Y&T - Open Fire Live (1985): A High-Voltage Testament to Hard Rock Energy
"Open Fire," the incendiary live album by Y&T, catapulted onto the scene in 1985, marking a pivotal moment in the band's discography. Recorded during the high-voltage performances of the same year, the album encapsulates the raw, unbridled energy of Y&T's live shows. With producer Chris Tsangarides at the helm, "Open Fire" stands as a testament to the band's electrifying stage presence and enduring impact on the hard rock and heavy metal scene.
In the vibrant era of the 1980s, Y&T, the renowned American hard rock and heavy metal band, etched their mark with the scorching release of "Open Fire." This iconic live album, unleashed in 1985 under the banner of A&M Records, captured the raw energy and musical prowess that defined Y&T's stage presence.
The genesis of "Open Fire" can be traced back to the band's explosive performances during their tour in 1985. Motivated by the desire to bring the electrifying atmosphere of their live shows to their fanbase, Y&T embarked on the journey to create their first-ever live album. The decision to record in a live setting was strategic, aiming to encapsulate the essence of the band's dynamic interaction with the audience.
The recording process was no small feat. Y&T meticulously curated a setlist that not only showcased their greatest hits but also allowed room for improvisation, ensuring each track resonated with the fervor of a live audience. The album was primarily captured during a series of stellar performances throughout 1985, with the band's homecoming in Oakland, California, serving as a focal point for the recording sessions.
Producer Chris Tsangarides, known for his work with prominent metal acts, played a pivotal role in translating the live energy into the studio recording. His expertise in capturing the essence of a live performance brought out the best in Y&T, resulting in a sonic masterpiece that stood as a testament to the band's musical prowess.
Music Genre: American Hard Rock / Heavy Metal |
Produced by Scott Boorey and Y&TRecorded live in London and San Francisco "Go For The Throat" and "Open Fire" recorded live at The Keystone, Palo Alto, CA on April 5 & 6, 1985 with Le Mobile EngineeringEngineered by: Guy Charbonneau Assistant Engineer: Cliff Bonnell Remixed at: A&M Studios Remix Engineer: Niko Bolas "Summertime Girls" ProductionProduced and Engineered by: Kevin Beamish Assisted by: Bruce Barris at Sound City Studios, Van Nuys, CA Band MembersDave Meniketti: Lead Vocals and Lead Guitar Joey Alves: Guitars and Vocals Philip Kennemore: Bass and Vocals Leonard Haze: Drums, Percussion and More Matters To Smoke On Additional Vocals: Bill Costa and John Nymann Production TeamDirection: Quadrangle Management, Los Angeles (Bill Traut and Scott Boorey) Tour Management & Concert Sound: Scott Boorey Production Manager: Nigel James Lighting Designer: Ian England Drums: Pete Deanda Guitars: Adam Day Art Direction: Chuck Beeson Design: Donald Krieger PhotographyFront Cover Photography: Mark Hanauer Black &amo White Photography: Jim Marshall Color Photography: Jill & David Meniketti, Randy Bachman, Ray Olson, James Perez, Dave Lepori and Jim Marshall.
Jim Marshall was a legendary music photographer known for capturing rock’s most iconic moments. His images of Jimi Hendrix at Monterey, Johnny Cash at San Quentin, and The Beatles defined an era. With unparalleled access, he documented the raw energy and emotion of music’s greatest legends, leaving a timeless visual legacy that continues to inspire.
