Whitesnake leader David Coverdale has named Night Ranger guitarist Joel Hoekstra as the new addition to the band’s lineup following the departure of axeman Doug Aldrich earlier this year.
“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,” posted Coverdale. “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,” he continued. “Joel is currently fulfilling his remaining tour dates with Night Ranger.”
“I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of Whitesnake, and looking forward to rocking with you all very soon,” said Hoekstra.
"We couldn't be happier for Joel," posted Night Ranger as they announcing Hoekstra's departure from the band. "The last eight-plus years have been a blast, and we wish him nothing but the best."
Aldrich announced his departure from Whitesnake in May due to scheduling conflicts with other projects on his plate.
The guitarist joined Whitesnake in 2003 for the band’s 25th anniversary tour; he appeared on 2008’s “Good To Be Bad” and 2011’s “Forevermore” albums, as well as 2013’s live release, “Made In Japan.”
Prior to teaming up with Coverdale, Aldrich was a member of Dio, Burning Rain and Lion.
Coverdale built a new studio, Hook City, in Reno, Nevada this summer as he and Whitesnake work on new music.
See also:
VIDEO: Whitesnake build new studio
Whitesnake update status of new guitarist search
Guitarist Doug Aldrich explains decision to leave Whitesnake
Guitarist Doug Aldrich leaves Whitesnake
Search Whitesnake at hennemusic
