Complete List Of Night Ranger Band Members

Feature Photo: Randy Miramontez / Shutterstock.com

Night Ranger was formed in San Francisco, California, in 1979. Initially known as Stereo, the band changed its name to Night Ranger and gained prominence in the early 1980s with their successful album Dawn Patrol in 1982. Over the years, the band has released over a dozen studio albums and undergone numerous lineup changes, with current and former members contributing significantly to their success. Night Ranger’s music has often charted on the Billboard charts, with hits like “Sister Christian” and “(You Can Still) Rock in America” becoming staples of 1980s rock. The band’s longevity and impact on rock music have been marked by periods of breakup and reunion, yet their influence and catalog of music remain enduring.

Jack Blades

Jack Blades, the bassist and co-lead vocalist, co-founded Night Ranger in 1979. He has been a constant presence in the band, contributing to every album from Dawn Patrol (1982) to the most recent releases. Blades is known for his songwriting skills, having co-written many of the band’s biggest hits, including “Sister Christian” and “(You Can Still) Rock in America.” Outside of Night Ranger, Blades has had a notable career, including forming the supergroup Damn Yankees with Ted Nugent and Tommy Shaw, achieving significant success in the early 1990s. He has also released solo albums and collaborated with artists across various genres, including Shaw-Blades with Tommy Shaw and contributions to albums by Aerosmith and Cher.

Read More: Top 10 Damn Yankees Songs

Brad Gillis

Brad Gillis, the lead guitarist, also co-founded Night Ranger and has been with the band since its inception. Gillis’s guitar work is a defining element of the band’s sound, and he has played on every album. His notable contributions include the iconic solo on “Sister Christian” and his overall guitar work that blends melodic rock with virtuosic solos. Gillis gained additional fame as a temporary guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne, contributing to the live album Speak of the Devil (1982). He has also worked as a session musician and has released solo albums.

Read More: Top 10 Night Ranger Songs

Kelly Keagy

Kelly Keagy, the drummer and co-lead vocalist, joined Night Ranger at its formation and has been an integral member since. Keagy’s vocals on “Sister Christian” brought the band one of its biggest hits. His drumming and vocal harmonies are key components of the band’s sound, and he has contributed to all their albums. Keagy has also pursued solo projects, releasing albums such as Time Passes and I’m Alive, and collaborated with other musicians, including on the album Project: Driver with Tony MacAlpine, Rudy Sarzo, and Tommy Aldridge.

Jeff Watson

Jeff Watson, the rhythm guitarist, was a founding member of Night Ranger and played with the band from its formation until 1989 and then again from 1996 to 2007. Watson’s eight-finger tapping technique on the guitar is one of his signature styles, and he contributed significantly to the band’s early success. He played on albums such as Dawn Patrol, Midnight Madness, and 7 Wishes. After leaving the band, Watson continued his music career with solo projects, including his albums Lone Ranger and Around the Sun, and as a session musician for artists like Chris Isaak and Michael Bolton.

Alan Fitzgerald

Alan Fitzgerald, the keyboardist, was part of Night Ranger from its inception until 1988 and again briefly in the mid-1990s. Fitzgerald’s keyboard work helped define the band’s sound, particularly on tracks like “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” and “When You Close Your Eyes.” He played on the first five Night Ranger albums. After his time with Night Ranger, Fitzgerald worked as a touring keyboardist for bands like Van Halen and Whitesnake.

Joel Hoekstra

Joel Hoekstra joined Night Ranger as a guitarist in 2008 and played with the band until 2014. Hoekstra’s tenure with the band included albums like Somewhere in California (2011) and High Road (2014). His guitar work added a modern edge to the band’s classic sound. Hoekstra left Night Ranger to join Whitesnake, where he continues to perform and record. He has also played with Trans-Siberian Orchestra and released solo albums such as Dying to Live.

Eric Levy

Eric Levy joined Night Ranger as the keyboardist in 2011 and remains with the band. His contributions include playing on albums such as Somewhere in California, High Road, and Don’t Let Up (2017). Levy’s keyboard work has helped maintain the band’s signature sound while also allowing for new musical explorations. Outside of Night Ranger, Levy has been involved in various musical projects and collaborations, including performing with the band Garaj Mahal.

Keri Kelli

Keri Kelli, a guitarist, joined Night Ranger in 2014 and remains a current member. Kelli has played on albums like Don’t Let Up and brings a wealth of experience from his time with other bands, including Slash’s Snakepit, Alice Cooper, and Skid Row. His versatile guitar skills have added a fresh dynamic to Night Ranger’s performances and recordings.

Gary Moon

Gary Moon was a bassist and vocalist for Night Ranger during the early 1990s, particularly known for his work on the album Feeding off the Mojo (1995). Moon’s tenure was marked by his dual role as both a vocalist and bassist, contributing to a unique period in the band’s history. After leaving Night Ranger, Moon continued his music career with various projects and collaborations, including his work with the band Three Dog Night.

Read More: Top 10 Three Dog Night Songs

Michael Lardie

Michael Lardie, known primarily for his work with Great White, joined Night Ranger as a keyboardist and guitarist in the late 1990s. He played on the album Neverland (1997). Lardie’s multi-instrumental talents contributed to the band’s evolving sound during his tenure. After Night Ranger, he returned to Great White and continued his successful music career, producing and performing with the band.