A moment of silence, please, for Y&T bassist Phil Kennemore, who lost his battle with lung cancer today at the age of 57. Kennemore died early this morning at Stanford Hospital in California. Y&T -- aka Yesterday and Today -- enjoyed their hard rock heyday in the '70s before splitting in 1991. They reformed in 1995 and played loosely here and there before fully reuniting in 2001.

Kennemore's passing was confirmed by Y&T singer/guitarist Dave Meniketti, who posted a touching tribute to his lost comrade on the band's website, saying, "It is with profound sadness and disbelief that I tell you that my best buddy for 37 years passed away this morning ... Bravely and steadfastly battling the horrible spectacle of lung cancer, at the end he was surrounded by his family members, and the Y&T family up until his final breath."

The statement continued, "He had an amazingly strong life force that has influenced everyone who ever had the opportunity to be called a friend of his. I am forever grateful for our lifelong friendship ... I will miss his sense of [humor], his amazing wit, but most of all I will always miss not seeing him to my left on the stages I will play from this moment forward."

Y&T released their 12th album, 'Facemelter,' in May of last year. It was their first album in 13 years.

Watch Y&T's 'Lipstick and Leather' Video

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