Night Ranger’s Brad Gillis has confirmed that Keri Kelli has joined the band, following the departure of Joel Hoekstra.

Hoekstra left the band last month to hook up with David Coverdale in Whitesnake, leaving Night Ranger with a hole in their lineup.

But they turned to Kelli, who previously worked with the band in 2012, when Hoekstra was on tour with Trans Siberian Orchestra.

Guitarist Gillis tells Metalholic.com:

“Joel’s moved on to Whitesnake – he spent a good seven years with us and it’s been great but whenever there’s a change, you always make the best of it and we will prevail. Keri Kelli is back in the band now. He’s a great player and has played with us before.”

Kerri has also played with Alice Cooper, Slash, Skid Row, Ratt and Warrant.

High Road, the band's 11th album, is out now and the group are currently on tour across the US and will head to the UK for two gigs in 2015.