You have to admire a band, that has continuously plugged away, without any major hits, for an astonishing 33 years. Despite never becoming a household name, or receiving the success level they have worked so hard to achieve, Y & T are still out there. Lesser bands would have folded, and called it a day by now. But no, not them. It is quite obvious, the major factor that keeps the Bay City-area rockers going, is the love for the music.
In terms of MTV-exposure, and record sales, the '80s were the Y & T's most successful era. Hopping on the band-wagon of image-conscious rock, they took a short ride. However, it went against the grain of Y & T's true sound. Though "Arena"-status in other regions of the globe, the US never truly embraced the band.
I couldn't count how many times I have seen Y & T live, and, unlike a multitude of other bands, I’ve seen on numerous occasions, they have never delivered a bad show. Their performance at The Galaxy was no different.
The set-list remains relatively the same, show after show, with a few additions, or subtractions, here and there. Kicking off with "Open Fire," Y & T delivered a hard-hitting 18-song set. The momentum never dwindled. The ballads were spared tonight, and the focus was on their harder hitting songs, such as "Black Tiger," the driving "Bar-Room Boogie," and the catchy "Summertime Girls." Lead vocalist and guitarist Dave Meniketti still, after all these years, has those powerful lungs, that few can compete against. There definitely must be mention of his guitar work. Meniketti teeters on pure uncaged metal, in his playing, yet never strays far enough to lose footing in his blues influence. Phil Kennemore, on bass, delivers a pounding heartbeat line, thru-out. He is one of those bassists that is typically taken for granted: Keeping his groove relatively simple, however, if he wasn't there, the void would be oh-so noticeable.
Y & T has developed quite a loyal following thru the years; the packed floor of The Galaxy consisted of die-hards, fists pumped in the air, singing every lyric. This was demonstrated on "Contagious," when Meniketti offered the microphone to a handful of fans in attendance, allowing them to contributre their vocal line on the chorus. It definitely provided a laugh or two, since, obviously, noone else in the audience could sing.
John Nymann fills in nicely on rhythm guitar. Drummer Mike Vandergule is solid, not flashy. He proves that less is more. He delivered an obligatory, yet ferocious, drum solo.
Y & T may have never hit the big time, as mentioned; but their tenacity live indicates that isn't what they are all about. The band had as much fun on stage, as the fans. It was obvious; they will take loyalty over trend any night of the week.