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Special ThanksBill Elson, John Carter, Ira Sokoloff, Rod MacSween, Bill Ludwig III, Bobby Leiser, Steve Ettleson, L.S.D., Malcolm Hill and Associates, S.O.S., Marilyn Mikos, the Keystone Family, Jeffrey Feinberg, Karl Kliest, Scott & Sally Wood, Randy Nichols, Dave Borges, Joe Berman and Twisted Sister. Leonard Haze plays Ludwig Drums and Paiste Cymbals Fan ClubY&T International Fan Club: Lauretta Kliest and Robin Robinson P.O. Box 6089, Oakland, CA 94603 U.S.A. © 1985 A&M Records, Inc. All Rights Reserved. A&M SP 5076 Printed in the U.S.A. |
Record Label & Catalog-nr: A&M Records SP-5076 |
Packaging: This album "Y&T - Open Fire Live" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1985 Made in USA |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: Y&T - Open Fire Live |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "Y&T - Open Fire Live" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "Y&T - Open Fire Live" is:
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The back cover of "Open Fire Live" by Y & T is a visually striking collage of live concert energy. The background is dominated by a dramatic image of a silhouetted concert audience, with hands raised in the air and a guitar player faintly visible amidst a shower of bright white sparks, creating a sense of raw rock atmosphere.
At the top left, the tracklist is displayed in bold red text, divided into two sections corresponding to the album’s two sides. The first side includes "Open Fire," "Go For The Throat," "25 Hours A Day," and "Rescue Me," while the second side features "Summertime Girls (Studio Version)," "Forever," "Barroom Boogie," and "I Believe In You."
Scattered across the cover are five rectangular inset photographs framed in red, capturing electrifying moments from the band's live performance. In the top left, bassist Phil Kennemore is shown wearing a blue jacket and striped pants, raising his fist triumphantly. Next to him, lead vocalist and guitarist Dave Meniketti is in a sleeveless black and gold outfit, gripping his guitar with intensity. Below, guitarist Joey Alves is depicted mid-performance, holding a red guitar high with an expressive rock-and-roll stance. To the right, drummer Leonard Haze is shown behind his drum kit, wearing a black sleeveless shirt and striking a cymbal. The final photo at the bottom right presents a wide-angle shot of the full band performing on a grand stage with the "Y && T" logo illuminated above them.
Near the lower portion, there is a block of red text, adding a dramatic note about the band’s live intensity and the raw energy captured on the album. A handwritten signature or mark, reading "Bal," appears in black ink, adding a personalized touch to the design.
The bottom right corner features the A&&M Records logo, marking the album’s production label. The overall composition of the back cover encapsulates the fiery excitement of a Y & T concert, blending explosive visuals with essential album details.
The inner sleeve of "Open Fire Live" by Y & T presents a visually dynamic layout, blending a collage of black-and-white and color photographs with printed album credits. The title "Open Fire" is prominently displayed in bold, red, handwritten-style font in the upper left corner. Below it, production and recording details are printed in red and black text, crediting Scott Boorey and Y & T as producers, listing recording locations in London and San Francisco, and mentioning various engineers, musicians, and crew members involved in the album's creation.
The right side of the sleeve features a lively collage of candid and performance images of the band. The photographs capture various moments, including live concert shots of the band playing on stage, intimate behind-the-scenes glimpses, and fun group moments with band members and fans. Some images depict band members in extravagant costumes, such as a person wearing a blue marching band-style jacket and hat. Others showcase the band interacting with their instruments in a relaxed setting, such as a musician seated alone on a stage, strumming an acoustic guitar under a dim light.
Additional photos include a band member leaning against a brick wall in a contemplative pose, a tour bus parked with a group of people gathered nearby, a woman sitting on the front of a large truck, and multiple scenes from recording sessions. The variety of imagery conveys the energetic and free-spirited nature of Y & T, highlighting both their onstage presence and offstage camaraderie.
In the bottom left corner, the A&M Records logo is printed in red, reinforcing the album's official release label. The overall design of the sleeve creates an engaging and nostalgic experience for fans, immersing them in the band's world through vivid visuals and informative text.
A photo collage of the Y&T band
The inner sleeve of "Open Fire Live" by Y & T is an elaborate visual collage composed of various black-and-white and color photographs, arranged in an overlapping and scattered manner, capturing the energy, camaraderie, and behind-the-scenes moments of the band.
