5/20/09

Hey everybody!  Lot's happening with Rock of Ages.  After 2-3 weeks of previews Rock of Ages officially opened on Broadway.  Opening night was packed with rock royalty: Neal Schon (Journey), Dee Snider and Jay Jay French (Twisted Sister), Geoff Tate (Queensryche), Kyle Gass (Tenacious D), Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow), Jim Peterik (Survivor) and of course my Night Ranger bandmates Jack Blades, Brad Gillis and Kelly Keagy.  Night Ranger even played a short acoustic set at the after-party and we had a blast!! 

The show got great reviews including a rave in the New York Times.  You can read a few choice quotes on the reviews page.

A couple weeks after opening, Tommy Shaw (Styx) and Kevin Cronin (REO) came out and played their song "Can't Stop Rockin" with us immediately after the show.  The place went nuts and it was a blast playing a harmony guitar solo with Tommy!

After that we got to work in the studio on the cast album for the show.  It should be available soon!  Please give it a listen!

Then we had a promo appearance on Regis & Kelly.  Great fun and a silly bit complete with Regis in 80's metal garb!

Then the show received 5 Tony nominations, including one for Best Musical.  That means we will be performing on the Tony Awards June 7.  Tune in!  I will also be part of a performance on the Tony preview concert which airs right before the Tonys.

When not at Rock of Ages, I've been tearing up stages with Night Ranger.  We're having so much fun!  Check the tour schedule and come on out and see us sometime!

Now, a few links for you....

You can see my 80's rock video lessons for Guitar Player magazine here..
http://www.guitarplayertv.com/?channel=gplesson80srock&videofile=gptv/lessons/80srock/gptv_0309_lsn80rock1&search_query=joel+hoekstra

Check out Musicians Institute's feature on me here...
http://www.mi.edu/SucessDetail/523.aspx

Check out a feature/interivew on Rock of Ages with Jim Peterik and myself here..
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=88503014&blogId=485215428