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: Steelhouse Festival Forums
Band Bio | Band Members | Album List | Steelhouse Festival Appearances | Overall Review
Formed in Oakland, California in 1974, Y&T (short for Yesterday & Today) quickly became one of the most respected and criminally underrated hard rock bands of their era. With thunderous riffs, soaring vocals, and the kind of songwriting that could pack stadiums, they were a major influence on acts like Metallica and Mötley Crüe.
While they flirted with mainstream success during the glam metal boom of the ‘80s, Y&T have always been the real deal—gritty, authentic, and dedicated to the riff.
Frontman Dave Meniketti is not just a shredder; he's a national treasure—a vocalist and guitarist who brings pure emotion with every note.
RIP to original bassist Phil Kennemore, who passed away in 2011.
Must-hears: “Forever,” “Mean Streak,” “I Believe in You,” “Rescue Me,” “Black Tiger”
Verdict: Veterans? Sure. But make no mistake—Y&T came to Steelhouse in 2013 with something to prove, and they absolutely owned the mountain.
Dave’s voice? Still a powerhouse.
The solos? Surgical yet savage.
The crowd? Completely hooked.
Their blend of melodic hard rock and classic heavy metal hit the sweet spot for Steelhouse. And the fact they influenced half the bands on the lineup? Not lost on anyone.
Band Bio
Formed in Oakland, California in 1974, Y&T (short for Yesterday & Today) quickly became one of the most respected and criminally underrated hard rock bands of their era. With thunderous riffs, soaring vocals, and the kind of songwriting that could pack stadiums, they were a major influence on acts like Metallica and Mötley Crüe.
While they flirted with mainstream success during the glam metal boom of the ‘80s, Y&T have always been the real deal—gritty, authentic, and dedicated to the riff.
Frontman Dave Meniketti is not just a shredder; he's a national treasure—a vocalist and guitarist who brings pure emotion with every note.
Band Members (Steelhouse era and beyond)
- Dave Meniketti – Lead Vocals / Guitar (1974–present)
- Aaron Leigh – Bass / Backing Vocals
- John Nymann – Guitar / Backing Vocals
- Mike Vanderhule – Drums / Cymbal Destroyer
RIP to original bassist Phil Kennemore, who passed away in 2011.
Album List (Select Highlights)
- Yesterday and Today (1976) – Their raw and wild debut
- Struck Down (1978) – Early signs of what was to come
- Earthshaker (1981) – A genre-defining classic
- Black Tiger (1982) – Feral, melodic, iconic
- Mean Streak (1983) – The title track is a certified banger
- In Rock We Trust (1984) – Their most commercially successful
- Facemelter (2010) – First album in over a decade—and it slaps
- Contagious (1987) – Underrated melodic gold
- Ten (1990) – Heavier, darker, and still full of hooks
Must-hears: “Forever,” “Mean Streak,” “I Believe in You,” “Rescue Me,” “Black Tiger”
Steelhouse Festival Appearances
- 2013 – A true legacy set that brought fans of all generations to the front barrier. The weather may have been grey, but the performance was blazing.
Overall Review
Verdict: Veterans? Sure. But make no mistake—Y&T came to Steelhouse in 2013 with something to prove, and they absolutely owned the mountain.
Dave’s voice? Still a powerhouse.
The solos? Surgical yet savage.
The crowd? Completely hooked.
Their blend of melodic hard rock and classic heavy metal hit the sweet spot for Steelhouse. And the fact they influenced half the bands on the lineup? Not lost on anyone.
