For the Love of Susie

The song "For the Love of Susie" by Voodoo Wiseguys is a blues-infused rock track that showcases the raw energy and collaborative spirit of the band’s rotating lineup. Released in 2021 as a single, the song features the virtuosic guitar work of Gary Hoey, whose solos evoke the fiery intensity of Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan. According to a post on Rumble, Hoey’s ability to blend ferocious riffs with tender, melodic phrases is a hallmark of the track, making it a standout in the Voodoo Wiseguys’ catalog. The song was written by Hoey, with bassist Anthony Esposito and drummer Robert Farrell providing the rhythmic backbone. Esposito, known for his work with Lynch Mob and Ace Frehley, also served as the master mixer and engineer, ensuring the track’s polished yet gritty sound.

One intriguing piece of trivia about "For the Love of Susie" is its designation as a “Heart Card” in the Voodoo Wiseguys’ unique release strategy. As explained on Culture Rock Media, the band assigns each single a playing card, with Heart Cards representing ballads, love songs, or specialty tracks. This creative approach ties into their ambitious plan to release 52 singles, culminating in a “Voodoo Wiseguys Card Box Set” that includes two joker cards. While no specific interviews detail the inspiration behind “For the Love of Susie,” the song’s soulful vibe and Hoey’s emotive performance suggest a deeply personal or evocative story behind its creation, fitting the Heart Card theme of love and emotion.

The Voodoo Wiseguys project is a collective of legendary musicians collaborating on unique singles, with no fixed lineup but a shared passion for genre-blending rock. Voodoo Wiseguys was conceived as a platform to bring together artists who might not otherwise collaborate, mixing well-known names with lesser-known talents. The project’s origins are rooted in the vision of creating music that defies traditional boundaries, as noted on their official website. Gary Hoey, a key figure in the “For the Love of Susie” single, began his career in Boston, where he honed his guitar skills in local clubs. After moving to Los Angeles with $17,000 saved from gigs and teaching, Hoey auditioned for Ozzy Osbourne’s band, though the spot went to Zakk Wylde. Undeterred, he caught the attention of manager Dave Kaplan, who helped launch his career.

Hoey’s breakthrough came in 1993 with a cover of Focus’ “Hocus Pocus,” which became a radio and MTV hit, as detailed on Amazon Music’s artist bio. Despite the grunge-dominated era, Hoey carved out a niche with his bluesy, surf-inflected guitar work, releasing albums like the *Endless Summer II* soundtrack and a series of holiday-themed records titled *Ho Ho Hoey*. His collaborations with surf legend Dick Dale and contributions to projects like Jewel’s “V-12 Cadillac” further solidified his reputation. The Voodoo Wiseguys project aligns with Hoey’s history of versatile, collaborative work, allowing him to explore new musical avenues alongside talents like Esposito and Farrell.

Fans of Voodoo Wiseguys and Gary Hoey can connect with the artists through several official channels. The band’s official website provides updates on new releases and project details. Their Facebook page shares news about singles and videos, while Instagram offers behind-the-scenes glimpses of their creative process. On X, the band engages with fans through posts about upcoming tracks and collaborations. Gary Hoey maintains his own Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares tour dates and personal insights. While no dedicated fan websites or Facebook groups for Voodoo Wiseguys were found, fans can join discussions on Gary Hoey fan groups to connect with others who appreciate his contributions to the project.