 |
| Y&T @ the Mystic Theatre (Photo: Sean Reiter) |
Into The Mystic Again with Y&T
For twenty years, Y&T fans have been making an annual pilgrimage to Petaluma’s Mystic Theatre for a weekend reunion of shows by the Bay Area’s beloved hard rock band. Y&T Mystic Weekend 2022 held a special place for multiple reasons. The masking and weight of Covid had passed bringing a sense of a return to the norm, but fans were focused on the health of lead singer, guitarist and founder Dave Meniketti. The last remaining member of the original 1974 lineup, Meniketti revealed in February of this year that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and many of 2022’s shows and tours had been canceled to ensure his energy was focused on treatment and recovery.
 |
| Y&T @ the Mystic Theatre (Photo: Sean Reiter) |
But the traditional Petaluma residency weekend before Thanksgiving had sold out long ago and Meniketti was bursting with energy at Saturday’s final show of the weekend. Despite a little half-hearted tease (“Two songs – that’s it. I’m done!” he joked after the second song), he seemed in great spirits and health throughout the nearly two-hour set. Taking the stage to their longtime theme “From the Moon,” the band launched the night with “Open Fire” and then into “Straight Thru the Heart” the band began a set that focused heavily on the hits – and there are many.
 |
| Y&T's Dave Meniketti @ the Mystic Theatre (Photo: Sean Reiter) |
Though only Meniketti survives from the original lineup, the current edition has been together for some time and more than capably upholds the band’s tradition of musical excellence. Guitarist John Nymann has now been with the band for 20 years. Drummer Mike Vanderhule came aboard in 2006 and bassist Aaron Leigh hit the stage in 2016.
 |
| Dave Meniketti of Y&T @ the Mystic Theatre (Photo: Sean Reiter) |
There is certainly a Bay Area bias in this statement, but (imo) no hard rock / heavy metal band had a more consistent and stronger album run than Y&T in the early 1980’s with four successive great albums that have held quality through the test of time. Meniketti and his mates delivered a steady stream of the big hits and singalong-worthy gems. The crowd made up mostly of folks who likely remember Y&T’s classic Day on the Green 1984 appearance, sang-along with all songs and the weekend always feels equal parts reunion and concert.
 |
| Y&T @ the Mystic Theatre (Photo: Sean Reiter) |
1981’s Earthshaker was represented on this night by favorites “Hurricane” and “Rescue Me” – along with a rousing version of “Dirty Girl” and an epic “I Believe in You” with huge fireworks from Meniketti on guitar. “How the hell do you top that?!” one of the fans up close shouted out laughing when the song that has served as a magnificent set-closer in the past came to it crescendo finish. The band somehow found a way to do that for 8 more songs.
 |
| Y&T @ the Mystic Theatre (Photo: Sean Reiter) |
1982’s Black Tiger was spotlighted with the opening “Open Fire,” a rollicking “Barroom Boogie (not on the original setlist, but inserted due to a shouted-out request according to Meniketti) and then ended the night with “Black Tiger” followed by an encore of “Hell or High Water” (featuring an incredible solo by guitarist Nymann) and “Forever” in their original album order.
 |
| Dave Meniketti of Y&T @ the Mystic Theatre (Photo: Sean Reiter) |
1983’s Mean Streak was present with “Straight Thru the Heart,” “Mean Streak,” “Lonely Side of Town,” “Hang ‘Em High” and a levitating “Midnight in Tokyo” that saw Meniketti and Nymann layering their guitars in a dual solo for the ages.
In Rock We Trust – the 1984 album that saw Y&T tour with their take on Iron Maiden’s mascot Eddie with “Rock” a giant tin robot guitarist (whose costume was filled at times by now current guitarist Nymann) – saw two songs in “Lipstick and Leather” and “Don’t Stop Runnin’” back-to-back early in the set.
 |
| Y&T's Aaron Leigh @ the Mystic Theatre (Photo: Sean Reiter) |
Y&T bassist Leigh opened the Saturday show with a solo 12-string acoustic guitar set that included unique retellings of David Bowie (“Space Oddity”), Fleetwood Mac (“The Chain”), Pink Floyd (“Time”) and Prince (“Who plays ‘Raspberry Beret’ at a Y&T concert?” Leigh joked). He wrapped up the set with his first acoustic performance of his solo track “Insanity.” Leigh is definitely worth following for solo performances. Friday night’s concert was opened by guitarist Nymann - getting his chance to demonstrate his solo chops.
Thanks for reading and while you're at it, you can follow us as well here: Instagram | Facebook.
