takin' a walk Presents: The Celebrity Jobber with Jeff Zito — Featuring Guitarist Gary Hoey

Date: September 17, 2025
Host: Buzz Knight (takin' a walk) introduces Jeff Zito (The Celebrity Jobber)
Guest: Gary Hoey (Guitarist, Producer)
Length of relevant content: ~03:35–28:00

Episode Overview

This episode spotlights a crossover between Buzz Knight’s "takin' a walk" and Jeff Zito’s "The Celebrity Jobber" podcast. Jeff Zito hosts iconic guitarist Gary Hoey, known for his 1990s hit cover "Hocus Pocus". The core theme: How a single bold moment—auditioning for Ozzy Osbourne—set Gary’s career in motion, what "big breaks" really look like, and the lessons in taking chances, perseverance, and adaptability as an artist.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Humble Beginnings and Family Background

[06:03–07:27]

Not from a Typical Musical Family:
Gary’s mom was musically inclined but not a professional musician—she "was always playing records and singing in the kitchen", while his dad worked as a cab driver and later started a roofing company.

“My mom was a kind of a character... an entertainer in her own right.” (Gary Hoey, 06:21)
Life in Lowell, MA:
Raised in a blue-collar, "rough sort of town," with six siblings (four sisters, one brother).

2. Discovering the Guitar

[07:31–08:45]

Guitar entered Gary’s life unexpectedly, via his sister’s boyfriend, not via the typical “rock star epiphany.”

“He came and sat at the kitchen table and just started playing like three feet in front of me… I was mesmerized. I was hooked.” (Gary Hoey, 07:50)
By age 16, he was certain music—specifically guitar—would be his life’s path. He dropped out of high school in 10th grade, got his GED, and started working gigs.

“I knew by the time I was probably 16 years old that this is what I was going to be doing for my life.” (Gary Hoey, 08:45)

3. First Jobs and Work Ethic

[09:22–10:32]

Gary’s mom pushed him toward independence early:

“My mom literally... told me when I was 17, ‘you're out, you need to go make a living and you need to go figure it out.’ So I left home when I was 17 and got a part time job and started playing in bands and that was it.” (Gary Hoey, 09:22)
Early jobs included a newspaper route, factory work in shoe shops (gluing soles—“that’s why I have so much soul”), and inspecting circuit boards at Wayne Computers.

4. The Life-Changing Ozzy Osbourne Audition

[10:32–14:52; 19:18–20:33]

The Story in Brief:

While in his mid-20s, Gary heard Ozzy Osbourne on Boston radio looking for a new guitarist ([10:50]).
Gary called the station, played Ozzy riffs over the phone, and was told to send in a demo tape ([11:06]).
Two weeks later, Gary was flown to LA for an audition—his first time in a limo, first time in California ([12:23–13:28]).
Sat among "20 guitar players all lined up with long hair and leather jackets... a cattle call" ([12:41]), Gary played songs like “Crazy Train” with Ozzy himself.
He didn’t get the gig (Zakk Wylde did), but Ozzy’s advice was pivotal:

“Ozzy literally said to me, if you get the gig or you don’t, you need to move to Los Angeles.” (Gary Hoey, 13:38)
“I got home, I found out I didn’t get the gig... But I came home and I sold everything I had, and I got into U-HAUL and drove across the country to California... and my career took off. I believe I owe it to Ozzy.” (Gary Hoey, 13:38)
Reflection on Chance and Courage:

“I just had my talent. And I had the balls to pick up the phone and play... which was very scary. And it taught me a lot just going through that experience. It aged me…” (Gary Hoey, 14:52)

5. Lessons Learned, Looking Back

[19:18–20:33]

What if he hadn’t made the call?

“If I didn’t pick up that phone, my life would definitely not have taken the turn that it did and the opportunities that came from it... It taught me for the rest of my life: when a moment comes where you can seize an opportunity... do it. Because the worst that can happen is somebody says no, which could still turn into an opportunity.” (Gary Hoey, 19:41)

6. On Networking and Attitude in the Music Business

[21:41–23:03]

Covering "Hocus Pocus" was a vehicle to show the world more of what he could do. Gary now tells his own son, who plays in his band, about the importance of making connections and grabbing opportunities when they appear.

