Rig Rundown - Trans Siberian Orchestra's Joel Hoekstra and Chris Caffery

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra tour is demanding. Each day could bring multiple shows and meet-and-greets with only a few days off. We caught up with TSO’s East Coast guitarists Joel Hoekstra and Chris Caffery before their Nashville doubleheader.
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[@premierguitar]

Get the Gear: bit.ly/Trans-SiberianOrchestraRR Don't Miss a Rundown: bit.ly/RIgRundownENL Subscribe to PG's Channel: bit.ly/SubscribePGKZbin

[@chandlerkarson1437]

You probably dont care but does anyone know a tool to get back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly forgot my login password. I appreciate any help you can offer me!

[@maximiliankase963]

@Chandler Karson Instablaster ;)

[@chandlerkarson1437]

@Maximilian Kase Thanks for your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm in the hacking process now. Takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@chandlerkarson1437]

@Maximilian Kase it worked and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thanks so much, you really help me out :D

[@maximiliankase963]

@Chandler Karson happy to help :D

[@odjrvfjdjr3261]

Joel is such a cool and gracious guy. You can tell he is very thankful, respectful, humbled, and honored for his success. A musician that keeps it real. Thank you Joel.

[@noworries12]

is he a bible guy?

[@scottydog62]

@@noworries12 not sure but it wouldn't surprise me

[@renevanderbruggen731]

@@scottydog62 @noworries you can be nice without being a bible guy ~ it’s his Dutch roots I guess

[@davemitchell4222]

Ya Chris should learn that from him

[@JonathanHiller]

For those that aren't aware, Galen Henson, Joel's tech, has played backup guitar for Joe Satriani for a tour or two, and is a fantastic guitar player in his own right. I have a friend who did monitors for them for a while.

[@dropac]

i was thinking "man, is he an actor or something because i saw that face so many times somewhere". thank you for clearing that up for us

[@bluestudiohk]

Galen Henson is a professional tour / production manager for a lot artists and of course, went to the front since Satch asked him as rhy and support guitarist

[@dewdude2112]

I noticed at about 18:00, Joel went to hand him the Martin but paused, Galen pulled back so as not to have confusion about who actually has the guitar in hand. That is some heavy awareness so as not to cause a drop. He's doing it by reflex alone. I guess handing off guitars every 5-10 minutes helps develop that skill. It shows great attention to detail.

[@noworries12]

he's an ok strummer...

[@kionihernandez356]

wait! thats him! wow. many years of seeing him backup the Satchman.

[@macdad159]

Joel Hoeksta is a beast of a player. Much respect.

[@Sheltowee1775]

This guy seems so genuine.

[@neobx2]

That’s awesome that Joel keeps David Zs memory alive. R.I.P. David am happy to have met/tech many gigs with Rubix

[@dewdude2112]

Probably could be one of my favorite rundowns. Joel and Chris and Galen all taking the time to speak directly to us, giving us more insight into the gear and show than just the tech alone. Wonderful attitude...just became a HUGE fan.

[@burnedoutgolfer]

Amen brother! I loved Galens playing supporting Satriani! Incredible

[@ttown918]

Joel might be one of the most articulate, down to earth rock guitar guys I've ever listened to talk. Seems like a really neat dude.

[@Jerseyboondocks]

These are the most two humble and down to earth men/ famous I have ever met. The first time I saw Joel in person, I was in Atlantic City after a TSO show and their tour bus went by as I was walking to the car... and Joel put his head out the window waving with a big smile. Then Chris talked to me not like he was a star but just like a regular person and had no pretense about him at all & said nothing about who he was even the entire time. Was actually just talking about world events.

[@musicmanlfp890]

Chris representing Savatage! Love it!

[@AccuracySpeaks]

Chris always represents Savatage and the USA as well (notice the hat), amazing guy!

