Y&T Bassist Phil Kennemore Passes Away at Age 57

I guess Death wasn't done taking people from us last year. Phil Kennemore was diagnosed with lung cancer last year some time around July or August. From everything I read on Blabbermouth he was getting checked out for an injured back that forced him off the tour when the diagnosis came back.It must have been an aggressive form because the only thing we heard was that there was a New Years Eve Benefit concert for him and that Wendy Dio's Stand Up and Shout Fund donated money. Now almost a week after the benefit show I see this on Blabbermouth. Stunned would be a proper word.

I enjoyed some of Y&T's music growing up in the 80's and this is yet again another reminder of how mortal we are. My deep condolences to Phil's family and friends over this loss.After the jump is a couple of Y&T videos in honor of Phil Kennemore.

This was the first Y&T song I ever heard. Look how young Phil and the guys are.


This is almost too sad and ironic to post. The last music video with Phil in it from the Facemelter album released in May of last year.


R.I.P. Phil

Stop with the mortality this year.

First there was this bit of news at Blabbermouth about Phil Kennemore being diagnosed with cancer. I grew up with Y&T during their heyday and while not a huge fan I liked quite a few tracks and Phil was always there with the basslines. He seems pretty positive in the news article so hopefully cancer won't take him like it did Dio but he's also not saying what kind of cancer it is.



Then comes this news from the Behemoth camp.Now I'm not a fan at all of Behemoth because I hate the vocal style of Nergal with the guttural computer processed vocals. But I do acknowledge and respect Behemoth's contribution to metal. He's not saying it's leukemia or anything but it does sound grim.

What is it with this year and all of the health issues? It's like some higher power just decided this year it was going to punish these guys and the fans by laying some people low and just flat out taking others. This year can't end soon enough because at this rate are we even going to have any musicians left? Stop already fate. Here is to a quick and speedy recovery to both Phil and Nergal.