“When you meet somebody, don’t be afraid to say, hey, can I get your phone number? Can we stay in touch?... It could be Brian May from Queen—you never know.” (Gary Hoey, 21:41)
Jeff Zito’s Take:

“Don’t be a dick... you never know who you’re going to meet.” (Jeff Zito, 22:20)

7. Diversification and Longevity

[23:03–25:26]

Gary credits his continued music career to versatility:
- Performer, teacher, mentor, producer, engineer, soundtrack composer, etc.
“To survive in this business, you have to be diversified... I’ll valet cars. I do whatever it takes to feed my family.” (Gary Hoey, 23:03) “Don’t look at yourself as one-dimensional. Find out other things that you’re good at and don’t just look for a hand up for yourself. Give other people a hand up.” (Gary Hoey, 23:03)
His production credits include work with Lita Ford, Ricky Lee Jones, Tom Waits, and music for ESPN, Disney, and film soundtracks ([24:16]).

8. Upcoming Projects and Collaborations

[25:26–26:38]

Discusses current collaborations:
- Playing with Lou Gramm (original Foreigner singer), after having once opened for Foreigner and Doobie Brothers when “Hocus Pocus” was a hit.
- Touring with his son, just released a new album, “Avalanche.”
“Life is really good, man. I’m still feeding my kids on rock and roll.” (Gary Hoey, 23:03)

9. Memorable Anecdotes & Local Connections

[27:14–27:42]

A fun story about Gary’s mom making lasagna for radio hosts Stan and Haney back in Fort Myers, a favorite memory that stuck with the hosts for years.

“They usually don’t eat listener food, but I think your mother’s cooking was a different story.” (Jeff Zito, 27:42)

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Seizing Opportunities:

“When a moment comes where you can seize an opportunity and you can put yourself out there, do it. Because the worst that can happen is somebody says no, which could still turn into an opportunity.”
—Gary Hoey [19:41]
On Career Diversity:

“Don’t look at yourself as one-dimensional. Find out other things that you’re good at... Give other people a hand up. I always love to work with young musicians and mentor them.”
—Gary Hoey [23:03]
On the ‘Big Break’:

“I just have my talent. And I had the balls to pick up the phone and play... which was very scary.”
—Gary Hoey [14:52]
On Kindness and Networking:

“Don't be a dick... you never know who you’re going to meet.”
—Jeff Zito [22:20]

Summary Timeline

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | 03:35 | Buzz Knight introduces Celebrity Jobber, Gary Hoey | | 06:03–07:27| Gary’s family & upbringing in Lowell, MA | | 07:31–08:45| Discovery of the guitar; early band experiences | | 09:22–10:32| First jobs, push for independence | | 10:32–14:52| The Ozzy audition and its aftermath | | 19:18–20:33| Reflecting on missed and seized opportunities | | 21:41–23:03| Lessons on networking, life advice for his son | | 23:03–25:26| Diversifying roles: performer, teacher, producer, more | | 25:26–26:38| Playing with Lou Gramm, new projects | | 27:14–27:42| Stan & Haney lasagna story, radio memories |

Closing Thoughts & Takeaways

Jeff Zito wraps by emphasizing that Gary’s story, though he didn’t become Ozzy’s guitarist, is about transformation, resilience, and hidden rewards:

“It could have been a sad story, right? Like, ah, I didn’t get the gig. But it wasn’t a sad story just because he didn’t get the gig… It still worked out and still putting out new music and performing and he has a lot to be proud of.” (Jeff Zito, 28:00)

Main lessons:

Take bold chances, especially when opportunities present themselves
Don’t wait for luck—create your own breaks
Stay diversified, humble, and kind—you never know where connections lead

Find more:

Gary Hoey’s music: garyhoey.com
"Celebrity Jobber" podcast: celebrityjobber.com
New album: "Avalanche" (touring with his son)

"Everybody's got a story."
—Jeff Zito

takin' a walk Presents: The Celebrity Jobber with Jeff Zito — Featuring Guitarist Gary Hoey

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Humble Beginnings and Family Background

[06:03–07:27]

Not from a Typical Musical Family:
Gary’s mom was musically inclined but not a professional musician—she "was always playing records and singing in the kitchen", while his dad worked as a cab driver and later started a roofing company.