[@musicmanlfp890]

@@AccuracySpeaks Agreed

[@andyorr1597]

I used to take lessons from Joel back at Pro Am Music in Chicagoland. The guy definitely did his homework. Even 25 years ago, he was the real deal.

[@jjmoon1573]

Both Joel & Chris are down to earth guys. Never once have I seen either of them talk down to people. They talk to you... some high profile musicians think they are above you. Great interview and allot of great information from behind the scenes....

[@DuffyLONER64]

To be honest, most rock/metal musicians are some of the nicest people on the planet, much nicer than a lot of pop artists. Look at bands such as Linkin Park, Slipknot, and Deftones. It might not seem like it from the music, but look at interviews and you'll see that they're all super down to earth.

[@jcoulter43]

I couldn't agree more! I got to see Joel & Chris with TSO a couple years ago in Beavercreek, OH. Absolutely stellar show and worth every penny. Bolinger should do all of these interviews. There is not a more humble and down to earth dude than John. A true gem (and fantastic player). God bless and rock on 👍🎸😎

[@AccuracySpeaks]

@@jcoulter43 Yeah, John is amazing, very humble, knowledgable, and a total pro, heck of a musician too! You can really see it with the folks he interviews that he actually knows what they're talking about and that he appreciates the gear, technique, their abilities. You can really tell in his non-verbal cues when he admires a player and understands their gifts. That's the beauty of a truly gifted and humble musician, to be in awe and inspired by someone in your own craft. Happy new year everyone!!

[@getgetoutout]

Met Joel several times and he is the most gracious person playing today. The first time I met him he saw the "Triumph" T-Shirt I was wearing and came up to me to tell me he loved my shirt and then told me stories about him and Rik Emmett jamming and that he had just been up to see him weeks before. We talked for 20 minutes. So genuine.

[@anthonyfesta1224]

Rest In Peace Criss Oliva and Paul O’Neil.💔

[@MrJohncraciun]

Kings among men

[@austinleodecker]

#RIPPaulONeil #RIPDavidZ #RIPCrissOliva

[@MrJohncraciun]

Al Petrelli and Paul O’Neill are two of the most BADASS, hard working, kindest people ever.

[@mikebledsoe2315]

*I felt the genuine earthiness and love for instruments, gear, and music from Joel, Chris, and John Bollinger during this rig run down. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Premier Guitar.*

[@RobSchauland]

I remember all the heat over that Gibson V when it came out. Seeing this one here...it's totally radical!

[@Total_Bolles]

I tend to prefer no-nonsense live music performances, but a TSO show is truly a spectacle. Saw them in Philly a few years back, just amazing. And Chris Caffery i great. Love that both of these guys are so congenial.

[@barryschneider7314]

Joel is a true professional, and by all appearances a class act! I love seeing the TSO shows!!

[@pageluvva]

Joel is a killer player and showman and one hell of a nice guy. Thanks for another amazing Rig Rundown!

[@barryschneider7314]

TSO is so fun - this interview was a great way to see real guys rocking!

[@TerrapinStation]

Man, what a nice guy. Love seeing musicians who are music geeks.

[@daveschutt1]

I can't say that I am that familiar with Joel Hoekstra, just remember seeing his name on CD inserts here and there in the 80's and 90's but what an awesome and humble guy! You can tell he is one smart dude, very articulate and well spoken. I love how he is all about the show, the audience and entertaining the crowd vs the typical egotistical musician that is all about himself and the privilege that the audience has to watch him. A new fan here for sure!

[@MrAngryTwinkie]

He has a great series of articles and videos with Guitar World. You can find a number of his Guitar World lessons here on KZbin.

[@paolo-1283]

@@MrAngryTwinkie Man you're missing out check his pentatonic triplets he's up there with the best of the best.

