Y&T
Y&T (originally known as Yesterday & Today) is an American hard rock/heavy metal band formed in 1974. They hail from Oakland, California. The band released two studio albums on London Records as Yesterday & Today in the 1970s, before shortening their name to Y&T and releasing several albums on A&M Records beginning in 1981, as well as albums on Geffen Records, Avex Records, and others. The band was originally co-managed by Herbie Herbert (who also managed Journey) and Louis "Lou" Bramy. The band has sold over 4 million albums worldwide to date.
Biography:
Early years (1972-1983):
In 1972, Leonard Haze, Bob Gardner, and Wayne Stitzer had an unnamed band in Hayward, CA playing only cover tunes. Dave Meniketti auditioned for the job of guitar player in 1973. Shortly after, the band received a call for their first gig, but they needed a name. According to Meniketti and Haze, Leonard chose the name of the album that was playing on his turntable at that moment--"Yesterday and Today"-- a compilation from The Beatles. The first lineup--which only played cover tunes (not original music)--consisted of Haze on drums, Stitzer on piano, Gardner on bass, and Meniketti on lead vocals and lead guitar. After Wayne Stitzer quit the group, Bob Gardner went from bass to rhythm guitar and piano, and Phil Kennemore was brought in on bass. In 1974, Gardner left the group and was replaced by Joey Alves. The band, then, began writing original material.
The band released their first two studio albums, their self-titled debut and Struck Down, through London Records in 1976 and 1978 respectively. A new record deal in 1980 with A&M Records prompted the band to shorten their moniker to simply Y&T, and encores with fans chanting "Y&T, Y&T, Y&T" sealed the condensed name.
The band's first three studio albums under A&M, Earthshaker, released in 1981, Black Tiger, released in 1982, and Mean Streak, released in 1983, did not gain mainstream exposure, but are regarded as some of the band's best work. Songs off the record Earthshaker make up an important part of the band's live shows.
Commercial success and hiatus (1984-1991):
Y&T's sixth studio album, In Rock We Trust, released in 1984, became the band's highest charting and selling album, reaching No. 46 on the Billboard 200. The album produced Y&T's first big radio hit Don't Stop Runnin' ; the rights to She's A Liar were purchased by Dr Pepper and used in an ad campaign. To date, In Rock We Trust has sold over 450,000 copies, close to reaching gold certification status. This album was the only Y&T album to chart in Canada, reaching No. 77 on the RPM chart.
The band's 1985 hit "Summertime Girls", off their live album Open Fire, became the band's highest charting hit to date, reaching No. 55 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 17 on the U.S. mainstream rock charts. It received tremendous airplay worldwide, played frequently in the Baywatch television series, is graced in several feature films, received heavy rotation on MTV as well as MTV's top video playlists, and gets regular airplay today on classic rock radio stations throughout the United States.
Leonard Haze was replaced by Jimmy DeGrasso in 1986 and Joey Alves was replaced by Stef Burns in 1989. DeGrasso and Burns later played together with Alice Cooper in the 1990s.
Y&T's studio album Ten was released in 1990. The album features some ballad highlights, such as "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark", "Ten Lovers", and "Come in from the Rain", together with a few straightforward hard rock songs, including "Hard Times", "City", "Surrender", and the fastest track Y&T ever recorded, the speed metal song "Goin' Off the Deep End".
The band officially disbanded in 1991, concluding with the live album Yesterday & Today Live.
Continuation (1995-present):
In 1995, Y&T returned with the same lineup of Dave Meniketti, Stef Burns, Phil Kennemore, and Jimmy DeGrasso, releasing Musically Incorrect in '95 and Endangered Species in 1997. The band performed sporadically during the mid- to late '90s. The band officially reunited in 2001 with virtually the same lineup, only with Leonard Haze replacing DeGrasso. Stef Burns left later on that year to join Huey Lewis and the News, and was replaced by rhythm guitarist/backing vocalist John Nymann, who was a childhood friend of the band, and who previously sang backing vocals on Down for the Count. In 2006, Haze was asked to step down and was replaced by Mike Vanderhule on drums. Dave Meniketti and Phil Kennemore have been the only constant members of the band since its formation in 1974.
In 2006, a complete concert in the Netherlands was captured on the live DVD One Hot Night.
In 2009, Y&T inked a deal with Italy's Frontiers Records for the release of the band's twelfth studio album, released in May 2010. Titled Facemelter, it was their first proper studio album in thirteen years (since 1997's Endangered Species).
In June 2010, Y&T toured the world in support of Facemelter, performing the big European summer festivals, such as Sweden Rock, Download Festival at Donington Park, UK, and Hellfest in Clisson, France. Bassist Phil Kennemore was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer while on Y&T's world tour. Upon receiving doctor's orders to leave the tour and begin treatment, Kennemore urged Meniketti to find a replacement and continue touring.
