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Swedish artists reportedly set for Moscow performances amid confusion

Key Points
  • Magnus Bäcklund reportedly set to perform for Putin in Moscow's Kremlin.
  • Yngwie Malmsteen's management denies a Moscow concert, but it was listed on his website.
  • VK Stadium still advertises the Malmsteen concert, but an employee says they do not know.

According to unconfirmed reports, Swedish artists are linked to performances in Moscow, Russia. Aftonbladet reports that Magnus Bäcklund, winner of Melodifestivalen 2003, is set to perform for Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin, interpreting old rock favorites alongside artists from Italy and South Africa. Separately, there is confusion over a reported Moscow concert by Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen.

Göteborgs-Posten reported earlier this week that Malmsteen would perform in Moscow, but his management denies this, stating there is no upcoming Russian show and pointing to his official website as the only valid source. However, an archive check shows a Moscow concert was recently listed on Malmsteen's website and has since been removed, and VK Stadium's website still advertises the concert as sold-out, though an arena employee said they do not have information. The reports come amid many artists boycotting Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.

there is no upcoming Russian show and pointing to his official website as the only valid source

Yngwie Malmsteen's management, Management

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UnconfirmedBased on 2 sources
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