[@MrAngryTwinkie]

@@paolo-1283 I am familiar with it -- you are replying to the wrong person

[@scottydog62]

Years ago I seen Joel hoekstra with Night Ranger He was so good and always smiling having a great time, and of course Brad Gillis is a hoot to watch as well

[@AccuracySpeaks]

One of the best shows I've seen in my life!! All the musicians are just top-notch from top to bottom and the nicest guys ever, the production is amazing, truly a must-see show if you've never seen them live, I'd encourage anyone to make sure you check them out, especially if you are a lover of Christmas and amazing music!! Love the American flag in the background too!! Chris and Joel are just amazing on all levels, and John is not only an amazing interviewer, but he is also an amazing musician as well!!

[@heymrguitarman7637]

Bollinger has to be the best interviewer of guitarists. So cool

[@fretbuzz59]

The most obsequious.

[@stevedoingstuff3960]

He's a killer guitar player himself, too

[@eliwarner9727]

steven pomerville really?

[@Mooseboy08]

@@eliwarner9727 Yeah, Bollinger is a killer player. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6O8c4Skn8ppfKc

[@mitchmason8386]

Saw them tonight in Cincinnati Ohio and Joel played all these guitars! AWESOME SHOW!

[@bobsmith1965]

Love to hear Chris Caffery bring up Savatage, you can't listen to TSO with out hearing the Oliva brothers in the music.

[@combustion9426]

Saw Joel when he was the lead guitarist of Rock of Ages, what a monster player!

[@OscarGuitare]

TSO fan here. Joel Hoekstra is a true rockstar with the sweetest heart and beautiful smile. They are my angels who come for Christmas.

[@hhattingh]

Finally a shout out to Hoekstra! Great guy and a fantastic player

[@Mike6StringsIn]

You know I really like it when the artist just plays their guitar as it is. There's just so much BS out there. Loved these guys.

[@lizzyr.1541]

weird to think that i'm sitting in my dorm as a music business major, realizing that TSO was VERY MUCH an inspiration for me. going to their shows with my dad as a kid was what made me realize that live music what was i wanted to work with for the rest of my life.

[@jamesharte3123]

My GF is friends with Bob Kinkel, one of TSO's founders. We went to a show in Albany NY as his Guest, and I was actually in this room under stage before the show. There is one like this on the other side of the stage that is monitor world, and I believe if memory serves me, a second guitar room. You would not believe what actually is under/behind this complex setup, AMAZING!! These players are GREAT at what they do, Bravo/Brava to the Women as well!!!

[@kevin7rxxx346]

Joel is such a cool cat...so genuine and such a guitar fan as well as a great

[@jackdaniel.2546]

I’ve seen TSO three times, wife five times. Their concerts are an experience.

[@bodijisattva9333]

W

[@lumptaviousshadows453]

Glad you've seen your wife more than TSO. lol

[@mikeyo3230]

Damn. I’ve seen your wife more than you

[@jeffhebert9643]

This was great....I love TSO....they are a Christmas tradition . Great guys too.

[@ethanmullett4128]

joel seems like a rly down to earth dude

[@countstoneula]

Video sponsored by D’Addario with HUGE Ernie Ball shoutout. 😂

[@michaeltaylors2456]

I’ve been playing for 40 years , I had to be different , was a GHS boomer guy for least 25 of those years , then elixirs , just last week, what the heck, tried the cheapest strings in the shop. Might be the best tho ... Slinkies hybrids 9-46 . Fantastic

[@countstoneula]

Michael Taylors that’s awesome. I’ve been playing for about 25 years. I started out on slinky’s and fender strings. Eventually used boomers as well for about 10+ years. Until I started opening new packs that were rusty. Had this happen way more than once and even purchased them from three different stores. After that I really started looking again. I’ve been happily used D’Addarios now for about 5-10 years. I love that they’re sealed and wrapped in plastic. So even if they sit in my case for a while before I need them they come out new. The biggest difference I find between strings is how they feel when they’re getting old. And how long this takes. I find Martin strings feel old faster than any. Anyways, don’t mean to put any of these brands down, they all do different things very well. I just thought it was funny that it was a sponsored video and he gave that shout out.

