+ Fury UK

Melodic power-ballad driven steadfast rock and rollers Y&T are coming to Manchester. They have had a long and winding career braving the intemperate climes of rock since the early 70s. Often a mix of bad luck and poor timing seems to have held the band back from achieving the boundless success they so deserve.

Coming from Hayward, California, they’ve had their share of accolades and acolytes, opening sell-out shows for major-league musos Journey and the Doobie Brothers. They picked up a wholesome and loyal local following in their early days, and were swiftly signed by London Records, with whom they released two studio albums including their eponymous debut, which was conclusively well received.

Originally called Yesterday & Today, taken from the Beatles record, they signalled a musical tabula rasa in shortening the band name to Y&T in 1981, when they also moved labels to A&M Records. They went on to release various successful albums through the 80s, including Earthshaker, with which they secured high-profile opening slots with the likes of AC/DC and Kiss. The band took a hiatus between ’91-’95 in which they were able to rest, write and hone skills.

The current line up comprises Dave Meniketti and Phil Kennemore alongside long-time touring guitarist John Nyman and drummer Mike Vanderhule. Their latest offering, Facemelter, is the band’s 13th studio album and proves their talent as absolutely ripe for the picking. Its unadulterated blues-based melodic hard rock is proof-a-plenty that Y&T have only improved with age - Meniketti’s voice has lost nothing of its musical luminosity and his guitar playing has grown finer during the course of the years.

Y&T are a band whose true essence can only be tasted in their live shows. They are a world class act who have, if any criticism can be placed before them, struggled to translate their live-performance into their studio albums. Their music breathes sincerity and energy in epic-proportions, and nothing does their talent justice like their live show.

At the end of a recent review of Facemelter, one critic said of Y&T “for God’s sake check these guys out if they’re playing anywhere within driving distance!! Their live show is incredible!!” We happen to agree with this enthusiastic chap. Come get a taste of incredulity at the intimate Manchester Academy 3 on Saturday 2nd October, if only to avoid upsetting the critics.