December People is a side project where some famous musicians rock up Christmas songs in a classic rock vein and puts on classic rock Christmas shows every December. Watch their Van Halen-ized “Jingle Bells” video below.
Note that two members of December People were in Sammy Hagar’s solo band. Gary Pihl (now the guitar player in Boston) and David Lauser.
Gary Pihl talks about this side project with Herald Extra: “I’m in another band called December People and it’s guys from other classic rock bands like me and we get together in the Holidays and play traditional holiday music, but in the style of classic rock bands. So we’ll do “Joy to the World” as if The Who were doing it. At the start of it, it sounds like “Pinball Wizard,” but instead of “Pinball Wizard” we’re singing “Joy to the World.” And every show we do is a benefit for a local food bank. That’s the reason we do it, you know? And so, obviously, that’s a labor of love for us all and we really appreciate the chance to give something back to the community.”
If you live in California or Michigan, there is still time to catch them on tour this month.
“Jingle Bells” video credits:
Featuring Robert Berry, David Lauser, Gary Pihl, Dave Medd and Jack Foster
Directed and Edited by Steve Gatlin Photography
Concept by David Lauser and Steve Gatlin
Camera and Sound by Isaac Yates
Hair and Makeup by Robin Shaw