Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark" by Y&T from their 1990 album Ten, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this classic hard rock ballad. One fascinating piece of trivia about the song comes from lead vocalist and guitarist Dave Meniketti, who has said the music video for "Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark" was probably the best video the band ever made. Unfortunately, with the rise of grunge in the early '90s, Meniketti noted that he never once saw it played on MTV, despite its high production quality. The song itself, the only single from Ten, stands out for its emotional lyrics about overcoming fear and embracing love, with lines like "Touch by touch - little by little, I'll unchain your heart." Fans on Y&T's Facebook page often share how the song's soaring melodies and heartfelt delivery make it a standout in the band's catalog.

Another tidbit about the song’s creation involves the album’s production. Ten, released by Geffen Records, saw some lineup changes and production challenges. Rhythm guitarist Joey Alves had left the band in 1989, replaced by Stef Burns, and producer Mike Stone brought in drummer Steve Smith to redo many of Jimmy DeGrasso’s original drum tracks. This reshuffling added a polished yet raw edge to tracks like "Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark", which balances the band’s hard rock roots with a more accessible, ballad-driven sound. On Reddit’s r/hairmetal community, fans have praised the song as a quintessential example of Y&T’s ability to blend emotional depth with their signature heavy riffs, making it a favorite for both longtime listeners and new Zoo Freaks tuning in.

Y&T, originally named Yesterday & Today, started in Oakland, California, in 1972 when Leonard Haze, Bob Gardner, and Wayne Stitzer formed a cover band jamming tunes by other artists. That same year, Dave Meniketti joined as guitarist and lead vocalist, bringing a powerful voice and blistering guitar skills that would define the band’s sound. The group took their name from a Beatles album, Yesterday and Today, which was spinning on Haze’s turntable at the time. After Stitzer left, Gardner switched to rhythm guitar, and Phil Kennemore joined on bass. By 1974, Joey Alves replaced Gardner, cementing the classic lineup that began writing original material. Their big break came when they opened for Queen during the Night at the Opera tour, catching the eye of London Records’ president, who signed them. The band released two albums as Yesterday & Today before shortening their name to Y&T in 1981 after signing with A&M Records, inspired by fans chanting "Y&T, Y&T" during encores.

Y&T has maintained a strong online presence, connecting with fans through their official website, where you can find tour dates, merch, and band updates. Their Facebook page, with over 137,000 likes, is a hub for sharing tour photos, throwback posts, and fan interactions. On Instagram, the band posts behind-the-scenes content and concert clips, keeping Zoo Freaks engaged with their ongoing tours. While their X account is less active, it still shares occasional updates about shows and releases. Fans can also dive into dedicated spaces like Y&T Facemelting Fanpages, a fan-run site with photos, discography, and band history, or join discussions on Y&T fan groups on Facebook, where enthusiasts share memories, rare merch, and love for tracks like "Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark."