Y&T!!!

I apologize for being so behind on uploading actionshots. This past month has been super busy for me finishing up high school and whatnot. Without further ado, here's the pictures and a review of the show I saw the night after Queensrÿche...

Never before had I spent 2 consecutive nights at the legendary Arcada Theater, so the first weekend of May was a real treat for me. Not only was I catching 2 shows in a row at the Arcada, but the shows were of 2 of my favorite bands! Friday night was spent with progressive metal masters, Queensrÿche (actionshots already posted). Saturday night was spent with hard rock heroes, Y&T. This was my second time seeing Y&T, having previously seen them deliver a blistering set at the Arcada a little over a year ago.

Interestingly enough, the venue wasn't the only thing that both Friday and Saturday night had in common. Local defenders of the faith, Shokker, returned for a second night of opening duty and just like the night before, brought the house down. Apparently, Ron Onesti (Arcada promoter) did not have an opener and asked Shokker at the last second (the night before) if they wanted to stick around for Saturday. Despite singer Rachl "Raxx" Quinn battling a virus, they jumped at the opportunity to share the stage with the band they labeled their "biggest influence". By the end of the night, Quinn's voice had completely disappeared. It's amazing she was able to pull through as long as she did.

Now it was time for the big show, Y&T!!! Much like the year before, they delivered an over 2 and a half hour set and gave it all they had. I'm not sure if there are any bands out there who play with as much heart and soul as Y&T. The energy they create with the audience is something that cannot be described, but felt. At 63, Dave Meniketti still shreds on the guitar and belts out that signature voice of his, untouched by time. He very well may be the most underrated in his profession. The set featured many songs that weren't played last year and 2 fan requests: "Lonely Side of Town" and "Open Fire". Other highlights included hearing the epic power ballad, "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark", as well as Earthshaker deep track, "Let Me Go".

And like every show they have done, Dave and the boys stick around to say hi to the people who put them where they are today. It's their way of saying thanks for showing up which is something else in this day and age of the "VIP package". At a Y&T show, every fan is a VIP. If you haven't seen this band live yet for some reason or another, do yourself a favor and do so. You won't be disappointed.