Gary Hoey is a hard-rocking, blues-oriented, surf-playing American guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer, best known for his work in the instrumental rock genre. However, his extensive catalog also includes rock, blues, and even a few fun, upbeat holiday instrumentals! Hoey grew up in the Boston area and began playing clubs and teaching guitar in his teens. Gary was even recruited to audition for the spot of Ozzy Osbourne’s guitarist when that position opened up. Though he was ultimately unsuccessful in that pursuit, the experience gave him the final push to make the big move to Los Angeles and pursue his dream of becoming a recording artist.

Gary Hoey’s debut solo album, Animal Instinct, was released in 1993. Hoey became best known for his instrumental version of the Focus classic Hocus Pocus, which received significant airplay on rock radio and exposure on MTV. Other projects by Hoey included music for the surfing film The Endless Summer II. Hoey would go on to create another successful “project”—and vehicle for his guitar playing—with Ho! Ho! Hoey, a series of holiday songs reworked as hard-rockin’ instrumental guitar compositions.

With many years of rock, blues, and instrumental music behind him, Gary has continued to tour and record while collaborating with artists including Lita Ford. His guitar work has shared the stage with many well-known musicians, including Jeff Beck, Peter Frampton, Ted Nugent, and the late King of the Surf Guitar, Dick Dale. More than three decades into his solo recording career, Gary continues to tour and record the music that brings him and his fans the most satisfaction. In 2026, he remains on the road following the release of his latest album, Avalanche, which marked a return to his rock roots.

From his concerts, recordings, and collaborations have come guitar picks, backstage passes, tour laminates, and other memorabilia. The items cover the many phases of his hard rock and instrumental guitar career, along with the detours he has taken into the worlds of surf music, Christmas records, and the blues. For collectors and guitar fans, they represent different chapters of a career built around the instrument. Browse our collection of authentic Gary Hoey guitar picks and other memorabilia below.