“My mom was a kind of a character... an entertainer in her own right.” (Gary Hoey, 06:21)
Life in Lowell, MA:
Raised in a blue-collar, "rough sort of town," with six siblings (four sisters, one brother).

2. Discovering the Guitar

[07:31–08:45]

Guitar entered Gary’s life unexpectedly, via his sister’s boyfriend, not via the typical “rock star epiphany.”

“He came and sat at the kitchen table and just started playing like three feet in front of me… I was mesmerized. I was hooked.” (Gary Hoey, 07:50)
By age 16, he was certain music—specifically guitar—would be his life’s path. He dropped out of high school in 10th grade, got his GED, and started working gigs.

“I knew by the time I was probably 16 years old that this is what I was going to be doing for my life.” (Gary Hoey, 08:45)

3. First Jobs and Work Ethic

[09:22–10:32]

Gary’s mom pushed him toward independence early:

“My mom literally... told me when I was 17, ‘you're out, you need to go make a living and you need to go figure it out.’ So I left home when I was 17 and got a part time job and started playing in bands and that was it.” (Gary Hoey, 09:22)
Early jobs included a newspaper route, factory work in shoe shops (gluing soles—“that’s why I have so much soul”), and inspecting circuit boards at Wayne Computers.

4. The Life-Changing Ozzy Osbourne Audition

[10:32–14:52; 19:18–20:33]

The Story in Brief:

While in his mid-20s, Gary heard Ozzy Osbourne on Boston radio looking for a new guitarist ([10:50]).
Gary called the station, played Ozzy riffs over the phone, and was told to send in a demo tape ([11:06]).
Two weeks later, Gary was flown to LA for an audition—his first time in a limo, first time in California ([12:23–13:28]).
Sat among "20 guitar players all lined up with long hair and leather jackets... a cattle call" ([12:41]), Gary played songs like “Crazy Train” with Ozzy himself.
He didn’t get the gig (Zakk Wylde did), but Ozzy’s advice was pivotal:

“Ozzy literally said to me, if you get the gig or you don’t, you need to move to Los Angeles.” (Gary Hoey, 13:38)
“I got home, I found out I didn’t get the gig... But I came home and I sold everything I had, and I got into U-HAUL and drove across the country to California... and my career took off. I believe I owe it to Ozzy.” (Gary Hoey, 13:38)
Reflection on Chance and Courage:

“I just had my talent. And I had the balls to pick up the phone and play... which was very scary. And it taught me a lot just going through that experience. It aged me…” (Gary Hoey, 14:52)

5. Lessons Learned, Looking Back

[19:18–20:33]

What if he hadn’t made the call?

“If I didn’t pick up that phone, my life would definitely not have taken the turn that it did and the opportunities that came from it... It taught me for the rest of my life: when a moment comes where you can seize an opportunity... do it. Because the worst that can happen is somebody says no, which could still turn into an opportunity.” (Gary Hoey, 19:41)

6. On Networking and Attitude in the Music Business

[21:41–23:03]

Covering "Hocus Pocus" was a vehicle to show the world more of what he could do. Gary now tells his own son, who plays in his band, about the importance of making connections and grabbing opportunities when they appear.

