Gary Hoey Celebrates 30 Years of Rocking Christmas with His Latest Album

Gary Hoey’s latest Christmas album, Christmas Time Is Here, marks a significant milestone as it celebrates 30 years of his beloved Ho Ho Hoey series. On Thursday, December 18, Hoey joined Loudwire Nights to discuss the new record and reflect on his unique approach to holiday music.

Inspiration Behind the Album

During his conversation with host Chuck Armstrong, Hoey revealed that the idea for a Christmas album came from his mother. “I did this 30 years ago; my mother kept saying to me, ‘You need to make a nice Christmas album,’ and my mom was a big inspiration,” he shared. Despite her encouragement, Hoey initially hesitated, stating, “But I said, ‘Mom, there’s so many nice Christmas records out there. I’d rather do something rock and roll.’

And that’s precisely what he did. His journey into holiday music kicked off with a rock-infused rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas,” leading to a legacy that has redefined Christmas music for many rock fans. “I grew up loving Black Sabbath and heavy music, so I said, if I can combine good and evil, this is going to work,” he explained, highlighting his desire to merge traditional holiday sounds with a rock edge. He noted, “All my friends that hated Christmas music are like, ‘Dude, you made me like Christmas music again.’

Overcoming Adversity: Hoey’s Health Scare

In addition to celebrating his new album, Hoey opened up about a recent health scare he faced around Thanksgiving. “On Thanksgiving morning, I was talking to my sister on the phone, and all of a sudden I couldn’t speak,” he recounted, sharing the shock of experiencing slurred speech and numbness. Recognizing that something was wrong, he took immediate action to sit down for safety.

His son played a vital role during this crisis, remaining calm and calling for help. “My son was a rock,” Hoey said. “He said, ‘Dad, you’ll be okay. I’m calling 911.’ He took real good care of me.”

Though he had to postpone a few live performances, Hoey was determined to return to the stage soon after. “I felt pretty good,” he said, adding that while he had to sit down during performances, he was grateful for the support and still excited to share his music.

Insights from the Interview

• Auditioning for Ozzy Osbourne: Hoey reflected on his audition for Ozzy Osbourne’s band in the ’80s, stating, “I owe my whole career to Ozzy… it became the DNA of who I am as a guitarist.”
• Producing for Lita Ford: He shared his experiences working on Lita Ford’s upcoming record, expressing admiration for her talent and the chemistry they shared during the collaboration.
• Future Projects: Looking forward, Hoey mentioned, “We’re ramping up for a big year. I’m already working on more new music. I had a six-year gap between albums, so I’m feeling now like I want to get a new record out in the new year.”

Listen to the Full Interview

For fans interested in the full conversation, Gary Hoey joined Loudwire Nights on December 18. The show replays online, and listeners can tune in live every weeknight at 7 PM ET or catch the interviews on-demand through the Loudwire app or their local radio station.

Conclusion

Gary Hoey’s journey through rock-infused Christmas music has not only created a unique niche in the holiday genre but has also inspired countless fans to embrace the festive spirit in a new way. As he navigates personal challenges and continues to produce new music, Hoey remains a resilient figure in the rock community, encouraging others to find joy in both music and life.

FAQs

What is Gary Hoey’s latest album?

Gary Hoey’s latest album is titled Christmas Time Is Here, celebrating 30 years of his Ho Ho Hoey series.

What was the inspiration behind Gary Hoey’s Christmas album?

Hoey’s mother inspired him to create a Christmas album, though he initially wanted to put a rock twist on traditional holiday music.

Did Gary Hoey face any health issues recently?

Yes, Gary Hoey experienced a health scare around Thanksgiving, which involved slurred speech and numbness, but he has since recovered and returned to performing.

What future projects does Gary Hoey have planned?

Hoey is currently working on new music and is looking forward to a busy year ahead.