[@bipbipletucha]

@@michaeltaylors2456 ok ghs boomer

[@HowlingUlf]

@@bipbipletucha Bah dum tssh !!! 😂

[@eric_in_florida]

Glad to see them adding more variety guitar-wise. Was very surprised to see him rocking the chromeboy.

[@ecstaticpenguin768]

I saw them live a couple of years ago, it was the only concert I've ever been to and it was awe inciting. I can't wait to bring my siblings one year! They played night castle and it was incredible!

[@mickdestiny6542]

That was a great rundown. Nice guys who love their job and appreciate those around them..

[@andyjamess]

Love the 'Star Trek' Gibson

[@IETCHX69]

" *LOVE* " . yer darn tootin' .

[@joesatchton212]

Waitasec! Galen Henson goes from 4th man on stage for Joe Satriani to guitar tech for Joel Hoekstra? And Joel is using a Satach Chromeboy? whoa.... BTW, Joel Hoekstra's solo work is INCREDIBLE.

[@midnightblues717]

With all the really good one's out there, this was one of the best ones I've seen. Several years ago, my wife and I saw "Rock of Ages" in NYC, unfortunately, Joel was on tour with one of the bands (Night Ranger I think?). Both he and Chris seem like such down-to-earth, great guys. On a side note, Galen Henson was with Joe Satriani for some time playing rhythm guitar. You can see him on Stach's "Live In San Francisco" DVD. Oh and House of Guitars is in Rochester, N.Y. and it's a GREAT place to go to browse or if you're looking to buy. No affiliation.

[@JosephSouthard]

Awesome that you got to share these guys with us, Chris has been a favorite player of mine for many many years. They diffidently deserve better recognition considering how much great music they bring to us. Pure Awesomeness!!! Thank You!!!

[@leddygee1896]

That Howard Roberts Fusion is such an overlooked guitar for rock. Also a beautiful guitar overall... Love the Trapeze!!

[@danyeo]

Saw this show right before Christmas in NJ. Kinda figured they were using Fractal as no cabs were on stage.

[@michaeltaylors2456]

Joel definitely gets it . Been wanting to see TSO for a long time .

[@IETCHX69]

No idea who they are . Going googly r now !

[@IETCHX69]

Sad to say , is just not my cup'o'tea .

[@Dman425]

@@IETCHX69 you would be surprised! You have to go

[@KB-to3yl]

What a nice dude! Seems like he's done a lot of hard work to get where he is, and he appreciates it all. Great guitar gear too!

[@GeneSchmidt]

Man... he is just such a down to earth, cool, guy.

[@lucyfuir6386]

That gold V is sweet I bet it plays like butter. Keep rocking it who cares what anyone says.

[@IETCHX69]

I have a Slime Green Jackson . Not for every one !

[@iamrichrocker]

behind every great guitarist is a fantastic Tech..

[@gosmo4504]

Love the respect still to Paul! Great run down on two great guitarists!

[@scoutrifle6827]

Wow, great players and nice guys!

[@bobsbarnworkshop]

Joel tossed my 18 YO grandson a pick at Rochester on the right side of the stage, he gave you the devil head sign (what else do I call it?) and you tossed it right to him! THANKS! great souvenir!!!!

[@adrianwagner336]

"throwing up the horns" is one typical term used ;-) actually bought to rock stages by Ronnie James Dio

[@2kosher]

Joel is so down to earth and humble. Wished he stopped in LA!

[@xirknight]

This guy made his own success so inspiring!

[@thegee-tahguy4877]

The best guitar hands down that has ever come into my repair shop back in the 80's was a 74 Alpine white LP Custom that was beat to shit. It had been played to death and the frets were badly worn. I did a dressing and a set-up, and litterally didn't want to tell the customer it was ready for pick up. It was nothing less than magnificent and I couldn't put it down. Since then I've been looking for another beat up one I could fix up, but they're all minty and expensive. SO, I fould me a beat to shit 73 LP Black Beauty fretless wonder with embossed pups (yes, gold embossed pups lasted into early 73). Everyone who plays it agrees it's the best axe ever.

