Quite shocking news regarding Dave’s health….do not really know what to say except all the best!
Take your time to get back on your feet in good health!
Y&T frontman Dave Meniketti has announced that he is battling prostate cancer.
The 68-year-old guitarist/vocalist revealed his diagnosis in a social media post on Friday (February 18). He wrote: “After numerous blood tests, an extensive MRI, and last Friday’s biopsy, I have been diagnosed with Prostate cancer. My doctor says we caught it early and the likelihood of surviving this is very high. Over 90% of patients with this type of cancer (thankfully mine is relatively slow growing) are cured and live out their life expectancy. Having spent a lifetime of staying on top of my health, and having caught this early, may be the reason why I should fully survive this.
“I urge everyone to listen to your bodies & get regular checkups. I know plenty of people that didn’t do that, and it has been the difference between an extended life and death.
“Concerning how this affects upcoming shows, the Santa Cruz and Tracy Theatre shows will be unaffected by this and will go on as planned. But because of my lengthy treatment schedule, coming after those shows, we must cancel the Phoenix, Las Vegas, Hollywood, and San Juan Capistrano shows. Check the Y&T tour dates page for updates. We’re expecting all other shows to remain intact.
“Though I’m generally not a person that believes entertainers need to share their medical issues in public, I felt it was just too hard to keep everyone in doubt…especially since many of you have been with us for Y&T‘s almost 50-year career and are like extended family.
“Regardless of this news, I am doing fine, feeling well, and look forward to getting this behind me and continuing to bring the music to you for many years to come.”
Earlier in the month, Y&T rescheduled two shows due to Meniketti having to undergo what at the time was described as a “critical medical procedure” on February 11.
John Nymann has released his first solo album titled Made In America
Guitarist & longtime member of the legendary group Y&T, John Nymann, superbly delivers to the world his long awaited and much anticipated solo release, Made In America. Well worth the wait as this crisp set of exquisitely crafted pop-rock & roll songs produced by Tesla’s Troy Luccketta, pointedly takes us back to the glory days of the 70’s, yet chimes current, fresh, and innovative as the production glimmers with everything 2020’s relevant.
This compelling debut features contributions from musical friends & contemporaries including Mr. Luccketta on drums, tracks featuring classic & current members of Y&T, Eric Martin, Frank Hannon, and the tour deforce “Fly Angel Fly” features performances by Gregg Rolie, Brad Gillis, Jimmy Lyon, Danny Chauncey, Greg Kihn & the late, great, Eddie Money.
Slowly but gradually we are getting back to normal live. It also means that bands like Y&T can pick up their live shows again. The band is already underway in the States. Check out the video below for a impression of one of the shows in Rocklin at the Quarry.
Mike Vanderhule has contributed the drumtracks to the first album by former Quiet Riot shouter James Durbin. More info below.
Former QUIET RIOT vocalist James Durbin has launched his new band, under the moniker DURBIN, and will release his aptly titled label debut, “The Beast Awakens” on February 12, 2021 on Frontiers Music. A pure, unadulterated, headbanging metal affair where James proudly wears his DIO, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest influences on his sleeve while simultaneously forging his own path, this is for fans of classic ‘80s traditional metal with a an updated sound. ”The Beast Awakens” is a celebration of Durbin’s old fashioned metal tastes and it’s the kind of record that would certainly appeal to fans of the genre’s glorious era. Its shameless old style approach is evident right from the off when ‘The Prince of Metal’ thunders from the speakers like an old Judas Priest tune. It’s got a great riff and the way its interspersed with a bit of extra bombast lends a bit more of a welcome edge. On the plus side, there’s some smart playing from former Dokken/Malmsteen bass man Barry Sparks.
The first single, a duet called “Kings Before You” with pro wrestler/Fozzy vocalist Chris Jericho which also features guitarist Phil Demmel of Machine Head, made perfectly clear that Durbin defintely raises his horns high and completely embraces his metal roots. The song is old-school leather-and-spikes metal with absolutely no apologies. Durbin was the guy responsible for getting Judas Priest to appear on American Idol, and he definitely doesn’t shy away from the influence they had on him in this track. Quite the opposite. He leans into it, delivering his best Rob Halford shrieks throughout.
Durbin also takes a melodic rock paths, and on ‘Battle Cry’ his best attempts at fusing more of an AOR melody with a trad metal results in one of the best Dokken tunes you’ve never heard. It features some great multi-layered guitar sounds against a really upfront bass riff which, coupled with a quieter vocal on the verse, brings something that’s both muscular and melodic. A highlight.
With a much dirtier riff used brilliantly throughout, the title track offers some solid classic metal that falls somewhere between Judas Priest circa 1984 and one of Dio’s recordings from the ’90s. Throughout the verse, James curls his voice in a way that gives him a huge presence and with a stormer of a guitar solo included en route, it easily becomes another of the album’s best tracks.
Another standout, ‘Calling Out For Midnight’ definitely best demonstrates the whole band’s ability to pull together on a high octane performance. Falling somewhere between classic Dokken and ‘Nature of The Beast’ era Impellitteri, it demonstrates a genuine punch in record time. Applying the vocal prowess of peak Mark Slaughter to create something even bigger, this track is the full package in terms of brilliant, no-nonsense old style metal. With a tightly wound performance, driven by some great drumming and a nice hook – taking in a massive and brilliant solo along the way – it shows what Durbin and his friends can do when he go for more melodic territory.
You have to admire James Durbin for sticking to his guns and wanting to carve a career from such an old fashioned rock style. He could do some modern metal and aim to modern radio, instead, he rocks in true metal style. ”The Beast Awakens” is part traditional metal influenced by Judas / Dio, part melodic hard rock with some Dokken feeling. Durbin has a more than reasonable voice and his hired hands can handle a broad range of metal styles with ease. Highly Recommended
01. The Prince Of Metal 02. Kings Before You 03. Into The Flames 04. The Sacred Mountain 05. The Beast Awakens 06. Evil Eye 07. Necromancer 08. Riders On The Wind 09. Calling Out For Midnight 10. Battle Cry 11. By The Horns 12. Rise To Valhalla
All Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Rhythm Guitars – James Durbin Bass – Barry Sparks Drums – Mike Vanderhule Guest Vocals – Chris Jericho Keyboards / Synths – Earl Salindo Textures / Pads – Paul Grimm Guest Lead Guitarists: Phil Demmel Jon Yadon Jr Marc Putnam Dylan Rose Nick Gallant
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