Joey Alves
1954-2017
R.I.P.
Original rhythm guitarist for Y&T, Joey Alves, passed away on March 12, 2017 at the age of 63.
Joey was born in Oakland, CA on August 3, 1954 and grew up in San Lorenzo, CA. Hailing from Oakland, Y&T got their start in 1974 and Alves played on their first eight albums: Yesterday and Today (1976), Struck Down (1978), Earthshaker (1981), Black Tiger (1982), Mean Streak (1983), In Rock We Trust (1984), Down for the Count (1985), and Contagious (1987). He was active in the band during 1974-1989, and in 2004/2016 as a touring guest.
(Addendum: Joey’s passing leaves Dave Meniketti as the only surviving member of the original Y&T lineup.)
"...He started playing guitar after high school and he was only in one local band before joining up with Dave, Leonard, and Phil in Yesterday & Today. There, Joey set his sights on mastering a new and more aggressive approach to the traditional style of rhythm guitar. He feels fortunate to have always been given the freedom to experiment from his band mates. Today, as a result of Joey’s efforts, he receives countless praise from musicians he has influenced." http://www.yandtrocks.com/past-members/“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.” - Dave Meniketti "The Hardest Thing In Life Is Death." - Joey Alves Favorite quote
Joey Alves (myspace)
blabbermouth.net
I’m sorry I couldn’t find anything on his private life – whether he’d been married or had surviving children (although I think I remember hearing from someone BITD* that he was a cat owner). On a personal note, I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve seen Y&T play – and never got tired of them – first show was 12.31.1985 (San Jose Civic) and the last being at Rockbar, San Jose (12.31.2014).
ℳ –
*Back in the day
House M - 