Y&T: 50 Years of Rocking Through Time Anniversary Tour Rocked!
Rocklin, CA - The joint was rocking at the Quarry Amphitheatre in Rocklin, California on April 20, 2024. Oakland’s own Y & T, originally known as Yesterday & Today, kicked off their 50th Anniversary tour to a sold out crowd. Y & T is one of the legendary bands that have shaped what heavy metal/hard rock is today. And we were lucky enough to have front row seats!
Y&T's 50th Anniversary Tour was a nostalgic journey through decades of hard rock glory. As a fan of classic rock myself, attending this concert was like to stepping into a time machine and going back to the heyday of rock music. The venue itself, sharing space with the quarry with a lot of zip lines and rock climbing, provided a unique setting for such a monumental concert. The weather for an outdoor venue couldn’t have been better – for the crowd. The band had to wear sunglasses until the 4th song to prevent being blinded by the sun!
From the moment the band took the stage, it was clear that Y & T were here to celebrate 50 years of music and the enduring spirit of rock 'n' roll. Their setlist was a showcase of their illustrious career, a treat for us die-hard rockers. As usual, Dave Meniketti's vocals were as on point as ever, effortlessly hitting every high note with the same fervor as he did in the band's early days. By about the third song, Meniketti had grabbed his guitar and showed us amateurs how it’s done. The crowd ate it up. The rest of the band, consisting of bassist Aaron Leigh, drummer Mike Vanderhule, and guitarist John Nymann, proved to be a tight-knit unit, laying down a solid foundation of rhythm and melody that allowed Meniketti to do what he does best!
2 hours of classic rock ear candy began with "Open Fire", off of the 1985 album of the same name and, by the time the band belted out "How Long", the crowd was going insane, pushing up against the barricade as Meniketti fist-bumped anyone he could reach. Other highlights of the night included timeless classics like "Rock & Roll's Gonna Save the World", "25 Hours a Day," and "Gimme the Beat," ensuring the masses the band's legacy is strong.
The crowd, a mix of longtime fans and newcomers alike, was a testament to the band's enduring appeal. From headbanging to fist-pumping, there was an undeniable sense of camaraderie among concert-goers, united by their love for Y&T's music. I was standing next to a lovely couple that has seen Y & T perform live over 30 times! When asked why, they both grinned and said, “Wouldn’t you?” (Yes, I would).
Y&T's 50th Anniversary Tour at the Rocklin Quarry Amphitheatre was a celebration of everything that makes rock 'n' roll great: passion, energy, and a love for the music. Here's to another 50 years of Y&T, and may their legacy continue to rock on for generations to come.
10 out of 10 🤘🏼