“When you meet somebody, don’t be afraid to say, hey, can I get your phone number? Can we stay in touch?... It could be Brian May from Queen—you never know.” (Gary Hoey, 21:41)
Jeff Zito’s Take:

“Don’t be a dick... you never know who you’re going to meet.” (Jeff Zito, 22:20)

7. Diversification and Longevity

[23:03–25:26]

Gary credits his continued music career to versatility:
- Performer, teacher, mentor, producer, engineer, soundtrack composer, etc.
“To survive in this business, you have to be diversified... I’ll valet cars. I do whatever it takes to feed my family.” (Gary Hoey, 23:03) “Don’t look at yourself as one-dimensional. Find out other things that you’re good at and don’t just look for a hand up for yourself. Give other people a hand up.” (Gary Hoey, 23:03)
His production credits include work with Lita Ford, Ricky Lee Jones, Tom Waits, and music for ESPN, Disney, and film soundtracks ([24:16]).

8. Upcoming Projects and Collaborations

[25:26–26:38]

Discusses current collaborations:
- Playing with Lou Gramm (original Foreigner singer), after having once opened for Foreigner and Doobie Brothers when “Hocus Pocus” was a hit.
- Touring with his son, just released a new album, “Avalanche.”
“Life is really good, man. I’m still feeding my kids on rock and roll.” (Gary Hoey, 23:03)

9. Memorable Anecdotes & Local Connections

[27:14–27:42]

A fun story about Gary’s mom making lasagna for radio hosts Stan and Haney back in Fort Myers, a favorite memory that stuck with the hosts for years.

“They usually don’t eat listener food, but I think your mother’s cooking was a different story.” (Jeff Zito, 27:42)

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Seizing Opportunities:

“When a moment comes where you can seize an opportunity and you can put yourself out there, do it. Because the worst that can happen is somebody says no, which could still turn into an opportunity.”
—Gary Hoey [19:41]
On Career Diversity:

“Don’t look at yourself as one-dimensional. Find out other things that you’re good at... Give other people a hand up. I always love to work with young musicians and mentor them.”
—Gary Hoey [23:03]
On the ‘Big Break’:

“I just have my talent. And I had the balls to pick up the phone and play... which was very scary.”
—Gary Hoey [14:52]
On Kindness and Networking:

“Don't be a dick... you never know who you’re going to meet.”
—Jeff Zito [22:20]

Summary Timeline

Closing Thoughts & Takeaways

Jeff Zito wraps by emphasizing that Gary’s story, though he didn’t become Ozzy’s guitarist, is about transformation, resilience, and hidden rewards:

“It could have been a sad story, right? Like, ah, I didn’t get the gig. But it wasn’t a sad story just because he didn’t get the gig… It still worked out and still putting out new music and performing and he has a lot to be proud of.” (Jeff Zito, 28:00)

Main lessons:

Take bold chances, especially when opportunities present themselves
Don’t wait for luck—create your own breaks
Stay diversified, humble, and kind—you never know where connections lead

Find more:

Gary Hoey’s music: garyhoey.com
"Celebrity Jobber" podcast: celebrityjobber.com
New album: "Avalanche" (touring with his son)

"Everybody's got a story."
—Jeff Zito

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Summary

takin' a walk Presents: The Celebrity Jobber with Jeff Zito — Featuring Guitarist Gary Hoey

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Humble Beginnings and Family Background

2. Discovering the Guitar

3. First Jobs and Work Ethic

4. The Life-Changing Ozzy Osbourne Audition

5. Lessons Learned, Looking Back

6. On Networking and Attitude in the Music Business

7. Diversification and Longevity

8. Upcoming Projects and Collaborations

9. Memorable Anecdotes & Local Connections

Notable Quotes & Moments

Summary Timeline

Closing Thoughts & Takeaways

Summary

takin' a walk Presents: The Celebrity Jobber with Jeff Zito — Featuring Guitarist Gary Hoey

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Humble Beginnings and Family Background

2. Discovering the Guitar

3. First Jobs and Work Ethic

4. The Life-Changing Ozzy Osbourne Audition

5. Lessons Learned, Looking Back

6. On Networking and Attitude in the Music Business

7. Diversification and Longevity

8. Upcoming Projects and Collaborations

9. Memorable Anecdotes & Local Connections

Notable Quotes & Moments

Summary Timeline

Closing Thoughts & Takeaways