About This Footage
In the dimly lit, smoky clubs of Oakland's 1970s music scene, a young Y&T was forging their sound, a fusion of hard rock and heavy metal that would soon capture the attention of fans across the country. The band's early years were marked by a series of lineup changes, but it wasn't until 1974 that they solidified their classic configuration, featuring Dave Meniketti on guitar, Leonard Haze on bass, Philip Kennemore on drums, and Joey Alves on guitar.
This rare footage, "Say Anything - Alive With The Glory Of Love (MUSIC VIDEO)," is a testament to Y&T's early struggles and ultimate triumph. Filmed at an unspecified location in the late 1970s or early 1980s, it showcases the band's raw energy and unbridled passion for their craft. The video itself is a grainy, black-and-white affair, with the sound quality mirroring the era in which it was recorded.
At this point in Y&T's career, they had already released two studio albums under the moniker Yesterday & Today on London Records, but it wasn't until 1981 that they began to gain significant traction with their self-titled album on A&M Records. This marked a turning point for the band, as they transitioned from a local Oakland favorite to a national force in the hard rock and heavy metal scene.
What makes this footage so notable is its rarity. Unlike many of their contemporaries, Y&T has never been one to court controversy or push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in the world of hard rock. Instead, they focused on crafting music that was both accessible and authentic, earning them a loyal following among fans who appreciated their unique blend of melody and aggression.
The video itself is a snapshot of Y&T's live performance at this particular moment in time. The band members are captured in all their sweaty, guitar-wielding glory, delivering a high-energy rendition of "Alive With The Glory Of Love." The camera pans across the crowd, capturing the faces of fans who are clearly entranced by the music.
One of the most striking aspects of this footage is its raw, unpolished quality. Unlike many modern music videos, which are carefully crafted to showcase a band's image and style, "Say Anything" feels like a genuine document of Y&T's live performance. There's no pretension or artifice; just four musicians doing what they do best.
Watching this footage, it's clear that Y&T was always about the music. They never felt the need to conform to the trends of the time or pander to the whims of their record label. Instead, they remained true to themselves and their art, earning them a loyal following among fans who appreciate their unique sound.
In many ways, "Say Anything" is a time capsule, capturing the spirit of Y&T's early years in a way that feels both nostalgic and timeless. It's a reminder that even in an era dominated by slick production values and carefully crafted images, there's still room for raw, unbridled energy and passion.
Curated from public records and music databases.