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Sonic Joyride Archive

Classic moments, rare footage, and unforgettable performances from the original Sonic Joyride era.

Chris's Story

A tribute to the life, vision, and unstoppable spirit of Christopher Hobler.

Explore Sonic Joyride's Catalog

Debut
1995

Bazaar
1997

Breathe
1999

Behemoth
2000

Our Story

Sonic Joyride emerged in the early 1990s as a fearless, genre-defying alternative rock band, founded by singer-guitarist Christopher Hobler and bassist-synth player Rick Reese. What started on the New Hampshire seacoast quickly grew into something much bigger.

Early Days: Sonic Joyride Formation

After building a loyal following through relentless touring, college radio airplay, and their legendary "bus top" shows, Sonic Joyride signed with Anomaly Records, propelling their music onto hundreds of commercial radio stations nationwide.

Their sound layered, dynamic, and boldly emotional set them apart in a crowded music scene. Across four albums, Sonic Joyride paired unforgettable melodies with thoughtful, introspective lyrics. Their high-energy performances and fearless creativity earned them national attention, with features on MTV News, CNN, and Billboard.

Our "Bus Top" Show at the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame

At the heart of Sonic Joyride was Chris Hobler, whose powerful voice and visionary songwriting anchored the band's identity. In 2001, Chris's life took a sudden and life-altering turn when he was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) at just 36 years old.

Determined to turn his diagnosis into something greater, Chris alongside his family founded the nonprofit ALS Hope Foundation, which later became known as Hope Happens. Partnering with Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Chris helped launch the Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, a revolutionary research hub dedicated to unlocking cures for ALS, Alzheimer's, MS, and other devastating neurological diseases.

Chris's Legacy: The Hope Center

Chris lived to see the Hope Center open its doors a moment that fulfilled his vision of scientists collaborating instead of competing. Today, the center hosts over 100 independent research labs working together to find treatments and cures for some of the toughest neurological challenges humanity faces. Chris's dream of building hope through collaboration continues stronger than ever.

Even as ALS took away his physical abilities, Chris's spirit, creativity, and courage never faded. He passed away in 2005 at the age of 39, leaving behind not just unforgettable music, but a living legacy of innovation and hope that still shapes lives today.

Sonic Joyride Keeping the Spirit Alive in 2025

After Chris's passing, Rick Reese who founded Sonic Joyride alongside Chris in 1994 and spent nearly twelve years making music side by side knew the story wasn't over. Though the band went quiet for many years, the spirit of Sonic Joyride never truly faded.

In recent years, Rick, together with Peter Hobler Chris's brother and a passionate advocate for keeping Chris's legacy alive recognized that the time was right. The world needed Chris's story: a message of hope, resilience, and collaboration. They knew it was time to bring Sonic Joyride back not just as a band, but as a movement.

Led by Rick on bass, Sonic Joyride has returned to the stage, honoring Chris's voice, celebrating his songs, and carrying his spirit forward into a new era. While no one can ever replace Chris, his influence continues to guide every note. Today, with Jeannie Caryn (lead vocals), Tommy Wails (guitar), and Thierry Bergeron (drums), Sonic Joyride delivers powerful live performances, staying true to the heart and energy that defined their earliest days.

This rebirth of Sonic Joyride isn't about nostalgia. It's about spreading hope, honoring a true innovator, and introducing Chris's music and message to a new generation. Through heartfelt concerts that capture the spirit of Sonic Joyride's legacy, the story continues and the best way to honor it is to play it.