Y&T - Concert Review @ The Ace of Spades in Sacramento, CA
Last August, I travelled to Sacramento, CA to watch Y&T perform for 2+ hours at The Ace of Spades club Saturday Aug 26th 2017. And I was treated to an amazing performance by four of the best musicians on the planet. From the opening chords of Hurricane, through fan favorites like Lipstick and Leather, Contagious and Rock n Roll gonna save the world, to name a few, the band delivered the goods in spades. Dave's voice is as strong as ever. In fact, of the acts from the 80s I've either seen myself, or on YouTube, his voice has held up the best. And that's not just a fan blowing smoke. I'm also a fan of Sammy Hagar, but. Contrary to Eddie Trunk's claims, Hagar's voice isn't what it once was, so I call it like I see it. And I'm brutally honest. And it would be inaccurate to claim Dave's voice hasn't changed since the 80s, but the changes have been all for the better. I would call it an evolution, as opposed to the wear most vocalists from that era have experienced. And Dave's distinctive guitar playing is as amazing as ever. Nobody can use a toggle switch as a kill switch quite like Dave. And his passionate vibrato and bends are unparalleled in the industry. While Phil Kennemore's presence is missed, John Nymann does a hell of a job covering background vocals, and providing vocals to squeeze, the Kennemore voiced classic. John does the song justice, nailing the primal screams that Phil once provided. All this while laying down stellar rhythms and trading leads with Dave every once in a while. Mike Vanderhule and Aaron Lee round out the band's Rhythm section, nailing down the backbone and bottom end of the band's sound, respectively. Mike is a monster behind the drum kit bringing to life drum parts originally associated with Leonard Haze and Jimmy DeGrasso. And reprising his parts on the Facemelter classic "I'm Coming Home". While it would be impossible to replace the presence of Phil, Leonard or Joey, the current lineup is a solid backdrop of stellar players for Dave Meniketti to keep the spirit of Y&T alive, for all members, past and present. They also each bring an element to the band through their performances that will keep Y&T's spirit alive as long as Dave and the fans want to. As John told me, they all love Y&T as much as the fans. And, speaking strictly as a fan, that spirit from yesterday is sorely needed today.
