Derek St. Holmes
Headline Art on the River
June 10, 2022!
Detroit, Michigan may be known as The Motor City, but the area is as famous for music as it is for car engines! Eleven-year-old Derek St. Holmes was being influenced by the local music scene around the time he acquired his first guitar. As he honed his skills in his parent’s basement, he could not have fathomed that in a little more than a decade he would take the world of rock ‘n’ roll by storm. Motown was the sound of Detroit in the 1960s, but by the end of the decade, and into the ‘70s the area was a hotbed of hard rock that included The Stooges, The MC5, Bob Seger, Alice Cooper and Ted Nugent & the Amboy Dukes. Soon, that scene would also include Derek St. Holmes.
It all began in 1974 when St. Holmes’ band Scott opened a gig for Ted Nugent and the Amboy Dukes. Nugent was making a name for himself around the Midwestern portion of the United States, but thus far had been unable to take his music to the next level. After seeing, and hearing, the young St. Holmes on stage, he knew what was missing and invited Derek to join his band. Derek brought a strong set of pipes, solid musicianship and songwriting skills to Nugent’s music, and in March of 1975 the world was introduced to him via Nugent’s self-titled debut album. While it was Nugent slinging down the guitar licks, it was Derek’s voice all over FM radio singing the soon to be classics “Stranglehold,” “Stormtroopin” and “Just What the Doctor Ordered.” In addition, Derek wrote, arranged and sang the classic tune “Hey Baby.” Derek quickly became regarded as one of the best voices on the international rock scene, all at the tender age of 22 years old. Nugent and St. Holmes continued their winning combination for three more iconic albums, Free for All in 1976, Cat Scratch Fever in 1977 and Double Live Gonzo in 1978. St. Holmes left the band and formed St. Paradise with ex-Nugent bassist Rob Grange in 1979, releasing one album. St. Paradise never took off as hoped, but the in-demand St. Holmes quickly teamed up with Aerosmith’s Brad Whitford to form Whitford/St. Holmes.
In 1981, they released the album Whitford/St. Holmes, which was produced by the legendary Tom Allom (Judas Priest, Krokus, Def Leppard, Loverboy). The album was well received and remains a cult classic to this day. In 1984, St. Holmes lent his vocal skills to German guitarist Michael Schenker’s band, MSG, on the album Built to Destroy. Derek also continued his on again/off again relationship with Nugent in both the 1980s, and ‘90s, co-writing several songs on Ted’s comeback album Spirit of Wild in 1996.
On July 4, 2000 Derek released his first solo album, after a quarter century in the music business. The critically acclaimed album, titled Then & Now featured songs that demonstrated the many facets of St. Holmes talents. His vocals ranged from the expected hard rockers, to bluesy numbers, to a heartfelt ballad. His guitar playing covered everything from hard rock, to blues, and even included an acoustic number. Derek spent the next ten years performing in many bands and being a part of many projects, always remaining active in the music business.
After years of Nugent fans begging Ted for Derek’s return, St. Holmes was invited by the Motor City Madman in 2011 to once again take his place on the Nugent stage. Derek appeared on Nugent’s 2014 album ShutUp&Jam, singing the tune “Everything Matters.”
In 2015, Derek wrote and recorded new music with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Brad Whitford and released the long awaited follow up to 1981’s Whitford/St. Holmes album. The Reunion album prompted a 2016 summer tour with the band White Snake. Derek is presently playing solo on a variety of Blues Tours and traveling with his own Band, The Derek St. Holmes Band and pleasing rock and roll fans throughout the US. Derek St. Holmes is a living testament to hard work and dedication. His voice remains as powerful as it was in 1974 when Nugent knew he had to snag him for his band. His guitar skills are equal to Nugent as well, a fact often overlooked due to his stellar vocals. St. Holmes’ abilities are surpassed only by his spirit and love of music.