On January 7, 2011, bassist Phil Kennemore died at the age of 57 after a short battle with lung cancer.
In July 2010, Brad Lang, bass player from the band Jet Red, stepped in to play live for the band as they promoted 'Facemelter', as Kennemore wanted the tour to carry on during his fight with cancer. After Kennemore's passing, Lang was asked to become an official member of the band.
Legacy:
"Summertime Girls" remains as the band's most widely recognized song, along with fan favorites such as "Mean Streak," "Rescue Me," "Forever" to name a few. Music videos for songs such as "Summertime Girls," "Mean Streak," "Lipstick & Leather," "Don't Stop Runnin'," "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark," and "Contagious" are still featured videos on VH1 Classic. Y&T's 2010 music video for "I'm Coming Home" marks the band's most-viewed video on YouTube with over 1 million views.
Band members:
Current members
Dave Meniketti - lead guitar, lead vocals (1972-1991, 1995-1997, 2001-present),
John Nymann - rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2001-present),
Mike Vanderhule - drums, percussion, backing vocals (2006-present),
Brad Lang - bass guitar, backing vocals (2010-present),
Former members
Phil Kennemore - bass guitar, backing vocals (1973-1991, 1995-1997, 2001-2011) ,
Leonard Haze - drums, percussion, backing vocals (1972-1986, 2001-2006),
Joey Alves - rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1974-1989),
Jimmy DeGrasso - drums, percussion, backing vocals (1986-1991, 1995-1997, 2001),
Stef Burns - rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1989-1991, 1995-1997, 2001),
Bob Gardner (cover band only) - bass guitar (1972-73); rhythm guitar, piano (1973),
Wayne Stitzer (cover band only) - piano (1972-1973),
Session musicians
Robert Russ - piano on Struck Down (1978),
Cherie Currie - backing vocals on Struck Down (1978),
Galen Cook - organ on Struck Down (1978),
Randy Nichols - keyboards on Down for the Count (1985),
John Nymann - backing vocals on Down for the Count (1985),
Steffen Presley - keyboards on Down for the Count (1985); Contagious (1987),
Claude Schnell - keyboards on Down for the Count (1985),
Adam Day - rhythm guitar on Down for the Count (1985),
Bill Costa - backing vocals on Down for the Count (1985),
Steve Smith - drums on "Hard Times", "Lucy", "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark", "Girl Crazy", "Come in from the Rain", "Red Hot & Ready", "Let It Out", "Ten Lovers", and "Surrender" from Ten (1990),
Loren Gold - keyboards on Facemelter (2010)
Biography:
Early years (1972-1983):
In 1972, Leonard Haze, Bob Gardner, and Wayne Stitzer had an unnamed band in Hayward, CA playing only cover tunes. Dave Meniketti auditioned for the job of guitar player in 1973. Shortly after, the band received a call for their first gig, but they needed a name. According to Meniketti and Haze, Leonard chose the name of the album that was playing on his turntable at that moment--"Yesterday and Today"-- a compilation from The Beatles. The first lineup--which only played cover tunes (not original music)--consisted of Haze on drums, Stitzer on piano, Gardner on bass, and Meniketti on lead vocals and lead guitar. After Wayne Stitzer quit the group, Bob Gardner went from bass to rhythm guitar and piano, and Phil Kennemore was brought in on bass. In 1974, Gardner left the group and was replaced by Joey Alves. The band, then, began writing original material.
The band released their first two studio albums, their self-titled debut and Struck Down, through London Records in 1976 and 1978 respectively. A new record deal in 1980 with A&M Records prompted the band to shorten their moniker to simply Y&T, and encores with fans chanting "Y&T, Y&T, Y&T" sealed the condensed name.
The band's first three studio albums under A&M, Earthshaker, released in 1981, Black Tiger, released in 1982, and Mean Streak, released in 1983, did not gain mainstream exposure, but are regarded as some of the band's best work. Songs off the record Earthshaker make up an important part of the band's live shows.
Commercial success and hiatus (1984-1991):
Y&T's sixth studio album, In Rock We Trust, released in 1984, became the band's highest charting and selling album, reaching No. 46 on the Billboard 200. The album produced Y&T's first big radio hit Don't Stop Runnin' ; the rights to She's A Liar were purchased by Dr Pepper and used in an ad campaign. To date, In Rock We Trust has sold over 450,000 copies, close to reaching gold certification status. This album was the only Y&T album to chart in Canada, reaching No. 77 on the RPM chart.
The band's 1985 hit "Summertime Girls", off their live album Open Fire, became the band's highest charting hit to date, reaching No. 55 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 17 on the U.S. mainstream rock charts. It received tremendous airplay worldwide, played frequently in the Baywatch television series, is graced in several feature films, received heavy rotation on MTV as well as MTV's top video playlists, and gets regular airplay today on classic rock radio stations throughout the United States.
