Leonard Haze had been battling COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) for a number of years, making breathing more and more difficult. Even so, he had fought to keep playing drums, performing regularly with his band, Hazeperience, and joining Y&T on stage at the Fillmore in San Francisco in both 2015 and 2016.

Y&T frontman Dave Meniketti comments:

"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. (...) My deepest condolences to Leonard's family and friends. His impact on the rock scene was well documented."

It was Leonard Haze's powerful drumming that helped Y&T quickly develop the reputation as a must-see live band and musical powerhouse, headlining shows with opening acts such as Van Halen, Mötley Crüe, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, among others.

Y&T's hard-driving style helped them land worldwide tours alongside such acts as AC/DC, Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, and Rush, which resulted in the development of a strong following all over the globe.

In the 1990s, Leonard Haze played drums on Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan's solo album 'Toolbox', and toured with Gillan.

In 2002, Leonard Haze reunited with Y&T and went back on tour with them throughout the United States until they parted ways in 2006.

The drummer's final performance took place in Sunnyval on August 20, where he performed with Hazexperience.