'An old-school hard rock masterclass from the first riff' - Y&T and Powell-Payne review
When Y&T hit the stage at KK’s Steel Mill in Wolverhampton, it was clear from the first riff of Black Tiger that this was going to be an old-school hard rock masterclass.
Powell-Payne
When the lights dim and Powell-Payne take the stage, there’s no easing in. Within seconds, the quartet detonates into motion — a tight, hard-grooving, high-energy storm of modern rock. Founded by drummer Mark “Tenfold” Powell and vocalist Adam Payne, the band’s chemistry is instantaneous. Powell plays like a man possessed — all precision and adrenaline — while Payne commands the front line with pure, fearless charisma. His voice, part soulful roar and part gritty rasp, slices through the mix like a blade. The rhythm section pulses with a ferocity that keeps even the smallest venue vibrating. Guitars riff in syncopated bursts, alternately jagged and melodic, while the bass glues everything together with a massive, fluid tone. Powell-Payne are the kind of act that remind you why live rock still matters.
Y&T
When the lights went down the crowd—mostly lifelong fans who’ve followed the Bay Area legends since the early ’80s—erupted as frontman Dave Meniketti strode out, Les Paul in hand, grinning like a man who’s never tired of doing this. The opening barrage of Lipstick and Leather and Don’t Stop Runnin’ immediately set the tone—tight, loud, and full of hooks. Meniketti’s vocals, still remarkably strong at 71, carried grit and warmth in equal measure. By the time Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark rolled around, the band had found their pocket: rhythm section locked, harmonized leads cutting through perfectly. Meniketti was ably assisted by John Nymann – rhythm guitar, Mike Vanderhule – drums and Aaron Leigh – bass
The mid-section of the set was where things really opened up. Mean Streak and Winds of Change drew some of the loudest sing-alongs of the night, while the underplayed Rock & Roll’s Gonna Save the World was a welcome surprise—a reminder of Y&T’s knack for fusing melody with muscle. Hurricane and Midnight in Tokyo hit that sweet nostalgic stride, and the inevitable Summertime Girls turned the Steel Mill into a giant, smiling throwback to MTV’s glory days. Meniketti’s solos were nothing short of spellbinding—I Believe in You in particular saw the house fall silent during the long emotional outro, the kind of moment that reminds you why he’s considered one of hard rock’s most expressive guitarists. Eyes of a Stranger and Dirty Girl followed with crunch and swagger, the latter dedicated “to all the troublemakers in the crowd.” The band then closed the main set with I’m Coming Home and Rescue Me, both delivered with the kind of passion that made even first-timers feel like part of the Y&T family. After a brief break, they returned for a two-song encore: the soulful Lonely Side of Town and a triumphant Forever, the audience fists raised in perfect unison on the final chorus. This was a night that proved Y&T are not a nostalgia act—they’re still a living, breathing rock force. Meniketti and his crew delivered over 90 minutes of pure, heartfelt rock ’n’ roll that felt as vital as ever.
Photos and write-up by Andy Shaw