Leonard Haze was replaced by Jimmy DeGrasso in 1986 and Joey Alves was replaced by Stef Burns in 1989. DeGrasso and Burns later played together with Alice Cooper in the 1990s.
Y&T's studio album Ten was released in 1990. The album features some ballad highlights, such as "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark", "Ten Lovers", and "Come in from the Rain", together with a few straightforward hard rock songs, including "Hard Times", "City", "Surrender", and the fastest track Y&T ever recorded, the speed metal song "Goin' Off the Deep End".
The band officially disbanded in 1991, concluding with the live album Yesterday & Today Live.
Continuation (1995-present):
In 1995, Y&T returned with the same lineup of Dave Meniketti, Stef Burns, Phil Kennemore, and Jimmy DeGrasso, releasing Musically Incorrect in '95 and Endangered Species in 1997. The band performed sporadically during the mid- to late '90s. The band officially reunited in 2001 with virtually the same lineup, only with Leonard Haze replacing DeGrasso. Stef Burns left later on that year to join Huey Lewis and the News, and was replaced by rhythm guitarist/backing vocalist John Nymann, who was a childhood friend of the band, and who previously sang backing vocals on Down for the Count. In 2006, Haze was asked to step down and was replaced by Mike Vanderhule on drums. Dave Meniketti and Phil Kennemore have been the only constant members of the band since its formation in 1974.
In 2006, a complete concert in the Netherlands was captured on the live DVD One Hot Night.
In 2009, Y&T inked a deal with Italy's Frontiers Records for the release of the band's twelfth studio album, released in May 2010. Titled Facemelter, it was their first proper studio album in thirteen years (since 1997's Endangered Species).
In June 2010, Y&T toured the world in support of Facemelter, performing the big European summer festivals, such as Sweden Rock, Download Festival at Donington Park, UK, and Hellfest in Clisson, France. Bassist Phil Kennemore was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer while on Y&T's world tour. Upon receiving doctor's orders to leave the tour and begin treatment, Kennemore urged Meniketti to find a replacement and continue touring.
On January 7, 2011, bassist Phil Kennemore died at the age of 57 after a short battle with lung cancer.
In July 2010, Brad Lang, bass player from the band Jet Red, stepped in to play live for the band as they promoted 'Facemelter', as Kennemore wanted the tour to carry on during his fight with cancer. After Kennemore's passing, Lang was asked to become an official member of the band.
Legacy:
"Summertime Girls" remains as the band's most widely recognized song, along with fan favorites such as "Mean Streak," "Rescue Me," "Forever" to name a few. Music videos for songs such as "Summertime Girls," "Mean Streak," "Lipstick & Leather," "Don't Stop Runnin'," "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark," and "Contagious" are still featured videos on VH1 Classic. Y&T's 2010 music video for "I'm Coming Home" marks the band's most-viewed video on YouTube with over 1 million views.
Band members:
Current members
Dave Meniketti - lead guitar, lead vocals (1972-1991, 1995-1997, 2001-present),
John Nymann - rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2001-present),
Mike Vanderhule - drums, percussion, backing vocals (2006-present),
Brad Lang - bass guitar, backing vocals (2010-present),
Former members
Phil Kennemore - bass guitar, backing vocals (1973-1991, 1995-1997, 2001-2011) ,
Leonard Haze - drums, percussion, backing vocals (1972-1986, 2001-2006),
Joey Alves - rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1974-1989),
Jimmy DeGrasso - drums, percussion, backing vocals (1986-1991, 1995-1997, 2001),
Stef Burns - rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1989-1991, 1995-1997, 2001),
Bob Gardner (cover band only) - bass guitar (1972-73); rhythm guitar, piano (1973),
Wayne Stitzer (cover band only) - piano (1972-1973),
Session musicians
Robert Russ - piano on Struck Down (1978),
Cherie Currie - backing vocals on Struck Down (1978),
Galen Cook - organ on Struck Down (1978),
Randy Nichols - keyboards on Down for the Count (1985),
John Nymann - backing vocals on Down for the Count (1985),
Steffen Presley - keyboards on Down for the Count (1985); Contagious (1987),
Claude Schnell - keyboards on Down for the Count (1985),
Adam Day - rhythm guitar on Down for the Count (1985),
Bill Costa - backing vocals on Down for the Count (1985),
Steve Smith - drums on "Hard Times", "Lucy", "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark", "Girl Crazy", "Come in from the Rain", "Red Hot & Ready", "Let It Out", "Ten Lovers", and "Surrender" from Ten (1990),
Loren Gold - keyboards on Facemelter (2010)