[@bipbipletucha]

I LOVE 70s Customs! Especially RR style Alpines

[@MetalAsylumNJ]

Savatage, your welcome TSO.

[@leddygee1896]

Criss should have Van Halen and Rhoads cred by now...such a shame. Hall of the Mountain King and Gutter Ballet are somewhere on a different plane...

[@bobsmith1965]

99% of the people just don't know where TSO came from.

[@alanblasczyk1779]

That was excellent...thank you so much !

[@theophany1770]

What an amazing vid! Such humble guys and amazing talent. Kudos to the interviewer as well

[@allendean9807]

It’s funny how many people will always think a JB is a Jeff Beck, because of the initials..... killer video!

[@ralphshaw9758]

@@kenstough1166 No... everyone knows it Joey Buttafuoco

[@rockhurstalum09]

Awesome! Thanks for this!

[@JDPLOWER]

Did not know Patton Oswalt was doing a side gig as a guitar tech...

[@gregbetts8057]

love the band , thanks for this

[@vernonhoover1387]

Great guitars to dream about.fantastic collection

[@joerobinson2538]

32:55 Chris is talking about Mike’s Music in Cincinnati. Loads of famous guitarists have visited there as Mike Reeder specializes in rare and vintage gear. Joe Bonnamassa is a regular visitor there -Eric Johnson and the likes have been there also. I’m proud to have such a musical landmark/destination in my area!

[@thecollective1584]

I've seen Joel with TSO, Night Ranger, Whitesnake, and Cher, and have met him twice outside of the gigs (once in an airport, and once standing outside a hotel). He is absolutely what you see, here. I asked if I would be permitted a few moments of his time, and he was quite accommodating. He was sincerely appreciative of my enjoyment of his playing and spending my dollars to keep him employed. (Of course, the fact that I wasn't acting "fanboy" and was talking musician to musician and only kept him a couple of minutes helped)

[@AccuracySpeaks]

Man hold your head high, cause if you saw him play with anyone, you were lucky, he is certainly an amazing musician! Thanks for sharing your cool story, I love the realness in people's life experiences!

[@bobsbarnworkshop]

"First Snow"!!! One TSO song I can actually play!

[@KeeperOfPoops]

happy new year! hope you've got some good rig rundowns planned, and some updated rundowns on some artists you may have interviewed before :D

[@alexandercoppage8018]

This is awesome 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘 trans Siberian orchestra rig rundown I love it.

[@briankimmell7960]

Humble. Thank you

[@Bricklinsv1970]

I just found Joel recently and he is a extraordinary amazing guitarist! Chris is so cool too! I have to see them someday!

[@AccuracySpeaks]

You would be blown away, they kill it, and yes both are amazing guitarists!!

[@barclaybass2327]

Saw TSO for the first time just before Christmas, it was one of the most amazing concerts I've ever been to. Joel and Chris KILLED it, and they really interacted with the crowd (we were feet away from Joel most of the night, he was talking to us and the people around us and we got 2 picks thrown from him!) and just looked like they were having the best time ever!

[@kellywright8248]

Awesome interview. These guys are great professionals

[@carlosrocha9550]

Great interview!! Very polite guys!

[@timmcdonald9877]

Excellent presentation!!

[@kxmrock]

His Playing is Top Notch As Any One Out There Residing at The Top

[@NathanChojnacki]

so happy to see the gibson flying V being used in a show...no heat from me that thing is the shit

[@xirknight]

What a down to earth guy!

[@donufro]

These guys seem so cool. Love TSO

[@milicamarkovic3613]

JH & CC are great musicians and guys! Sending you positive vibes from Serbia! 🎸🎸❤❤ Much respect!🙏🙏 I would be so happy to see TSO LIVE!🍀😍🥰🎶🎵💥🔥

[@AccuracySpeaks]

One of the best shows ever, and I've seen some killer shows! Hopefully, one of these days you will be able to see them!

