Y&T Bassist Receives 'Sizeable Donation' From RONNIE JAMES DIO 'STAND UP AND SHOUT' CANCER FUND

According to a posting on Y&T's official web site, the band's original bassist Phil Kennemore, who is currently metastatic cancer, recently received a "sizeable donation" from the Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up And Shout" Cancer Fund.

Created by Ronnie James Dio's wife/manager Wendy, the Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up And Shout" Cancer Fund is committed to the early detection and prevention of cancer through facilitating access to medical screening and medical educational programs. The fund supports programs designed to integrate medical knowledge into local communities such as cancer screening programs, education on nutrition in cancer prevention, exercise and overall wellness. The goal of the fund is to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening cancers by offering access to preventative medical services. Furthering the commitment for patients to access to quality medical care related to cancer, the fund seeks to assist families burdened by the cost of caring for loved ones with cancer.

As previously reported, Y&T has set up a fund to help offset the substantial medical expenses incurred by Kennemore is his fight with cancer.

Commented the group: "Any amount you wish to give, no matter how small or large, will be very greatly appreciated to help Phil and his family with his extensive medical expenses. 100 percent of all donations will be distributed directly to Phil."

For more information, go to this location.

Kennemore recently said about his cancer diagnosis, "With the bad news I also got the good news that along with surgery and treatments, I will be back rockin' and rollin'. I'll be getting a hip replacement as well as back surgery, which means I'll also be more agile. The doctor said that this is treatable and I'll be walking out of this place and I'll be able to go on the road and do everything I need to do to continue my rock 'n' roll life, in due time."

Y&T's current lineup is rounded out by original guitarist/vocalist Dave Meniketti, along with longtime members John Nymann (guitar) and Mike Vanderhule (drums).

Y&T's first studio album in 13 years, "Facemelter", was released in Europe on May 21 via Frontiers Records.

As the title indicates, "Facemelter" is a hard-rockin', song-oriented album that lives up to its name: it captures the band's raw energy and tightness that they've become known for. Featuring heavy grooves, powerful guitars, and strong melodies, the band shows their versatility, delivering a range of high-energy rockers, mid-tempo head-bangers, modern rock grooves, majestic ballads, and signature Y&T rock anthems. To mark the return, the band engaged John Taylor Dismukes — the same artist who designed covers for Y&T's classic albums "Mean Streak", "Black Tiger" and "In Rock We Trust" — to create the amazing art of the new "Facemelter".