Joel Hoekstra is an American guitarist, currently in the band Whitesnake, who also tours with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) and music and film legend Cher.

In addition to his performing with the TSO, he was the lead guitarist in the Broadway musical, Rock of Ages.  He also made a cameo appearance alongside Sebastian Bach, Nuno Bettencourt, Kevin Cronin, and Debbie Gibson in the big screen movie adaptation of Rock of Ages

In 2008, Hoekstra joined the band Night Ranger, toured with with the band,  and performed on several albums with the group. Joel also appeared in the videos for the songs Growin’ Up In California, Knock Knock Never Stop, and High Road. In 2011, Joel filled in for Mick Jones in Foreigner while continuing to play with Night Ranger on the same tour.

Joel released the debut album Dying to Live through Frontier Records from his side project Joel Hoekstra’s 13, in 2015. The album featured performances by Russell Allen, Vinny Appice, Tony Franklin, and Jeff Scott Soto. In 2016, Hoekstra played on Michael Sweet’s album One Sided War and appeared in the video for the song “Radio”.

Hoekstra has performed as a counselor at the 20th anniversary of the Rock ‘n Roll Fantassy Camp, playing along side Nancy Wilson, Vinnie Appice, Steven Adler, and Gregg Bissonette.

The son of classical musicians, he started out playing cello and piano at a young age, but it was hearing Angus Young of AC/DC that inspired him to start playing the guitar.