Gary Hoey Plans 21st Annual Ho Ho Hoey Holiday

From my inbox. This earned a spot on the blog simply because of the subject line, which is also the title of this post. 

Gary Hoey will embark on his annual Ho Ho Hoey Holiday Tour this December with thirteen dates planned coast to coast.  The excursion has become a tradition with radio stations and families across the country. It's a must see event for adults and kids alike. Hoey has been a driving force behind instrumental rock Christmas music since 1995 after his version of “The Twelve Days Of Christmas” hit the airwaves with its crunchy guitars and metal flavor. This also marks the 8th annual guitar give away on Christmas Day at Garyhoey.com.  

 

Alongside the seasonal selections the guitarist works in to the set, he will be performing songs from his critically acclaimed album Dust & Bones which was released this past July.  In front of the street date Hoey shared, "This is where I belong—playing this ferocious blend of blues and rock music.  My last album, Deja Blues, proved to myself that I could play authentic blues, and now that I feel more at home there, I felt it was time to mix my favorite guitar styles into something seamless, organic, and powerful.” 

 

Released through Mascot Label Group, Dust & Bones showcases Hoey’s Fender Stratocaster-driven fury alongside open-D-tuned resonator guitars plugged into half-stacks. The massive sonic attack was essential for paying sincere and appropriate homage to some of Hoey’s influences, such as Johnny Winter (“Steamroller”), Robin Trower (“This Time Tomorrow”), and Brian Setzer (“Who’s Your Daddy”), as well as a thrill-a-minute mash up of Robert Johnson meets Led Zeppelin (“Boxcar Blues”). There’s also a classic power ballad (“Coming Home”) where Lita Ford sings a duet with Hoey.

 

Confirmed appearances include:

12/01   Sellersville, PA                                            Sellersville Theater

12/02   Pawtucket, RI                                             The Met

12/03   Salisbury, MA                                             Blue Ocean Music Hall

12/04   Norfolk, CT                                                 Infinity Hall

12/09   Auburn Hills, MI                                          Callahan’s Music Hall

12/10   Auburn Hills, MI                                          Callahan’s Music Hall

12/11   St. Charles, IL                                             Arcada Theater

12/13   Santa Cruz, CA                                            Moe’s Alley

12/14   Vallejo, CA                                                  Empress Theatre

12/15   Reno, NV                                                    Rockbar Theater

12/16   San Juan Capistrano, CA                              The Coachhouse

12/17   Ramona, CA                                                Ramona Mainstage

12/18   Corona, CA                                                  M-15

Comments

[Him]

Sorta' a bummer that Hoey had to move his show down south to Santa Cruz now that the Rockbar in Santa Clara closed its doors (and moved to Reno!?!?). Ever so slowly the Greater Santa Clara Valley is becoming a wasteland when it comes to rock (let alone metal), esp. more intimate venues.

But I hope the tour is well-attended. Nothing like a little rock (and blues) for your holidays.

[Shawn]

I could be wrong but I think Gary has played on lots of records including Lita Ford's recent work. I think this guy is super talented and has a greats sense of humor - His instrumental covers are awesome and the xmas music is all the xmas music I want to hear besides ACDC mistress for xmas..

[Gary]

Guy is a monster guitarist.His instrumental cover of "Hocus Pocus" is incendiary..... And you'd be correct Shawn, in that he was VERY instrumental in Lita's last release,and helping her get over the fiasco with her ex husband and kids. Hoey and his wife put her up at his home studio at various times throughout the recording process,produced and help write a pile of tunes,along with being the proverbial shoulder to cry on concerning her f@cked up family situation. (At least according to her biography,where she thanks them both profusely to all they did)

[bob]

Every year, when his Christmas show rolls into san Diego, he always stops by the local hard rock station to play some tunes live. fun stuff, and a grand tradition. It's sad that his show this year will be out in Ramona, but Ramona Mainstage has established itself as the main venue for most hard rock/metal shows these days.