Hard rock and blues guitar icon Gary Hoey is back with a scorching new album, Avalanche, released on May 9. He has been out on the road celebrating these new songs, wrapping up this first run of shows at the legendary Coach House Concert Hall in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday night, June 28. Joining Hoey onstage for this tour are his son Ian Hoey on second guitar, Mike Dutko on bass, and Stet Howland on drums, stepping in for Leah Bluestein, who is currently playing with Eagles of Death Metal.

Gary Hoey’s talents go far beyond his mesmerizing guitar mastery—he is also a soulful vocalist. The night kicked off with two spectacular cover songs: Don Nix’s “Goin’ Down” followed by Red Rider’s “Lunatic Fringe.” From the very start, it was clear this was going to be a magical show. With all due respect to the drummers who have played with Hoey over the years, it was extra special to see and hear Howland on the drums. An industry veteran, Howland has played with W.A.S.P., Metal Church, Lita Ford, and many others. His animated and precise drumming added an electrifying energy to the performance.

Hoey is one of the most pleasant and positive human beings on earth, and his between-song stories and outlook on life are always inspirational. Seeing him live, you become a fan not just of his music but of the man himself. Seven songs from the new album Avalanche were performed, each one top-notch. Hoey’s ability to create rock-infused blues and guitar-driven music that moves you remains in his DNA, even 30+ years into his career.

Ian Hoey, who has been playing live with the band for a few years, has taken on a larger role in the performances. He delivered more leads and even vocals on a cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing.” Throughout the night, Gary and Ian often huddled up to jam, and it was clear how proud Gary is of his son. Ian has certainly inherited his father’s ability to shred on the six-string.

Dutko on bass held down the rhythm and brought the thunder with his playing. His interactions with Hoey were fun to watch, and it was evident that the band is tight and having a blast onstage. Of course, many Hoey classics were played, including “Peace Pipe” and “Who’s Your Daddy.” A particularly emotional moment came with “Dear Mama,” a song from the new album that Hoey wrote in memory of his late mother, to whom he was extremely close. It was a touching tribute that resonated deeply with the audience.

The night ended with a bang as the band hammered out a killer rendition of “Hocus Pocus” (a Focus cover), followed by the National Anthem, and then closed with a fiery cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Foxy Lady.”

Before wrapping up, Hoey announced an exciting collaboration with AleSmith Brewing Company. He is releasing his own beer called “Summer’s Here,” and he and Ian will be at AleSmith Brewing Company in San Diego on July 12 to celebrate the beer’s release with an acoustic set.

Setlist:

1. “Goin’ Down” (Don Nix cover)
2. “Lunatic Fringe” (Red Rider cover)
3. “Dust & Bones”
4. “Deja Blues”
5. “Unstoppable”
6. “Peace Pipe”
7. “Maine to Mississippi”
8. “Avalanche”
9. “Cold”
10. “Summer’s Here”
11. “Little Wing” (Jimi Hendrix cover)
12. “Who’s Your Daddy”
13. “Angels & Devils”
14. “Linus and Lucy” (Vince Guaraldi Trio cover)
15. “Dear Mama”
16. “Low Rider” (War cover)
17. “Hocus Pocus” (Focus cover)
18. National Anthem
19. “Foxy Lady” (Jimi Hendrix cover)

Gary Hoey continues to prove why he’s a legend in the hard rock and blues world. With Avalanche, he delivers a fresh yet familiar sound, and his live performances remain as electrifying as ever. If you get the chance to see him live, don’t miss it—you’ll leave inspired, entertained, and in awe of his talent.