Joel Hoekstra joins Whitesnake

WHITESNAKE has recruited Joel Hoekstra (NIGHT RANGER) as its new guitarist following the departure of Doug Aldrich.

Says WHITESNAKE mainman David Coverdale: "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 and he was definitely foremost in our minds when we began to search for Doug's replacement in WHITESNAKE.

"We jammed together and 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 and understanding… and so, without further ado, we ask you to welcome, as we have done, our exceptionally gifted new SNAKE brother... Joel Hoekstra... guitarist extraordinaire."

"We couldn't be happier for Joel," NIGHT RANGER said in a Facebook post announcing Hoekstra's departure from the band. "The last eight-plus years have been a blast, and we wish him nothing but the best."