Young Hartlepool musician set to support Snoop Dogg and Slipknot after moving to America to follow dream

Bass guitarist Joe Levon Hoey, 20, is enjoying success in the States as a member of the rock band Störmbreaker since moving to Minneapolis around four years ago.

He recently played shows in Hollywood’s famous Whisky A Go Go nightclub which has helped to launch the careers of bands like Guns N’ Roses, Led Zeppelin and The Doors.

This summer Joe and Störmbreaker will share the stage with rapper Snoop Dogg, heavy metal big hitters Slipknot and rockers Limp Bizkit at RockFest in Wisconsin.

Joe, who went to High Tunstall College of Science, joined the band around three years ago after meeting the other members through a flyer at a local music venue.

He said: “I moved to the States when I was just about 15, mainly for the opportunities that Minneapolis and America in general offers, especially in music.

“I would describe the band’s sound as high-energy rock ‘n’ roll, in the same vein as Skid Row or Whitesnake. Taking equal influence from the past whilst also trying to bring something new.

“Playing the Whisky was something I never thought I’d ever be doing, it’s a legendary venue with a deep history in rock ‘n’ roll.

“To stand on the same stage as Zeppelin, Oasis and The Doors was surreal in the best possible way.”

He added: “RockFest is going to be mega! It’s going to be a hell of a task warming up the crowd for Snoop Dogg but it’s a task we’re very happy to take on!”

Störmbreaker have released an EP titled Pull The Trigger and two singles, the most recent of which called Heartless has been performing well on streaming services and local radio stations in Minneapolis.

Joe said he would love to play a homecoming gig with Störmbreaker in Hartlepool soon and play alongside some of his favourite local bands.

In the meantime, you can listen to the band’s music on Spotify and Apple Music.