Farewell Leonard Haze

Leonard Haze, original drummer of Y&T, has died. He was 61. A press release announcing Haze's death mentions the musicians's COPD, but it isn't clear if that was the cause of death. Haze apparently died in his sleep.

Haze left Y&T in 1986. He returned to the band from 2001-2006. The HazeXperience was his main project for many years.

Founding Y&T drummer Leonard Haze dies at 61: https://t.co/sjqsVPZzWO pic.twitter.com/Eyk1kxM4Mr

— UltimateClassicRock (@UltClassicRock) September 12, 2016

Comments

[Ace Steele]

Leonard was an absolute powerhouse of a drummer, and a hell of a nice guy.
I saw the original "Yesterday & Today" many times in the late 70's & early 80's , at the Starwood, including the time that Motley Crue played their very first professional gig, opening the show... and getting spit on by the audience.

[Him]

RIP Mr. Haze, one of the song-writing contributors to some of Y&T's greatest hits.

Ace, did you even see him play with Gillan?

[Ace Steele]

HIM" I missed that!

[Him]

Bummer, Ace. I would have loved to have heard your recollections of a screamer and a single bass drum thrasher sharing the stage.

This, though, gives a sense of what it might have been like:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5p8Sonqhx4

And that seems pretty damn good to me.

[Shawn]

Another sad loss - gone too soon. only 61 maybe I better start living better - What a year so far for deaths in the music world.

[Badland]

Did anyone see Weekend At Bernie's this weekend?

[fletch]

72 hours to rock...

[Bob]

This makes me sad. haze had a right foot on the kick drum as fast as John Bonham. No, i am not exaggerating. If you don't believe me, listen to "Game Playin' woman" from the first yesterday and Today album. haze's work on the single kick drum is mind-blowing.

[Gary]

And I believe that was way before ghost pedals made shit easier for drummers Bob. As was stated, guy was a powerhouse. RIP Mr. Haze.

[Bob]

Amen Gary. I started playing drums in 1974, and I can attest that kick pedals were very unforgiving back then. Yesterday and Today's first album came out in '76, but they were doing those tunes as early as '74.

[Him]

Thanks, Bob and Gary. It is nice to hear musicians (not just fans) singing the praises of a guy who probably won't get the credit he deserves. Very cool of both of you.