Hard rock and blues guitarist Gary Hoey remembers when he was young in Lowell, Massachusetts, he really wanted a Sting-Ray bicycle — especially after his mom let him try one in a store.
Just before that Christmas, the 10-year-old saw it hiding at his cousin’s house. He kept the exciting secret and acted none the wiser when he received it.
Christmas has always been special to him and this season he’s heading out on his annual jaunt, “Ho Ho Hoey Rockin’ Holiday Tour.” He’ll play The Rhythm Room on Wednesday, December 14, and the show will feature holiday tracks, “Hocus Pocus” and hits.
“I’m just happy to be back out there playing and doing the holiday tour, which is always just a fun time,” Hoey says. “People are excited and in a great mood. They come back with the same powerful energy.”
Hoey has been “desperately” working on a new album for the last year and a half.
“It’s a fun rock album,” he says. “It’s a little more rock and blues this time. I’ve also been taking care of my 84-year-old mother who lives 2 miles away, which has been a joy.
“We’ve been doing ‘Coffee Time with Mom’ on my Facebook page. It’s a diversion from all the stress of everything.”
To promote the show, he’s been selling T-shirts and coffee mugs with “Coffee Time with Mom” on them.
“It makes her really happy,” Hoey says. “It got her through some hard times. That’s been a big part of my life.”
Besides his own album, he’s producing a record he co-wrote with Lita Ford.
“I feel like, for me, it’s about doing what you feel in your heart,” Hoey says. “I’m doing a holiday tour and surf music. I’ve always tried to do different things and stay fresh.”
Gary Hoey
WHEN: 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 14
WHERE: The Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix
COST: Tickets start at $23
INFO: 602-612-4981, rhythmroom.com
