Original Y&T Drummer Leonard Haze Dies Aged 61
September 11th, 2016
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 Leonard Haze |
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Leonard Haze, former drummer for San Francisco, California hard rock band Y&T, died on September 11th, 2016 at the age of 61. Haze, who had been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for several years, passed away at his home in Hayward, California.
Despite his health issues, a condition that makes breathing difficult, the drummer continued to perform regularly with his band HazeXperience, and had also joined Y&T on-stage for shows at the Fillmore in San Francisco during 2015 and 2016.
Y&T frontman Dave Meniketti issued the following statement: “It is with shock and sadness that I type this. Leonard Haze, the legendary drummer, and a guy I spent decades with creating great music together, has passed away at 61. This, just a few days after his birthday. I just woke up to this news, as I’m in Germany, and immediately called his wife, Kelly. She confirmed that Leonard had passed away in his sleep, a few hours ago, sometime between noon and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 11th.
“Leonard has been struggling with COPD for years, but Kelly said that although his health had recently declined, they felt he had a few years left, so this is unexpected.
“My deepest condolences to Leonard’s family and friends. His impact on the rock scene was well documented.
“Rest in peace, my friend.”
Meanwhile, HazeXperience guitarist Jim Bradley said the following: “Leonard was not only a bandmate but a close friend, sharing not just a passion for music but also our appreciation for fast cars and cool RC planes. Leonard was taken from us way too soon.”
“Leonard was a good friend, a great drummer, and a true ambassador for the world of rock ’n’ roll,” added HazeXperience lead vocalist Jeffrey Winslow. “I’m shocked that he’s gone, but thankful I got to know him while he was here.”
Leonard Haze was born on September 7th, 1955. He was a founding member of Yesterday And Today, who released two full-length studio albums – Yesterday And Today (1976) and Struck Down (1978) – before shortening their moniker to Y&T in 1980. Haze appeared on Y&Ts first five studio albums – Earthshaker (1981), Black Tiger (1982), Mean Streak (1983), In Rock We Trust (1984) and Down For The Count (1985) – before departing in 1986.
In 1991 Haze played drums on Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan’s solo album Toolbox. Following the recording sessions he would become a permanent member of Gillan’s touring band, performing in 71 countries during a two-year world tour.
Haze reunited with Y&T in 2002, touring with the band throughout the United States until 2006 when they once again parted ways.
Leonard Haze’s final performance on stage took place with HazeXperience at the Quarter Note in Sunnyvale, California on August 20th, 2016.
