‘On with the show’. The name of Y&T’s new European tour couldn’t be more appropriate. With the passing earlier this year of bass player and co-founder Phil Kennemore, Y&T had a hard time. Although it must have been tough, sole survivor Dave Meniketti took the best decision in his life when he decided to continue with this unique band. And I’m pretty sure that’s what Phil would have wanted…

Still it’s a strange sight not seeing him on stage next to Dave, but just as on last year’s tour Brad Lang took his role as a new member full to heart and delivered the goods. As with every show I witnessed from this outfit during the last decade, Y&T is at their best on stage. The word has been spread more and more over the years and tonight I saw many parents even bringing their children along to witness their show. A full packed Biebob saw a blistering show from this fourpiece again with a greatest hits set that lasted for two and a half hours if you please.

A steaming set was what everyone expected and was what we’ve got. Some songs have been played and heard for the umpteenth time such as ‘Black Tiger’, ‘Dirty Girl’ or ‘Mean streak’. Still, thanks to the excellent performance and the sheer joy of playing, it’s a treat for both eyes and ears. This year it has been 30 years since the release of their classic third album “Earthshaker” and what better way to celebrate this by bringing this masterpiece in its entirety. A great chance to finally hear forgotten songs again like ‘Shake It Loose’, ‘Knock You Out’, ‘Young And Tough’ and ‘Squeeze’ that was sung by John Nyman.

Famous producer Tom Allom (Judas Priest, Def Leppard, Krokus) appeared to be in the crowd tonight. He was responsible for Y&T’s ‘In Rock We Trust’ and with ‘Lipstick and Leather’ and ‘Don’t Stop Runnin’ some songs from that album were part of the set list tonight. Pièce de resistance however was again a mind blowing version of ‘I Believe In You’ with Meniketti at his top best. The emotions running out of his Gibson during this super ballad touched every soul at the Biebob and delivered him a long and loud ovation. With ‘Forever’ the long but entertaining set of the Californians came to an end. Just as you think Y&T couldn’t improve their last passage, once again they knock you out with a more stunning show. Absolutely brilliant!