In Concert This Week - June 23, 2014

There are two big show tonight, Monday, June 23 in Minneapolis, the first being the long overdue return of guitar sensation Yngwie J. Malmsteen with Gary Hoey and Bumblefoot at the Skyway Theatre (remember, Uli Jon Roth was forced to cancel!). This is an all ages show that starts early (5:30), and both floor seating and balcony standing seats are still available for $40.50 and $65 (gold seating is sold out). There’s any excellent new interview with Yngwie done by Jim Fusilli titled “A Guitar God Among Men” at the Wall Street Journal (behind their paywall). Speaking with his usual candor, Yngwie slams his time with Steeler:

“He arrived in Los Angeles in 1983, recruited by a producer who placed him in a group that was beneath his talents. ‘It was the most banal band I could be with, but I wanted to be on a piece of vinyl,’ Mr. Malmsteen said.”

San Franciscan black metal band Deafheaven plays a SOLD OUT show tonight at the Triple Rock Social Club with Pallbearer and Wreck And Reference. Doors are at 8:00.

This rest of the week is relatively quiet. On Friday, June 27, Portland’s Raw Nerves, Much Worse, P.A.W.N., and Marrow play a free show at the Hexagon Bar in Minneapolis (21+, 10:00 show), and Oblivion, Bongonya, and Drug Budget also have a free show at the Red Carpet Keller Bar in St. Cloud (21+, 9:00 doors).

Mick in the hospital wearing a Y&T shirt! (Photo from Mick’s YouCaring page – click to donate!)

The Benefit For Mickster event for Metal Witch, Maiden Mpls., and Eternal Voyager guitarist Mick Dougherty takes place Saturday, June 28 at Pov’s 65 in Spring Lake Park. Mick is recovering from renal cancer that necessitated removal of a kidney, and he needs help with massive medical bills. The benefit show is only a $10 donation, and you can also make donations online through YouCaring. All ages are free to attend from 3–6 for a silent auction, games for kids, and the chance at door prizes, while an 18 and over crowd can stick around for the bands starting at 9:00, including Hollowstone, Jokers N Thieves, Electric Eye, Cold Colours, Maiden Mpls., and The Goodbars.

Mick playing with Eternal Voyager on September 29, 2011 at Station 4 in St. Paul opening for Cage. Click on the picture to see more photos of Eternal Voyager (17).

Hollowstone performing April 27, 2013 at Station 4 in St. Paul opening for Sanctuary. Click on the picture to see more photos of Hollowstone (32).

A little bit south of the metro area, the What’s Up Lounge in Mankato has a brutal night of death metal and grind with Ambassador Gun, Glutton For Punishment, Human Bashing, Cantharone, Exmordium, and The Rising Plague. It’s $10 at the door, and is a 21+ show that starts at 10:00.