NIGHT RANGER guitarist Joel Hoekstra is leaving the band to join WHITESNAKE.
Night Ranger will be playing one of their last shows with Joel tonight as they take the stage in Boston with 38 Special.
The band released this brief statement:
“Joel Hoekstra has just announced he will be departing the band to pursue other creative opportunities. We couldn't be happier for Joel. The last 8+ years have been a blast and we wish him nothing but the best.
Night Ranger will be announcing Joel's replacement shortly. We are looking forward to the next chapter of Night Ranger, and traveling to Japan, Hawaii and venues across the United States, Europe and the UK in support of our new album HIGH ROAD.”
David Coverdale likewise released a statement:
"Ladies & Gentlemen...Boys & Girls...Your Attention, Please...:)
One of the first, if not the first, guitarists to put his name forward after hearing that Doug Aldrich had left the band, was an exceptionally talented musician whom we had met briefly last year when his band opened for Whitesnake in Arizona.
Everyone was very impressed by him, not only for his ability to play amazing guitar, but, also, his very agreeable personality & he was definitely foremost in our minds when we began to search for Doug’s replacement in Whitesnake.
We jammed together & were mutually impressed enough to ask him to join Whitesnake on the spot. This was May 30th. 2014.
Joel is currently fulfilling his remaining tour dates with Night Ranger.
We sincerely thank you all for your patience & understanding...& so, without further ado, we ask you to welcome, as we have done, our exceptionally gifted new Snake Brother...
JOEL HOEKSTRA...Guitarist Extraordinaire"
So Night Ranger has started talks with potential candidates to replace Joel. A decision is expected to be made in the next couple of weeks.
Whitesnake are in the process of writing and recording a new studio album for release in 2015 - the band will undertake a worldtour throughout 2015.
