Joel Hoekstra was a successful, if relatively unknown, guitarist from Chicago before Broadway beckoned and he became guitarist for Broadway’s Rock of Ages. Now, besides holding up his position in ’80s band Night Ranger, he’s hitting the stage in NYC nightly through September in a production that’s become the surprise hit of the summer. Gibson caught up with the guitarist to chat with him about his new show, Les Paulsand the appeal of ’80s tunes.
What’s the story behind Rock of Ages,and how did you get involved?
It’s a hilarious story about life and love that takes place during the spandex, big hair era on the Sunset Strip in the late ’80s. As far as my involvement, basically, Ethan Popp, the music supervisor for Rock of Ages knew me from playing some other shows in town and thought I'd be perfect for it.
What’s the reaction to the show been like so far?
Absolutely amazing.We've been sold-out and people are on their feet at the end singing and screaming for more. The songs are the star of the show, so right away, we’ve got something very special; then you factor in that it’s the funniest show on Broadway. The show never tries to be something it's not.It is, as advertised, “Nothin’ But a Good Time.”
Tell us about the guitars you’re playing in the production.
We're so honored to use Gibson electric and acoustic guitars in the show. I have a Les Paul Custom and a Les Paul Studio that I have fallen in love with, and Dave Gibbs has two SGs that he alternates between. As far as the acoustics we have a J-45 and a J-50, which both sound amazing.
Tell us about your background prior to doing the Rock of Ages show.
I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and was doing quite well in the music scene there before coming to New York to do the show Love, Janis. I ended up going on the road with that show and all in all played about 1,300 performances.
Another show I toured with was It Ain't Nothin But the Blues. I was also touring with ’60s acts The Turtles and Big Brother & the Holding Company during that time. Then the ’80s gigs all blew up for me.I was playing with both World Stage and Scrap Metal where I got to play with about every ’80s rocker you could possibly think of.
Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger was involved in both of those projects, so when they needed someone to replace Jeff Watson, I got the call. Add Rock of Ages into Night Ranger's busy touring schedule and I am in the thick of it right now. I really should mention that I also have three CDs of my own, two of which are instrumental rock fusion and the other is an acoustic record.
What’s it like being a member of Night Ranger?
It's awesome. First off, it's a challenge, because you're trading leads with Brad Gillis, who is an absolute madman on the guitar. And then Jack Blades is standing next to you and he's putting out all this energy and you have to be able to meet that.
It's also just plain fun. I know many players who are doing the "hip" sideman gigs and none of them are treated like I am in Night Ranger. I have a feature in nearly every song and Brad and I do a ripping acoustic duet together at most shows. Not to mention, out of the gate, I'm included in the band promo shots, as well as the writing, recording process. We're playing 50 to 60 shows this year, so by all means, check out the tour schedule and come on out.
Tell us about your guitar collection.
I have about 17 guitars now, so I'll stick to the Gibson guitars here.My favorite one is my Goldtop Les Paul. I also have a 50th anniversary V.Both of those guitars travel with me to Night Ranger shows and have wireless transmitters built into the body, so I can run around on-stage without all the mucky muck (as our friend Nigel Tufnel said). At home, I have an SG, a Howard Roberts and a killer CL-40 acoustic.
What do you look for in a vintage guitar?
Character. No one guitar is meant to do it all, so it's all about recognizing the time and place for each instrument. I would rather find a guitar that did one thing really well than one that does 20 things decently.
Do you have any tone tips for our readers?
Well, Gibson is a good place to start with that, because Gibson guitars sound amazing. It really doesn't matter if some boutique guitar plays easier, or faster, because to me, while play-ability is important, it's way more important that the instrument sound great.
When it comes to amps, I have the same philosophy as guitars. Find the right one for each situation. Find one that does one thing really well and recognize what that one thing is.