YNGWIE MALMSTEEN On A.I. In Music: ‘People Are Not Gonna Go To An Arena And Buy Tickets To Watch A Robot Play’
Yngwie Malmsteen says artificial intelligence may be useful as a tool, but he doubts it will replace the appeal of musicians performing live. He believes audiences still want human interaction and the impact of real people playing, while acknowledging that AI could introduce more fake material into music.
Speaking on SiriusXM’s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk” on 27 October, Malmsteen said he was not using AI himself and that technology could be used for harmful purposes. He described AI’s potential to replace songwriters as possibly a temporary trick, though he allowed he could be wrong. His new album, *Hell Or High Water*, is due on 13 November; he also sings lead vocals in his band.
In short
- Malmsteen doubts audiences will pay to watch robots perform live.
- He sees AI as a tool that can be used for good or harm.
- His new album is due on 13 November.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
AI can help musicians experiment, develop ideas and make music more accessible, while live performance remains a distinct human experience built on interaction and the presence of performers. Used as a tool rather than a substitute, it may expand creative possibilities without displacing the value audiences place on musicians playing together.
The case against
AI-generated music could make it harder to distinguish authentic work from synthetic or misleading material, and may weaken the role and livelihoods of songwriters if it is used to replace them. Even if audiences continue to value live shows, that does not resolve concerns about how AI changes music creation and the recognition of human contributors.
Explained simply
Yngwie Malmsteen is a Swedish guitarist known for fast, technically demanding rock music. He has released albums under his own name for decades and sings lead vocals in his band.
Artificial intelligence can generate or alter music, including writing songs, and its use has raised questions about creativity and whether it could replace human musicians. Live concerts are a separate part of the debate, since audiences may value the presence and interaction of performers on stage.
Malmsteen’s comments add a musician’s perspective to discussion of how AI might affect recorded music and live performance. His album *Hell Or High Water* is due out on 13 November.
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