Bon Scott Chose Us Over AC/DC: The Rollercoaster Story of Y&T, The Greatest Hard Rock Band That Never Made It Big

San Francisco’s Y&T: The Underrated Hard Rock Giants of the Late 70s and 80s

San Francisco’s Y&T, renowned for their electrifying albums such as Earthshaker and Black Tiger, and iconic tracks like “Rescue Me” and “Summertime Girls,” never quite saw their reputation as hard rock titans translate into massive sales. In 2005, frontman Dave Meniketti sat down with Classic Rock to reminisce about the band’s turbulent yet illustrious career.

The Challenge of Band Reunions

Most band reunions are often a disappointment, typically thrown together out of desperation and missing key members. However, Y&T defied these odds during their 2005 UK tour, marking their first performance there in 22 years. Their live shows retained the powerhouse energy of their earlier days, proving their enduring prowess.

Though rhythm guitarist Joey Alves was absent, Dave Meniketti’s powerful vocals, Phil Kennemore’s seemingly ageless bass performance, and Leonard Haze’s vigorous drumming showcased that Y&T still had their magic. The band’s vast repertoire allowed them to improvise most nights, performing planned material for half an hour before taking audience requests, often playing for over two hours.

The Early Days: From Yesterday & Today to Y&T

Formed in the Bay Area in the early 70s, the band, initially known as Yesterday & Today, signed with London Records and released two albums: their 1976 self-titled debut and 1978’s Struck Down. Shortening their name to Y&T, they garnered a following in Los Angeles, frequently performing at the Starwood Club, where future giants like Van Halen and Mötley Crüe opened for them.

Dave Meniketti recalls how many bands that later became famous admired Y&T, with musicians like Bobby Blotzer of Ratt and Blackie Lawless of WASP often seeking to meet them backstage.

Breakthrough with Earthshaker

Y&T’s fortunes surged with the release of Earthshaker in 1981, a commercial hard rock masterpiece. “Rescue Me” and “I Believe In You” stood out, both beginning with acoustic intros before exploding into powerful anthems. The band was stunned by their impact, especially in Europe, and their legendary 1982 shows at London’s Marquee Club are still remembered for their intensity.

Their follow-up, Black Tiger, recorded in Surrey with producer Max Norman, carried the momentum forward. The band’s stay in the serene English countryside influenced the album’s vibe, blending the tranquility of their surroundings with the adrenaline of their live performances.

Struggles and Highs: Touring with AC/DC and Offers from Ozzy Osbourne

Despite the success of Earthshaker and Black Tiger, their next album, Mean Streak (1983), didn’t match its predecessors’ acclaim. However, their live performances, including an appearance at the Reading Festival and a tour with AC/DC, solidified their reputation. Meniketti fondly remembers Bon Scott choosing to hang out with Y&T over AC/DC because they were more fun.

During this tour, Ozzy Osbourne famously asked Meniketti to join his band, an offer Dave declined to avoid upsetting his bandmates.

Hellraising and Challenges with Record Labels

Y&T were known for their wild antics, often leading to clashes with other bands. Mötley Crüe’s manager once had to separate the two bands to avoid further chaos.

Their 1984 album, In Rock We Trust, despite having some depth, faced harsh criticism from the UK press. This negativity affected their performance at the Castle Donington festival, where they faced some hostility from the audience.

The Decline: Changing Labels and the Impact of Grunge

By the late 80s, Y&T switched to Geffen Records, releasing Contagious and Ten, with new members Jimmy DeGrasso and Stef Burns. However, the rise of grunge and internal issues, including drugs and personal problems, led to their split in 1990 after releasing Yesterday & Today Live.

Reunions and Legacy

Despite disbanding, Y&T reunited for special events and released Musically Incorrect (1995) and Endangered Species (1997). Their performance at the 2003 Sweden Rock Festival inspired a permanent reunion, with John Nymann replacing Joey Alves. They continued to tour and work on new material, believing in the importance of producing new music despite the changing industry landscape.

Conclusion

Y&T’s journey is a testament to their resilience and talent. Despite never achieving massive commercial success, their influence on the hard rock genre and their dedicated fan base remains undeniable. With memorable albums, legendary live shows, and a story filled with highs and lows, Y&T will always be remembered as one of the greatest hard rock bands that almost made it big.