Story by Juha Palotie (from Helsinki, Finland)

I'd like to take this opportunity to share my first personal experience of Mr. Michael Monroe.

I've been into his music approximately since 1983 or 1984, and when me and some friends decided to organize a big theme party (a 3-day Rock Festival, that is) for us and our friends, we decided we wouldn't lose anything by contacting Michael via this website and asking him to perform at the party. So I wrote an email to Markku and asked him to forward it to Michael. I really didn't even expect an answer.

A week or so went by, until one evening my wife answered the phone and told me with a puzzled expression on her face that there's "Michael Monroe on the phone for you". After explaining to Michael that "RäyhäRock" was not a commercial venture, but a party for 50-60 friends and acquaintances gathered together to play and listen to music, he surprised the hell out of me by agreeing to perform with the backing of a band consisting of my "decidedly unprofessional, but all the more enthusiastic" friends. Needless to say, my feet didn't touch the ground for several days.

The next couple of weeks rolled by in a blur of organisational activities, and when the last weekend of June came along, we were well prepared, or so we thought. On the evening of the second day I went to pick up Michael with our boat, and brought Michael and Jude to the island where the party was. We snuck Michael into the house (doubling as a backstage area at the time) almost unnoticed. Nothing could have prepared me or the guests to the Rock 'n' Roll Hurricane that followed! Michael, Jude and the boys (dubbing themselves The Bangkok Shocks for the evening) ripped through a special set comprising of Michael's solo stuff, a couple of Hanoi tunes and some really cool cover choices (Been down so long by the Doors for instance). I was in R&R heaven and the guests weren't far behind. Michael made himself about 50 new fans that night!!

A minor mishap tried in vain to spoil the night for me, I sprained my ankle jumping off stage after some roadie duties, and had to pay a quick visit to the local hospital in the middle of the night. When I came back I was astonished to find out that Michael was still there and seemed to be enjoying the company as well. Some very weird and wonderful jams were heard during that night, including Michael playing drums in a rendition of Uriah Heep's Lady in black.

I'm still overwhelmed by the success of the party, Michael's absolutely fabulous showmanship and R&R spirit with which he performed in front of just a handful of people. A testimony to the quality of Michael's performance is that most of the people present didn't really know Michael's music that well and certainly weren't comparable to a crowd that has bought tickets specifically to see his show. Not one person present was able to sit still and the rapturous reviews I heard from people were music to my ears.

I will not forget this experience as long as I live, and for that I am eternally thankful to you, Michael !!!!

Rock like fuck, indeed!