when he’s changing instruments. He’s also incredibly generous with his guitar picks. At the start of the show, there are around 30 of them taped to his mic stand. Within about ten minutes, Malmsteen has chucked so many into the crowd that a roadie is furiously restocking the inventory. This happens multiple times during the performance. A health and safety officer would mandate protective goggles for the first few rows.
The backing band provided a solid foundation, allowing Malmsteen‘s guitar to take center stage. The interplay between the musicians was tight, but it was Malmsteen‘s virtuosic solos that left the crowd in awe. His use of harmonic minor scales, arpeggios, and sweep picking techniques was nothing short of breathtaking, demonstrating why he is considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time.Overall the visual aspect of the performance was equally impressive. Malmsteen‘s signature stage antics – from spinning his guitar to throwing picks into the crowd – added to the spectacle. The lighting and sound were top-notch, enhancing the overall experience and ensuring that every intricate detail of Malmsteen‘s playing was heard clearly.
Witnessing Yngwie Malmsteen in action is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss. A genuine masterclass in guitar virtuosity, seeing him live is an experience that transcends merely listening to his records. The combination of PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS‘ raw rock ‘n’ roll energy and Malmsteen‘s unparalleled guitar brilliance made for an unforgettable evening. It was a night of musical excellence that will be cherished by all who attended.
Written by Peter Jerman
Photos by Marco Manzi
Setlist
- Rising Force
- I’ll See the Light Tonight
- Top Down, Foot Down / No Rest for the Wicked
- Soldier
- Into Valhalla / Baroque & Roll
- Like an Angel (For April)
- Relentless Fury
- Now Your Ships Are Burned
- Wolves at the Door
- (Si Vis Pacem) Parabellum
- As Above, So Below
- Badinerie (Johann Sebastian Bach cover)
- Paganini’s 4th / Adagio
- Far Beyond the Sun / The Star-Spangled Banner
- Seventh Sign
- Toccata
- Evil Eye
- Smoke on the Water (Deep Purple cover)
- Trilogy (Vengeance)
- Guitar Solo
- Red House (The Jimi Hendrix Experience cover)
- Fugue – Noise
- Drum Solo
- You Don’t Remember, I’ll Never Forget
Encore:
- Black Star
- Heaven Tonight
