4/20/26 Page 2
Renowned guitarist JOEL HOEKSTRA will join Ratt’s STEPHEN PEARCY UNDERCOVER TOUR for 2026. Pearcy is currently commemorating the 40th anniversary of the band’s third album, Dancing Undercover, released in 1986, hitting stages across America. Pearcy’s expressed his enthusiasm about adding Hoekstra to his all-star lineup – Drums: Blas Elias (Slaughter, Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Bass: Matt Thorne (Rough Cutt, Original Ratt), Guitar: Erik Ferentinos (Stephen Pearcy, Bow Wow Wow), and Guitar: Joel Hoekstra: (Foreigner, Whitesnake, Trans-Siberian Orchestra). Get info at officialstephenpearcy.com.
Former W.A.S.P. guitarist CHRIS HOLMES recently cancelled some shows overseas. An official statement from Holmes and his wife/manager Catherine can be read in part below: “Out of respect for our fans and promoters, we feel compelled to explain why we are obliged to cancel our UK and Scandinavia tour scheduled for May. All shows taking place after July remain unaffected. We will keep you updated as soon as we have more information. Chris has a minor prostate issue, nothing that threatens his projects, his tours, or his fire. It’s already being taken care of, and he’ll be back on his feet and on stage soon. To those who support Chris with heart and respect: we send that love right back to you."
STRYPER frontman and very longtime HardRadio friend MICHAEL SWEET recently revealed that he was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer, the most common type of thyroid cancer. He has checked in with the following update on his condition: “I’ve been working hard to try to work through my vocal issues (nebulizer, steamer, sprays, gargles and voice therapy). My mid-range is still difficult to navigate but oddly enough, my high range (scream) has been much easier to perform. I really think the VocalMist Nebulizer has really helped me with that! Anyway, all that to say, I’m doing everything that I can to overcome my obstacles. Thank you all for praying and believing."