[@milicamarkovic3613]

@@AccuracySpeaksTHANKS!😍 I belive you... I hope to see that show... Dreams come true...😃🍀

[@AccuracySpeaks]

@@milicamarkovic3613 Indeed they do, I hope yours certainly do!

[@milicamarkovic3613]

@@AccuracySpeaks thanks so much! Wish your dreams come true!🍀

[@fja3040]

Great interviews!

[@johan8586]

Kinda funny that Joel has a Satriani-signature given that Galen used to play rhythm guitar in his band.

[@dancapnron1]

@Pete Hawthorne Yeah, i was gonna say, wasnt he Joe's rhythm guitarist for a while?

[@johnnytruck2009]

Awesome post!

[@rdm5190]

Joel....an amazing gift from God

[@jamesharper1729]

Man I cant believe I missed them again. This year...

[@realgoodmind]

Awesome. Nicest guys in the world it seems.

[@AccuracySpeaks]

Without a doubt, you can't fake it and be so humble and genuine!

[@Pegasusrock1]

At 7.37 I have the same guitar. Never seen anyone else with one. It looks so cool

[@robbierussell9536]

Awesome 👌!!!!!!!

[@Bob_at_Quibsonguitarworks]

Great episode! It's always a pleasure to hear from Joel and Chris! Both are very cool guys. (Hi guys..yeah, it's Bob from Detroit. Chris...stay away from the Deviled Eggs, Man) Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year.

[@AccuracySpeaks]

Hey, Bob from Detriot, Happy new year from Jeff from Virginia! I'd love to understand the deviled eggs story lol!

[@Bob_at_Quibsonguitarworks]

@@AccuracySpeaks , it's a lesson performers sometimes, unfortunately, learn about backstage catering after it's been around awhile...that is all I will say :)

[@AccuracySpeaks]

@@Bob_at_Quibsonguitarworks I gotcha! Hopefully nothing too disgusting! I hope someone didn't set him up with tainted food, especially if he had to perform.

[@Bob_at_Quibsonguitarworks]

@@AccuracySpeaks always pass on Deviled eggs, potato salad or the like that is just sitting out. I do because of a bad experience with Chicken Salad. Uncle Bob's Buffet Advice for the day...lol

[@AccuracySpeaks]

@@Bob_at_Quibsonguitarworks Haha, I got you, Uncle Bob, I don't touch any salads as you mentioned anyways unless my old lady makes them lol! I'm very particular about folks' cooking cause most people are actually pretty nasty sadly enough, haha!

[@70mcnevin]

Fractal! 👍

[@adrianwagner336]

they really are just guys who have a night job being rock stars for a few hours and they realize that its the fans who actually pay for those sexy guitars and appreciate them for it go to a TSO east evening show then stick around after for the meet n greet (free) and meet them yourself ;-)

[@timothyholmes4588]

the digitech is a really great unit. they did great on amps and effects. they've always had my favorite cab models.

[@MrBrawl]

Wish we could've seen Tony's bass rig, too! Thank you for this, though!

[@noizewriter3324]

I know that Johnny Lee Middleton (TSO West) use's J and P basses into an Ampeg preamp pedal and a Tube DI, So besides Tony using Music Man Sting Rays... I can't imagine it's too different...Hope this helps though!!!

[@Turboy65]

That white LP Custom has a very nice flamed maple top hidden under that white finish. You can see it in the reflection off the top.

[@tinanoel452]

What a beautiful person!

[@Lord_Raptor]

Cool to see Patton Oswald moonlighting as a guitar tech.

[@teamflyers415]

Impressed that Chris knew of Bogart's in Cincinnati!

[@mike_w_21]

Just a couple of really nice guys talkin gear. Thumbs up!

[@wammbarro]

Wow...what a genuine guy Joel is.