Halestorm guitarist Joe Hottinger opened up about his long-running romantic relationship with bandmate Lzzy Hale in a recent interview. The interview followed Hale’s public coming out as bisexual.
Hottinger addressed how the couple — who have been together for over two decades — navigate being both bandmates and romantic partners. He shared what he believes keeps their relationship strong.
“Most people [already] knew [about it]. We didn’t even think about it. It’s funny. It’s a double-edged sword, ’cause you go tour a lot in a band and you either leave your wife at home or your girl’s with you everywhere doing everything,” Hottinger said.
He went on to highlight the shared interests that make their dynamic work on the road.
“But luckily, we love the same things. We love rock shows. We love music. We love guitars. It’s, like, anything I like to do, she likes to do, and vice versa,” he continued.
Hottinger then pointed to open communication as the cornerstone of their relationship.
“I don’t know what the secrets are [for making it work]. The only thing we do, we communicate — we’re very good communicators. I think that’s true, and it doesn’t matter if you’re in a band or not, but it’s, like, deadly honest, which is — to me, that’s a love language, being deadly honest,” he said. “‘Cause if I’m feeling something funny, just say it. Like, ‘That’s how I feel. Now you know. Do what you want with that. And now I’m free of it.’ So maybe that’s it. You just talk.”
The comments come after Lzzy Hale previously came out as bisexual, bringing renewed attention to the couple’s relationship both within and outside of the Halestorm fanbase.
Hottinger joined Halestorm in 2003, becoming the band’s lead guitarist and, over time, Hale’s longtime romantic partner. The two have since built both a professional and personal life together, currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee. Their bond has been described as one built on decades of friendship, musicianship, and an effortless chemistry that extends from the stage into everyday life.
Hale publicly addressed her bisexuality in a 2023 Instagram post during Pride Month. She reflected on what it means to be bisexual within a committed relationship. She explained that being bisexual requires honest communication, trust, and clear boundaries. She also emphasized that it can deepen love rather than complicate it.
Hottinger has consistently echoed that same emphasis on honesty. His remarks about being “deadly honest” as a love language align closely with the values Hale herself has spoken about. The two appear to share a personal philosophy on relationships that is genuinely held rather than simply compatible.
The band was originally formed by Lzzy and her brother Arejay Hale. Hottinger joined as guitarist in 2003, and bassist Josh Smith came aboard in 2004, replacing the siblings’ father, Roger Hale. That transition marked the beginning of the band’s rise toward becoming one of rock’s most enduring acts. It also marked the beginning of a partnership between Hottinger and Lzzy that has proven just as lasting offstage as it has been on it.
Source: Gear4music Guitars
