Rest in Peace Phil Kennemore (October 20, 1953 – January 7th, 2011)
Y&T guitarist/vocalist Dave Meniketti has released the following message:
“It is with profound sadness and disbelief that I tell you that my best buddy for 37 years passed away this morning, January 7th, 2011 at 1 AM at Stanford Hospital. Bravely and steadfastly battling the horrible spectacle of lung cancer, at the end he was surrounded by his family members, and the Y&T family up until his final breath.
All the beautiful things that I could say about my buddy Phil could never be summed up in a short sentence or two, and I promise that I will be back to say so much more about how I feel about him and his talents in due time. But for now, at 3 AM, after just having returned home from his passing, let me at least put this out there.
Phil Kennemore was not only a sweet and passionate man with his life, friends and family, but as an artist, he also had that rare ability to say what was on his mind with the most eloquent, clever, and to-the-point lyrics, yet could turn it on it’s head in a second with some other viewpoint on reality and nail the point dead center. He was able to do what very few can – say the things that others have been thinking, but could never quite seem to put into words. He has always had a keen knack for doing that.
As a musician, with those huge fingers, his bass playing was always loud, strong, and deep, filling the largest or smallest of stages equally.
He had an amazingly strong life force that has influenced everyone who ever had the opportunity to be called a friend of his. I am forever grateful for our lifelong friendship, that was always in place throughout the worst and best of times. 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.
Yes, he was one of the class guys on this planet, and in this business, and I will always do what I can to spread the legacy of Phil Kennemore across the globe on every stage that I land on.
You know how much I love you Phil, and you knew how much your fans and fellow musicians loved and respected you. There was nothing left unsaid. You had a rich and wonderful life and I can only tell you that I was happy to have been alongside you every step of the glorious way.
Cheers to you, Phil.
Your friend forever, Dave.”
Phil Kennemore – October 20, 1953 – January 7th, 2011
Hard Rock Hideout would like to offer our condolences to the Kennemore Family and Friends. Rock on Phil! You will be missed!
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I just found out about this today…Very sad news indeed! I too will be pulling out the Y&T vinyl tonight. “Squeeze” will get multiple spins tonight — love those screams that Phil pulls off in that song. for people who have seen Y&T live, how awesome is it when they would do “Squeeze!” for those of you who haven’t seen them live, Phil would yell “Hey Mother F–kers!” and the crowd would yell back “F–k you Phil!” The man was a really solid bass player with an amazing sense of humor. He will absolutely be missed.
Saw you several times in the 80’s…what a treat, man, you guys nailed it every time!! R.I.P PHIL…you earned it, my brother.
You will be missed Phil. I remember seeing you for the first time back in 1985. Y&T will never be the same without you. Play some bass in the big concert in the sky.
RIP Phil, Y & T without you isn’t Y & T. Thanks for all.
I have only the most possative memorys. Hannah held him so high and he deserved every single word of adoration. I met him only once and he nailed me and who I am and what I am ment to do. His family was blessed to have such an intutivly gifted love filled man. My sincere prayers to all of the family and all of his dear friends. I miss him being here on this earh. He made it a better place.
My prayer’s go out to Phil’s family & friend’s. May you Rest In Peace Phil Kennemore, your music will keep all of us Fan’s Rockin’ Forever & we will all miss you so much. I pray for your soul and your with the ANGEL’S & without pain….
LOVE & PEACE
ANGEL 🙂
Very sad news. A tremendous loss. Phil left us all with unreal music to enjoy. May Phil Kennemore rest in peace.
My Y&T CD’s are gonna run loud n proud today. From one bassist to another, RIP Phil, thanks for the rock.
I think i will spin a little Y & T vinyl today. Rock on Phil. Well said Dave.