It all began in 1974 when St. Holmes’ band Scott opened a gig for Ted Nugent and the Amboy Dukes. Nugent was making a name for himself around the Midwestern portion of the United States, but thus far had been unable to take his music to the next level. After seeing, and hearing, the young St. Holmes on stage, he knew what was missing and invited Derek to join his band. Derek brought a strong set of pipes, solid musicianship and songwriting skills to Nugent’s music, and in March of 1975 the world was introduced to him via Nugent’s self-titled debut album. While it was Nugent slinging down the guitar licks, it was Derek’s voice all over FM radio singing the soon to be classics “Stranglehold,” “Stormtroopin” and “Just What the Doctor Ordered.” In addition, Derek wrote, arranged and sang the classic tune “Hey Baby.” Derek quickly became regarded as one of the best voices on the international rock scene, all at the tender age of 22 years old. Nugent and St. Holmes continued their winning combination for three more iconic albums, Free for All in 1976, Cat Scratch Fever in 1977 and Double Live Gonzo in 1978. St. Holmes left the band and formed St. Paradise with ex-Nugent bassist Rob Grange in 1979, releasing one album. St. Paradise never took off as hoped, but the in-demand St. Holmes quickly teamed up with Aerosmith’s Brad Whitford to form Whitford/St. Holmes.
In 1981, they released the album Whitford/St. Holmes, which was produced by the legendary Tom Allom (Judas Priest, Krokus, Def Leppard, Loverboy). The album was well received and remains a cult classic to this day. In 1984, St. Holmes lent his vocal skills to German guitarist Michael Schenker’s band, MSG, on the album Built to Destroy. Derek also continued his on again/off again relationship with Nugent in both the 1980s, and ‘90s, co-writing several songs on Ted’s comeback album Spirit of Wild in 1996.
On July 4, 2000 Derek released his first solo album, after a quarter century in the music business. The critically acclaimed album, titled Then & Now featured songs that demonstrated the many facets of St. Holmes talents. His vocals ranged from the expected hard rockers, to bluesy numbers, to a heartfelt ballad. His guitar playing covered everything from hard rock, to blues, and even included an acoustic number. Derek spent the next ten years performing in many bands and being a part of many projects, always remaining active in the music business.
After years of Nugent fans begging Ted for Derek’s return, St. Holmes was invited by the Motor City Madman in 2011 to once again take his place on the Nugent stage. Derek appeared on Nugent’s 2014 album ShutUp&Jam, singing the tune “Everything Matters.”
In 2015, Derek wrote and recorded new music with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Brad Whitford and released the long awaited follow up to 1981’s Whitford/St. Holmes album. The Reunion album prompted a 2016 summer tour with the band White Snake. Derek is presently playing solo on a variety of Blues Tours and traveling with his own Band, The Derek St. Holmes Band and pleasing rock and roll fans throughout the US. Derek St. Holmes is a living testament to hard work and dedication. His voice remains as powerful as it was in 1974 when Nugent knew he had to snag him for his band. His guitar skills are equal to Nugent as well, a fact often overlooked due to his stellar vocals. St. Holmes’ abilities are surpassed only by his spirit and love of music.
Gary Hoey
Headlines Art on the River
June 11, 2022
“Neon Highway Blues”, Gary’s latest release, carries its 11 tracks with the confidence and assuredness of a veteran, and the freshness of someone who’s still in the process of discovery and refinement — with the help of famous friends such as Eric Gales, Lance Lopez, Josh Smith and Hoey’s 17-year-old son Ian Hoey. The release of “Neon Highway Blues” will, of course, take Gary Hoey back on the highways and byways for plenty of touring and playing, well, the blues — and more. He can’t yet predict where the next road will take him, but Hoey is confident it will be an adventure.
