Joel Hoekstra Shreds with RATT's Stephen Pearcy on 'Undercover' Tour

In a thunderous revelation on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk," guitar maestro Joel Hoekstra, revered for his work with WHITESNAKE and NIGHT RANGER, shared his exhilarating experiences as he joins RATT's iconic frontman Stephen Pearcy on the 'Undercover' tour. Hoekstra, who has forged a stellar career alongside rock titans, expressed his enthusiasm for diving into the classic riffs that defined a generation. With only a handful of shows on the schedule, he admitted, "It's been great fun getting started with that... Stephen's always been great to me over the years."

In a world where nostalgia reigns supreme, Hoekstra finds himself in the challenge of honoring the legendary licks of RATT's original guitar hero, Warren DeMartini. "I had 75 other songs that I was playing or something insane," he revealed about the preparation leading up to the tour. While he initially focused on nailing the main solos, his artistic flair has allowed him to blend improvisation into the mix, all while striving to do justice to DeMartini's iconic sound. "If I'm a fan, I want to hear the solos too," he stated, reflecting his commitment to authenticity.

Hoekstra, who has a storied career spanning multiple genres and projects, acknowledges the importance of stepping into the shoes of legendary guitarists. "I enjoy being part of a band," he said, emphasizing the growth that comes from tackling diverse musical styles. With past collaborations under his belt, he recognizes the value of shedding other people's styles to elevate his own playing. "You can also get a little too comfortable in your own thing," he warned, echoing the sentiment of fellow guitarist Tracii Guns.

As Pearcy celebrates the 40th anniversary of RATT's classic album, 'Dancing Undercover,' the tour promises a setlist packed with the band's electrifying hits from the '80s. Alongside Hoekstra, the lineup features powerhouse musicians like Blas Elias on drums and Matt Thorne on bass, ensuring a high-octane experience for fans.

Currently, Hoekstra is also known for his work with TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA and his myriad of solo projects, which showcase his versatility as an artist. With three instrumental solo albums and an impressive discography with JOEL HOEKSTRA'S 13, he is a force of nature in the metal world. As he balances his role as a guitarist and educator, the metal community eagerly anticipates how he will continue to shape the sound of rock and roll.