Trans-Siberian Orchestra Brings Holiday Rock To Mohegan Sun

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a Christmas tradition unlike any other — a one-of-a-kind mix of rock and roll spectacle and holiday spirit. I’ve seen them four times, and every performance reminds me that this band doesn’t just put on a show — they absolutely blow you away. It’s pure entertainment, the kind of experience you won’t soon forget.

Get our free mobile app

That same electrifying energy is headed straight for Connecticut when TSO rolls into Mohegan Sun on November 30th. Ahead of the big event, we had the chance to speak with one of the band’s standout performers, guitarist Joel Hoekstra — and this was our favorite moment.

Ethan: How many tractor-trailers’ worth of gear do you all have to bring to each show?

Joel: "You know, I'm not sure of the exact number this year, but it's typically about 18 or 19 for each band. So there’s a West band and an East band that go out simultaneously so we can cover the U.S. and even some of Canada — close enough to Christmas where it makes sense. I mean, nobody wants to go see the Christmas show in August. So, for us to cover all the territories, that’s the way we do it. But that makes it even cooler during the rehearsal process too, because we’re all here together, and we even have a band that’s all the backup people. So you’ve got a backup band, just in case anybody goes down, gets hurt, or gets sick. It’s pretty cool when you get to rehearsal, because there are a lot of very talented musicians."

Lou: You’ve got like relief pitchers — that’s awesome. I’ve never heard that before.

I can’t think or talk about TSO without mentioning the band’s founder, Paul O’Neill, who passed away a few years ago. I only had the chance to speak with Paul a few times each year, but it was every year — and every time, he had this incredible way of making everyone feel valued and essential to the band’s success. Whenever TSO earned a new gold or platinum record, Paul would personally call Ethan Carey and me to make sure we each received a framed copy with our names on it. I just wish I could have known him better, because it was clear he was a truly great man.

I also have to mention my late friend David Z from ZO2 and TSO — we miss you, man.

Read More: Connecticut on the Big Screen - Remembering 2008's 'Revolutionary Road' 

You can listen to the complete interview below. 

Check out the Ethan, Lou & Large Dave Show Podcast on Apple & Spotify