“It’s great to hear Gary sing and play the blues with his trademark intensity, feel and authenticity. And the guitar tones…both vintage and modern at the same time.” - Joe Satriani
In 2012, he produced and co-wrote The Queen Of Metal, Lita Ford’s latest release “Living Like Runaway” for SPV records to rave reviews. As Music Director for Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp, he’s worked with legends like Joe Perry, Roger Daltrey, Yes, blues icon Johnny Winter, Robben Ford, Leslie West, and KISS drummer, Peter Criss. And he has toured and traded licks with the likes of Jeff Beck, Brian May of Queen, Ted Nugent, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Peter Frampton, and Dick Dale.
With a collection of 21 albums it’s no wonder Gary Hoey is listed as one of the top 100 guitarists of all time. The world renowned rock guitarist’s first break came in 1987 when Ozzy Osbourne liked Hoey’s tape enough to fly him to LA for an audition and encouraging him to move to the West Coast. In 1990 Hoey was signed to Reprise Records with a short lived band called Heavy Bones but followed up in 1993 with a solo album and Gary’s cover of “Hocus Pocus” rocketed into the Billboard’s Top 5 Rock Tracks. He went on to score the successful “Endless Summer II” soundtrack for New Line Cinema and in 1995 started a trilogy of “Ho!Ho! Hoey,” a collection of instrumental Christmas classics that continues each year in his Rockin Holiday shows. And in 2013’s “Deja Blues” he came home to the blues. Gary’s release in 2016, “Dust & Bones,” displayed an exuberant fusion of blues and rock. But whatever style he plays, one thing is certain, Gary Hoey is a fiery, charismatic player who connects with the crowd.
Whether he’s playing scorching originals or classic rock covers, his solos are thrilling and reminiscent of Clapton or Stevie Ray in their fiery youth. One thing that remains consistent is Hoey’s impassioned command of the guitar. He can attack his instrument with feral intensity and then play something very soft and achingly beautiful. This ability to mix feeling, phrasing, technique and tone is the true mark of a master guitarist.
“It’s great to hear Gary sing and play the blues with his trademark intensity, feel and authenticity. And the guitar tones…both vintage and modern at the same time.” - Joe Satriani
In 2012, he produced and co-wrote The Queen Of Metal, Lita Ford’s latest release “Living Like Runaway” for SPV records to rave reviews. As Music Director for Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp, he’s worked with legends like Joe Perry, Roger Daltrey, Yes, blues icon Johnny Winter, Robben Ford, Leslie West, and KISS drummer, Peter Criss. And he has toured and traded licks with the likes of Jeff Beck, Brian May of Queen, Ted Nugent, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Peter Frampton, and Dick Dale.
With a collection of 21 albums it’s no wonder Gary Hoey is listed as one of the top 100 guitarists of all time. The world renowned rock guitarist’s first break came in 1987 when Ozzy Osbourne liked Hoey’s tape enough to fly him to LA for an audition and encouraging him to move to the West Coast. In 1990 Hoey was signed to Reprise Records with a short lived band called Heavy Bones but followed up in 1993 with a solo album and Gary’s cover of “Hocus Pocus” rocketed into the Billboard’s Top 5 Rock Tracks. He went on to score the successful “Endless Summer II” soundtrack for New Line Cinema and in 1995 started a trilogy of “Ho!Ho! Hoey,” a collection of instrumental Christmas classics that continues each year in his Rockin Holiday shows. And in 2013’s “Deja Blues” he came home to the blues. Gary’s release in 2016, “Dust & Bones,” displayed an exuberant fusion of blues and rock. But whatever style he plays, one thing is certain, Gary Hoey is a fiery, charismatic player who connects with the crowd.
Whether he’s playing scorching originals or classic rock covers, his solos are thrilling and reminiscent of Clapton or Stevie Ray in their fiery youth. One thing that remains consistent is Hoey’s impassioned command of the guitar. He can attack his instrument with feral intensity and then play something very soft and achingly beautiful. This ability to mix feeling, phrasing, technique and tone is the true mark of a master guitarist.
