Y&T guitarist Joey Alves dies aged 63

Singer Dave Meniketti, who is now the sole surviving member of the classic Y&T line-up, issued a heartfelt statement confirming Alves died from ‘ulcerative colitis and other complications’ early on Saturday morning (11th March).

Drummer and founding member Leonard Haze and bassist Phil Kennemore both died of lung cancer in September 2016 and January 2011 respectively.

Meniketti wrote on Facebook: “It’s with great sadness that I write this today. Y&T's original rhythm guitarist, Joey Alves, passed away at 7:10 this morning at the age of 63. He suffered from ulcerative colitis and other complications that led to his passing. Joey was one of the finest rock rhythm guitarists, and I’ll always remember playing next to him chunking out those monster chords with his classic red double cutaway ‘59 Les Paul Jr. As Ronnie Montrose once said about Joey, ‘There are rhythm players, then there's Joey. A class of his own......’

“He was a fun guy who always played with attitude and conviction, and was responsible for writing some memorable riffs for Y&T over the years. His friendship and presence will be missed. This is a great loss for all the Y&T family and faithful. He now joins Phil and Leonard in rock and roll heaven.”

Joey Alves was a pivotal member of Y&T from 1974 to 1989 and featured on the band’s first eight studio albums.

Meniketti later shared an excerpt from the forthcoming Y&T documentary ‘On With The Show’, which shows Alves talking about the bond with his bandmates.

Introducing the clip, Meniketti wrote: “Seeing Joey on the screen while knowing he was not long for this earth was a shock to me at first, but hearing what he said in this clip really touched me. What he said is so right and I wanted to share this with deep respect for my friend.”

You can watch the clip here:

Y&T’s current line-up features Meniketti alongside keyboardist John Nymann, drummer Mike Vanderhule and bassist Aaron Leigh. The band play Ramblin’ Man Fair on Friday 28th July.

RIP Joey Alves.