Review by Rock Over America
Yesterday & Today have been delivering good time, melodic Heavy Metal since they released their debut album in 1976. By the eighties the group shortened their name to Y & T. I think they did that so most Metal fans like me could spell it. They recorded and toured constantly throughout the decade watching less talented bands sell out arenas and score multi-platinum albums. Unfortunately, Y & T didn’t share the same fate but kept plugging away for their loyal following. When Grunge hit in the nineties it really hurt Metal bands, and Y & T were no exception, so that decade was a slow one for the band. When the millennium hit it seemed to be a rebirth for a lot of classic artists and the hard working band was discovered or rediscovered by music fans all over the would. I saw the band a few times in the eighties but tonight will be my fourth time seeing them in the last six years. It should be a great show at Vamp’d tonight!
Y & T started the set with the perfect song, “ON WITH THE SHOW”. Vocalist/guitarist Dave Meniketti proved that he was still at the top of his game. Drummer Mike Vandehule and bassist Brad Lang drove the beast on “MEAN STREAK”. “DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK” had the fans getting closer to the stage and their heroes. “BLACK TIGER” gave Meniketti a chance to let his fingers do the talking. “EYES OF A STRANGER” showed that there are no weak songs in their arsenal.
Fan favorite “LIPSTICK & LEATHER” had this dedicated crowd loving every note. “KEEP ON RUNNING” was my favorite video back when MTV still played videos. Dave played a nice run as the intro for “SHINE ON”. “BLIND PATRIOT” kept the set moving as the fans gave the group some love. Guitarist John Nymann played a sweet intro for “WINDS OF CHANGE” as the fans got to see him shine.
“HUNGRY FOR ROCK” featured both Meniketti & Nymann taking red hot solo turns. “DIRTY GIRL” showed us a little more of John’s talent. Y & T did killer versions of “RESCUE ME” and “HURRICANE” to keep any music lover happy. Dave and the guys did a little tease of “ANYTHING FOR MONEY” to shake things up a bit.
“YOUNG & TOUGH” rocked out before the subdued power ballad “I BELIEVE IN YOU” evened things out for a moment. “DON’T BRING ME DOWN” kicked it back up. “BARROOM BOOGIE” gave Brad, Dave, & John a chance to let loose before leaving the stage. Vandehule got his turn to strut his stuff with a drum solo.
The band came back with their big hit “SUMMERTIME GIRLS” much to the delight of this crowd. The next number, “SQUEEZE”, was dedicated to the bands long time bassist Phil Kennemore who passed away in January. Nymann did a good job singing it for Phil. The set was brought to its end with “I’M COMING HOME”, as the fans screamed and cried out for more.
Y & T returned promptly for their final assault with “MIDNIGHT IN TOKYO”. Dave and John kept rocking out on “CONTAGIOUS”. Brad, Dave, John, & Mike put the show to rest with “FOREVER”. All seeing Y & T live does to me is make me want to see them again.