Thanks to the combination of rush hour traffic and an earlier than usual start time meant that on arriving at the venue, 80s Rock legend and latterly New Country star, Ron Keel was half way through his solo acoustic set with “Because The Night” and the Keel classic “Tears of Fire” already done. The remainder of the entertaining set included covers of “Heaven and Hell” with the justification for inclusion of “because I was in Sabbath for 3 days!!” and Bad Company’s “Shooting Star”.
As Ron Keel closed his set with “Does Anybody Believe”, a track of the forthcoming Keel album, he pledged to return next year with his full band to Rock the UK.
Right from the moment they hit the stage it was clear that something wasn’t quite right with Y&T mainman Dave Meniketti and when he stepped up to the microphone for opening number “Hurricane” his usual power packed, soulful voice was reduced to more of a croak. As “Don’t Wanna Lose” and “Hang ‘Em High” followed, Meniketti looked in a lot of pain much to the concern of his worried bandmates.
Rather than call it a day early on however, Y&T to their immense credit soldiered on with Meniketti apologising profusely to the sympathetic crowd for the viral infection that he was suffering from. “Barroom Boogie” and “I Believe In You” followed and highlighted Meniketti’s wonderful fluid, melodic solos. That was one thing the infection couldn’t affect as Meniketti showed time and again why he is one of the finest six string slingers of his generation.
Following “Midnight in Tokyo” both Phil Kennemore and John Nymann were looking increasingly concerned with Meniketti’s health but still he insisted that the show must go on and the remainder of the set featured a rearranged setlist with an extended Blues jam giving Meniketti’s voice the chance of a much needed rest as did Phil Kennemore’s lead vocal on “Squeeze”. Kennemore clearly relished his moment in the spotlight and led the crowd on a hilarious chant before Mike Vanderhule’s drum solo kicked in.
With Meniketti still struggling vocally it was time for John Nymann to step up, and despite looking a little apprehensive, pulled off an inspired version of “Alcohol” from the days when the band was called Yesterday and Today.
“Rescue Me” and “Forever” closed the show with the crowd joining in to help the band and produced an extra special and moving atmosphere as the crowd and band really pulled together to finish the show on a real high.
Y&T and the Newcastle crowd have always had a strong bond and on a night when a flu stricken Dave Meniketti bravely soldiered on against the odds with the help of his bandmates, that bond grew so much stronger. The enthusiastic ovation that the band received on leaving the stage was testament to the appreciation felt by the crowd for the sheer effort and professionalism shown by Y&T during the evening. Dave Meniketti’s promise of an extended set at Newcastle on the next tour to show his gratitude was met with a roar of approval and you can bet that a capacity crowd will welcome Y&T back to Newcastle with open arms.
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