Review by James P. Shelley
What compels someone to see the same band two times a year, year after year? A solid performance that is never less than two and quarter-hours long coupled with professional musicianship, audience participation, and rock solid sound (no pun intended). Y&T’s show at the Coach House proved no disappointment.
Now… noticeably absent from the show were hardcore fans Chris and Chase, who have been known to be in attendance at multiple SoCal shows at venues like the Galaxy Theatre and the Key Club. Where were these diehards? Working?
If you haven’t been to the Coach House, you haven’t attended a close-up, intimate, kick you-in-the-face show. Situated in South Orange County, the venue has presented artists from every music genre and every generation. Particularly noteworthy is the litany of 8X10 photos that adorn the walls of nearly everyone that has played there. You could spend hours looking at each one and wonder how you ever missed the place.
Y&T took the stage at 10, geared for a late night of camaraderie. This writer sat three seats from center stage, ready for an uninterrupted performance by one of rock’s most underrated bands. Noticeably absent was Phil Kennemore, the band’s original bassist, who passed away January 7 (2011). Newcomer Brad Lang demonstrated his ability to carry on the Y&T tradition by entertaining the crowd with excellent bass work and the perpetual smile upon his face.
Opening with “On With The Show,” from their 2010 album Facemelter, the band hit hard and furious. Frontman Dave Meniketti didn’t disappoint as his voice sounded as if it were 1972 again. Now, many singers take a song or two to get their voice acclimated, but not Meniketti. He hits the stage roaring. Granted, the sound technician had to do some adjusting, but the singer explained to the crowd that his guy was new — and German (German engineering…?).
Not missing a beat, “Afraid Of The Dark” got many on their feet as John Nyman, guitarist and vocalist, pressed on with his stage mates and exercised every finger… contorting his wrist and arm in a way that would shame the most ardent yoga student.
“Black Tiger”, a favorite among fans, sounded as polished as any Y&T hit, and the band hit it note for note. At the conclusion,Meniketti commented about how his soundman made certain “those fucking leads are loud and clear!”
“Shine On” led into “Hurricane,” which damn near brought the house down! Considered by many to be the most “shreddist” of songs, it illustrated Meniketti’s virtuoso talent. Amazing is just one word to describe his talent, and this writer’s guest sat absolutely mesmerized by the frantic guitar playing, not blinking her eyes lest she miss a note. She, as a budding guitarist, later told me that watching the seemingly endless fight between fingers, strings, and frets served as an inspiration for continued practicing. Watch out Taylor Swift!
“Don’t bring me Down” and “Mean Streak” seemed to bring out the singers in the crowd as observations included people quietly — and not so quietly — participating. You could tell these were hardcore fans, and I’ve never seen so many people sporting their favorite iterations of Y&T schwag.
The band included a plethora of material from their Earthshaker LP. Funnyman Meniketti commented about it being the 30th anniversary of that “CD” until someone mentioned it was “vinyl.” He questioned whether there were any kids in the house who knew what vinyl was. The band played every song from that “LP” with the exception of “Shake It Loose” and “Young And Tough.”
Drummer Mike Vanderhule was spot-on for the entire evening and seemed to enjoy making sounds into the microphone teasing Meniketti who, without blinking an eye, jested right back. This wasn’t just a rock show. It was comparable to having the band right in your own living room, complete with comedy and a fair share of cussing.
“Knock you Out” led into a solid seven-minute drum solo perfectly executed by Vanderhule. Does this guy have four hands and three feet? It sure sounded like it! Think The Matrix.. I swear, the guy was so quick he could have dodged bullets that evening. And he didn’t break a sweat. Truly, it was an outstanding demonstration of his tenacity to beat the hell out of his kit. — and finish with a smile.
A house guest named Lucy inspired the band to play a couple of minutes of “Lucy,” pulled from their album 10. Not on the set list, it was a treat that left the crowd salivating for the entire song. It definitely should be added to the set list for future shows.
“Barroom Boogie” was followed by “Summertime Girls”. Golden. Pure magic. The knowing glances between the band members signaled they knew they were continuing the roll. And the crowd just loved it.
The highlight of the evening occurred when John Nyman sauntered up to center mic and said to the crowd, while pointing his arm and finger up to the heavens: “This one’s for you, Phil.” And the band launched into a bittersweet rendition of “Squeeze.” I’m sure there were but a few dry eyes in the house, and especially for those who always enjoyed Phil Kennemore screaming the hell out of the tune. At the conclusion, the crowd took to their feet out of respect for the band’s lost brother. “I’m Coming Home,” another one from Facemelter, continued the tribute. The video, if you haven’t seen it, features the last video appearance by Kennemore.
Taking the obligatory break — pre-encore — no one in the crowd moved or left the venue. The setlist called for three concluding songs, but without “Lipstick and Leather.” Granted., when your set is approaching the two-and-half-hour mark, on a Wednesday… you close with the show stoppers. “Contagious” compelled the crowd to wave their fists in the air, chanting along, while “Forever” closed the show to raorious applause and a standing ovation. No disappointments.
What’s the synopsis? If you get the opportunity to see Y&T in your town, you gotta check them out. Likely, it will turn into an obsessive attempt to see them again and again. You’ll wonder why you hadn’t checked them out sooner.