The images depict a mixture of live performances, backstage interactions, and candid group shots. Several photographs showcase the band playing on stage, immersed in dramatic lighting, with close-ups of individual members passionately performing on their instruments. Some images focus on the crowd’s excitement, silhouetted against bright stage lights.
Other photographs reveal intimate moments, such as band members resting on couches, laughing together, or engaged in deep conversation. One particularly striking image shows a musician wearing a red and yellow outfit, striking a dynamic pose in an outdoor setting. Another features a band member sitting atop a large truck with arms raised in triumph.
The collage also includes shots of band members in unique outfits, such as a blue jumpsuit or bold striped pants, emphasizing their flamboyant rock-and-roll aesthetic. Some photos capture a glimpse of handwritten notes, possibly lyrics or setlists, adding a personal touch. Additionally, scenes from recording studios, travel moments on the road, and interactions with fans round out the imagery, giving a comprehensive look into the life of Y & T during this era.
The spontaneous and unstructured arrangement of images reflects the raw, unfiltered energy of a live rock band on tour. This inner sleeve visually encapsulates the vibrant and electrifying atmosphere that defines Y & T's presence both on and off stage.
Record Label Details: A&M Records SP 5076
This close-up image displays the center label of Side 1 of the "Open Fire Live" vinyl record by Y & T, pressed by A&M Records in 1985. The label is circular, with a cream-colored background and a faint, oversized "A&M" logo spanning the entire surface in a light golden hue. The black vinyl record surrounds the label, with the record’s spindle hole visible at the center.
The album title "Open Fire" is printed in bold, uppercase black letters at the top, with the band name "Y & T" directly underneath in a slightly smaller font. Below, the tracklist is neatly arranged and numbered, with each song title followed by its duration.
Songwriting credits for "25 Hours A Day" are given to J. Alves, D. Meniketti, and L. Haze, with the publishing company "Hitman Music (BMI)" noted beside it. Below the tracklist, production credits state that all songs were written by Y & T and published by Facemelting Music, administered by Irving Music, Inc. (BMI), except where otherwise noted.
Further down, production details confirm that the album was produced by Scott Boorey and Y & T. The catalog number "SP-5076" is printed, with "Stereo" and "SP-05076-A" indicating the specific side of the record. The label also includes a copyright notice stating "©1985 A&M Records, Inc."
At the bottom center, the A&M Records logo is prominently featured, printed in black within a rectangular box. The overall label design is clean, professional, and typical of the mid-1980s A&M Records releases, complementing the classic rock aesthetic of the album.
A&M Records
"Black Tiger," unleashed on 1 November, 1982, embodies Y&T's evolution and musical exploration. From the captivating "Open Fire" to the anthemic "Forever," each track on this 12" Vinyl LP Album showcases the band's mastery of hard rock and heavy metal. A timeless classic that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
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Contagious 12" Vinyl LPA&M Records – AMLX 65007 , 1984 , Europe
Y&T's "In Rock We Trust" (1984) is a landmark album that solidified their status in the hard rock scene. Produced by Chris Tsangarides, it seamlessly blends melodic elements with hard-hitting rock. Tracks like "Don't Stop Runnin'" showcase the band's energetic sound, while the melodic ballad "Hands of Time" adds emotional depth. The album's legacy endures as a pivotal moment in Y&T's musical journey.
In Rock We Trust 12" Vinyl LPA&M AMLH 64960 , 1983 , The Netherlands
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Mean Streak 12" Vinyl LPA&M Records SP-5076 , 1985 , USA
"Open Fire," the incendiary live album by Y&T, catapulted onto the scene in 1985, marking a pivotal moment in the band's discography. Recorded during the high-voltage performances of the same year, the album encapsulates the raw, unbridled energy of Y&T's live shows. With producer Chris Tsangarides at the helm, "Open Fire" stands as a testament to the band's electrifying stage presence and enduring impact on the hard rock and heavy metal scene.
Open Fire Live 12" Vinyl LPRed Label A&M Records AMY 264 , 1985 England , Country
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Summertime Girls 12" Vinyl Maxi