Live | Y&T – Nieuwe Nor-Heerlen [NL]

15 October 2024

Y & T, formed in 1974, under the name Yesterday And Today exists 50 years and is celebrating it with, their 50th Anniversary Tour. Tuesday, October 15th, Dave Meniketti (guitar, vocals), John Nymann (guitar), Aaron Leigh (bass guitar) and Mike Vanderhule (drums) played at De Nieuwe Nor in Heerlen.

What is clear in any case is that this band is still immensely popular among fans of melodic hard rock. Not surprising of course, because they have made some legendary records in their 50 years of existence. The highlight is probably the ‘Earthshaker’ album from 1981. But others might have other favorites.

SOLD OUT

The audience in Nieuwe Nor Heerlen comes from all over the Euregion. Dutchmen, Belgians, Germans and even a single French and Englishman and woman. The Nieuwe Nor is therefore practically sold out with just under 700 visitors. I think that says enough about the popularity of Y&T anno 2024. Of course Dave Meniketti is the only band member who has been part of this legendary outfit from day one, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that he has managed to gather a top band around him.

From the first song ,,Hurricane”, show starts 8 p.m., it is clear that the sound is great and Mr. Meniketti ‘s vocal chords have stood the test of time insanely well. Not to mention his guitar playing, which is not of this world.

Actually, this was one of those nights where you could experience how the ‘big’ guys make music. And that is no punishment at all.

Classics like ,,I Believe In You”, ,,Rescue Me” or even ,,25 Hours A Day” from the 1976 debut album are timeless songs and sound like a solid concrete wall in 2024. These songs have aged very well. In any case, it delivers numerous goosebump moments and the audience clearly enjoys it.

OLD SCHOOL

What I found remarkable in itself was the use of a rather austere light show. Which consisted mainly of the traditional color spotlights and actually quite little to no use of newer techniques such as the nowadays mostly used moving heads. No this light show was pretty old school, which in itself added to the experience.
The audience [which on average was quite older] did not care at all and they went crazy. And that is the most important thing.

With a set list of 20 songs the people were amply served by the gentlemen of Y&T. When a gem like Y&T is on tour and you have the chance to see them at work, you definitely shouldn’t pass it up. Because honestly, you never know how long [and I hope for a very long time] we will get to enjoy this band live. For now at least, Y&T is still very much alive and kicking.

Top night!!!

SETLIST

Hurricane

Rock & Roll’s Gonna Save The World
25 Hours A Day
Struck Down
Don’t Stop Runnin’
How Long
Mean Streak
Long Way Down
Midnight In Tokyo
Contagious
I Believe In You
Gimme The Beat
Summertime Girls
Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark
Black Tiger
Dirty Girl
I’m Coming Home
Rescue Me

Encore:
Hang ‘Em High
Forever

All photos by Raymond Helebrand