Remembering Phil Kennemore

Phil Kennemore, bassist for Y&T, died Friday from lung cancer. He was 57.

Y&T was is one of those underrated rock acts. Sort of Glam, sort of not, they gained fans from both the straight rock and Glam worlds. The California band formed in 1972 but got hot during the 80s when metal ruled.

After Phil's death, Y&T singer Dave Meniketti issue a statement online:

"As a musician, with those huge fingers, his bass playing was always loud, strong, and deep, filling the largest or smallest of stages equally. I will miss his sense of humor, his amazing wit, but most of all I will always miss not seeing him to my left on the stages I will play from this moment forward."

I saw Y&T live twice: once at Rocklahoma and once at M3. Admittedly I'm not a Y&T die hard but I was immediately sucked in by the excitement when I saw them perform for the first time.

Do you have a special Phil memory?

Comments

[mom2ross]

My man introduced me to Y & T about 5 years ago. He calls them "the best band that never was". So much talent and great songs - sad that their only "hit" is my least favorite song ("Summertime Girls"). We were lucky enough to see them three times at local clubs here in Chicagoland. We were also lucky enough to have met them twice. I'll tell anyone who will listen that they're the most generous, humble and appreciative band. Each time after shows that just rocked the place, they took the time to sign autographs, take pictures and just talk with their fans. I've got nothing but great memories of Phil Kennemore, it's a very sad loss to his family, friends and fans. Most called him "Big Phil" and he had the talent and personality to match. If you look at the songs he's written, they're just incredible. Match that with Dave Meniketti's lead guitar and lead vocals - and you've got something. I was honored to have seen them and privileged to have met him. He will be sadly missed.

And thank you for posting this, I would love for more people to discover them.

[tsgrappler]

I first saw Y&T at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek, MI as they opened for Motley Crue on the Theatre of Pain tour when I was 14. I was instantly a fan as they were promoting "In Rock We Trust." One of the top ten best cd's from beginning to end. The show was incredible and the energy they had on the stage was unmatched. I got the opportunity to relive my childhood as I saw them at Rocklahoma and boy, what another great show. Phil will be missed and if you have the chance listen to I.R.W.T. to pay tribute and give them a chance you will instantly become a fan. God Bless the Y&T family.

[Gil]

The one and only time I have seen Y&T was at Rock The Bayou in Houston a few years ago. I never really followed them, but they were good. It's always sad when someone dies early. RIP.

[Allyson]

Gil,

I forgot that Y&T was at Rock the Bayou. I was at that as well, so I guess I've seen the band three times. Thanks for the reminder!

[Gary]

RIP Phil. You'll now be holding down the bottom end in the greatest band ever.....

[reptileblvd]

The first ourdoor show I attended as a young teen over twenty years ago Stryper, Y-n-T, and TNT. Great show but most importantly I discovered Y-n-T have been a big fan ever since. RIP Phil!

[Rich]

Great band, great bass player. Y&T has always been tremendously underrated. RIP Phil - I hope that Dave will continue to put out his brand of great music. Rock on!

[Metalboy!]

Man, I wish I had seen these guys. I had my chance back in the mid-eighties and went to the beach instead. Ugh!

"Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark" and "Black Tiger" my faves by them, though "Summertime Girls" is nearly as good.

[riverdog]

Great band. Great bass player. I was lucky enough to see them once, over 25 years ago opening for Motley Crue in Glens Falls, NY. Great show!