Another Monday night and back to Bochum, this time to see Y&T playing at the Matrix. When Dirty Passion from Malmö entered the stage only a few dozen people were waiting in front of the stage, but singer Emil Ekbladh and his pals came to rock. The Swedish foursome offered some 80's hard rock with a dash sleaze and some heaviness. Most of the Y&T fans didn't know the band - like me -, but the guys did their best to entertain the people. It was their first time in Germany as Emil Ekbladh explained and he thanked the audience for treating Dirty Passion nicely. Partly Björn Wilander's bass was a bit too prominent, but Y&T isn't the kind of band who gives their support a bad sound and almost no lights. After the rocker Self-Destructive Emil Ekbladh announced that they will slow down a bit... And with Don't Say It's Over they presented a ballad. Most of their songs were rock tune with 80's-like choirs, heavy riffs and a catchy hook. Dirty Passion left a positive impression and I hope to hear more of these guys.
After a change over it was time for Y&T! From The Moon came out of the speakers and the band enter the stage to kick off with Open Fire. And right from the start there was the magic of Y&T moving the people. Even if only about 120 fans came to see the band, the atmosphere was incredible. From the first note the Y&T lovers sang along. I didn't expect Don't Wanna Lose You so early in the set, but well... After Hard Times a fan was shouting for Rock'n'Roll's Gonna Save The World which surprised mainman Dave Meniketti - and exactly that's what they delivered next, followed by Dirty Girl. During Mean Streak Phil Kennemore had some problems with his bass, but the band kept playing. "Man, I'm glad the bass is back!" Dave Meniketti stated. "Do you know what's coming?" Meniketti asked and played the first notes of Keep On Believing. When it was time for Black Tiger it was Mike Vanderhaule's turn to kick off. Black Tiger is definitely one of the highlights of every Y&T show! Before they could continue Mr. Meniketti had to tune his guitar which he commented "It's an old, old guitar. It needs some help... Have it since '68... I Believe In You!" I was happy that this time Midnight In Tokyo made it onto the set list, I always loved that one. "Anything you want to hear?" Mr. Y&T asked and some fans shouted "Break Out Tonight!" "That's a fu**ing honor. But I don't remember the lyrics now, you guys have to sing!" But after a few moments Dave Meniketti stopped and apologized that he can't do this one. I guess next time around they will be prepared for this one... They started playing My Way Or The Highway, but soon stopped again - again the lyrics were gone. When Dave Meniketti mentioned Barroom Boogie everybody expected this one to be next, but before they continued he got a beaker handed by their roadie... "Sorry, in Germany this is a must have, a shot of Jägermeister." After he drowned it they played Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark off Ten, one of my favorite albums and songs, even if it needed to grow on many fans when it came out. After their US hit single Summertime Girls it was time to introduce the band, but everybody in the house knew the guys on stage. It was obvious that they enjoyed playing, being on the road again. Looks Like Trouble... And then it was time for Phil Kennemore to take over the mic for Squeeze Me. Phil addressed the people with a friendly "Hey motherfuckers!" The answer to this... "Fu** you Phil!" Mr. K smiled and commented "You make me missing my wife. She always calls me 'Fu** you Phil'. 10 days from home now and you make me miss her!" Kennemore's probably not the best singer, but a good entertainer and so Squeeze Me was a lot of fun. And with Forever they finished their set. Meniketti's emotional vocals - and his guitar play - make songs like this special. The Californian's played more then 2 hours and returned for another song - Rescue Me! Even with 2:15 hrs. stage time it seemed to be over way to early. Some songs were missed by one or the other - like Hurricane, Barroom Boogie, Come In From The Rain, Beautiful Dreamer or Winds Of Change... Again Y&T delivered a great show which is definitely in my top 5 concerts of the year - as always. These guys won't disappoint their fans! They will be back in 2010! And I guess everybody who saw them rock Europe on this run will show up next time... And hopefully bring some friends to party!