Rudy Sarzo recently addressed misconceptions about working with guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, challenging common perceptions about the musician’s reputation in an interview with WikiMetal.
The bassist was asked directly about the challenges of working with Malmsteen, specifically regarding his alleged ego issues.
When asked “What was harder, to deal with four people’s egos in a band or with Yngwie Malmsteen’s ego?”, Sarzo offered a surprising response that contradicted popular assumptions.
“I have nothing but praise for Yngwie and his wife, April, who manages him,” Sarzo said. “I tell you, going on a tour with Yngwie was more like going on a tour with his family, because he brought his son with him. And other people in Yngwie’s family were also part of the crew, selling merchandise and stuff like that.”
Sarzo emphasized the positive nature of his experience working with the renowned guitarist.
“No problem whatsoever with Yngwie, as a matter of fact, that’s one of the most rewarding experiences I ever had, so, personally, that’s what I can say, because that’s the way it was, that’s the truth,” he continued.
Sarzo’s collaboration with Malmsteen represents just one chapter in the bassist’s extensive career working with legendary musicians across multiple decades.
Blabbermouth reported that Sarzo joined Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force in February 2004 for the U.S. 30-city “Attack Tour.” This marked a significant collaboration between two established rock veterans. This North American tour showcased Sarzo’s versatility after his notable stints with Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot.
The timing of their collaboration may have been crucial to the positive experience Sarzo described. In a separate interview, Blabbermouth documented that Sarzo acknowledged the possibility of Malmsteen’s evolution as a collaborator over the years.
“Maybe by the time I got to play with Yngwie, he had changed his attitude. When I was working with him, it was the ‘Attack’ tour 2004,” Sarzo noted, calling Malmsteen a “sweetheart” to work with.
Sarzo’s career trajectory demonstrates his ability to adapt to different musical environments and personalities. RockGodz Hall of Fame noted that after completing the tour with Malmsteen’s Rising Force, Sarzo continued his musical journey by joining Dio later in 2004. This further cemented his reputation as one of rock’s most sought-after bassists.
