From Mike McHale
Q: Hi Michael, I sent you the Dogtown Balladeer’s cd for your birthday 2 years ago. How did u like their music & can you tell me what songs you played on it? Also, for your last birthday passed, I snet you a ntsc video of a Little Richard true story, & icluded some video clips of Dead Boys & Johnny Thunders footage? Sorry for sneaking all of that in, but techincally it’s just 1 long birthday question!!! Hope you enjoyed!!
M: Yeah, it was ok but still don’t know what songs I really was on, since they didn’t credit it properly. Thanx, it was interesting. Some of the Dead Boys footage I had seen but not all of it. Very cool. Thanx.
Q: You stated in countless interviews back in 1989 how much you loved the touring band you assembled for the Not Fakin it tour. Why did you break up? & why didn’t you guys just stick together and to record a new album? When was the last time you talked to any of those guys?
M: At first I liked them, until some problems appeared. Like the drummer Paul Garisto extorting me for 5000 dollars more on top of his salary, one day before our departure for a Japanese tour. Otherwise he wasn’t gonna do it. And one guitarist strated getting carried away and was overplaying a bit too much towards the end. God rest his soul, for he took his own life later on. And my manager back then was up to no good, so I fired everybody, especially the manager who was tryin’ to work others against me.
Q: I know that you weren’t very fond of the final product of Jerusalem Slim, but how did you feel about Steve Stevens joining Vince Neil’s band after JS. I would assume there would already be some ill feelings regarding Vince due to the tragedy w/ Razzle. But even more, how did you feel about Steven’s taking the song Downwardly Mobile to Vince’s project where it later became song “ Can’t have your cake”? Did he own the song writing credits to do that?
M: No, he had no right to take that song and even take my lyric “Can’t have your cake…” to be the title etc… yeah right. What a lowlife scumbag, eh?
Q: Michael, the last time I asked questions, I asked about Finnish movie that Hanoi Rocks appeared in. You said you didn’t know anything about it. I will elaborate. I think it is referred to as Reilu Meininki & it icluded the songs Problem Child in which it seemed like it was performed in a tent, & also the song It’s Too Late, in that same tent, but it was so cool because everybody was playing something diffirent, while lip sinking. Andy was lead vocals, you were Bass, Sam & Razzle on guitar & Nasty on drums. The song played before the movie credit rolled. Now does that help ring any bells? What was the movie all about & what was Hanoi’s part in it?
M: I know now what you’re talking about; it was just a Finnish TV show and we filmed those two songs for it. It was bizarre setting – a sort of a circus tent in the middle of a field in the winter with snow and everything. We had fun with it though.
Q: Last time around, I asked if merchandise could be sold on the website. I can now thank you for selling the Jerusalem Slim demos & the D23 video. They both kicked ass! Now, I happened to see a video clip of you doing Smokescreen acoustic on Finnish TV. It was so cool!!! So my next idea, Why don't you make a CD, it doesn't have to be done in a professional studio, of just you doing some of your tunes unplugged? I bet the fans would love it! I know I would & I'd be first in line to buy it on the Website. It would be inexpensive for you & another opportunity to make some profit for your skills. I hope it happens! So what do you think? A possibility?
M: Could be . . .
Q: It's been since February 98 since I saw you perform last & a new show near my hometown is long overdue! I hope you get back to the States soon for some shows! Meeting you was a very cool experience. I hope next time I see you live, you'll invite me on stage, so I don't have to jump on stage & crash the party like I did last time at the Velvet Underground. I promise I’ll be much more low key next time. I probably just got a little nervous knowing I had a chance to meet you after the show at the Velvet Underground, maybe it was that & this American not being used to that Canadian beer (Hi Lambchops), that possessed me to jump onstage. But I'm glad I did! I'll never forget it! Anyway, since then it's been great to hear the new CD LGYD. Great Cd, can't wait to see it live!! Still to this day, your music is very inspiring & always serves as an outlet to me for venting frustration! It has become second nature to have a shitty day at work, come home & pop on some Hanoi or Michael Monroe cd's or videos to snap me out of a bad mood. So keep up the great work. Keep the music coming, always be greatful for your talents, even when things don't go your way, & stay cool! Peace
From Lauri
Q: Could you or Jude send me some photos from the Tavastia gig (21.7)? Jude told me to send my address to her email so she could send me some pix, but Iguess you guys must have been busy with all touring and stuff, so I tought that maybe you'd have enough time now... I'd be soooo grateful!!! (I'm the guy who borrowed my boa to you at Tavastia, remember?)
M: Yeah , I remember you & your boa. I don't know anything about the photos. Talk to Jude about that ... Thanx again for lending me the boa!
Q: Is your poste restante (Suomusjarvi) address still valid? Don't you have a new one in Turku now?
M: No,that should still be valid. If not, please let me know.
Q: We got this pretty good glamrock n' roll band here in Kuopio. We're gettin' pretty popular hereabouts too... So if I'd send you our demo‑CD and you'd happen to like it, could it be possible to get open for you if you'd tour somewhere around here?
M: Maybe
Q: Any new bands you've found recently? (y'know ... you like to listen to...)
M: Nothing that new. I like Crystal Extasy here in Turku, they're getting better all the time.
Q: Could it be possible to get you producing us (our band)? Like is there any chance you'd be interested in producing??
M: Possibly, if I like what I hear and see a lot.
Q: Not to push it, but if I could get even some pix, it would be great! but take your time, it's not so urgent... I stayed a year in Japan a few years back, and oh man, I just had to wonder how you were still so damn popular over there! most of my high school friends had some Michael Monroe stuff (or atleast Hanoi Rocks), and even my host‑mom was wearing a Demolition 23 t‑shirt! They just love you there, just as we do here!!! Never stop rockin'!!! L&L!
M: That's nice to hear. Thanxx!
Same to you!
From Ermes Tosolini
Q: When do you make a Live‑Record
M: Don't know yet.
Q: Have you ever visited Austria?
M: No I don't think so.
Q: What's your favorite Joke?
M: What's the difference between a duck?
‑It swims better than it walks.
(I know that's terrible, but the first one that came to mind that's short enough..)
Q: Which Music, Artist you dislike?
M: Phoney, pretentious, contrived, only in it for the money, purely profit motivated, superficial, brainwashing dumass lyrics and beat, overhyped, overexposed, manufactured record company product type of bullshit.
Q: Have you any hobbys?
M: Yeah, like answering questions on my website.
Comments: Good luck for the future! God bless you!
M: Thanks a lot! Same to you.
From Patrick
Q: Would like you to tell me about your memories of the recording of the Hanoi Rocks albums; what do you think about the album, the production, which songs you like and dislike, if you had a good time... first about "Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes".
M: Don't remember much, except it was winter and a confusing time for me since I'd lived 6 months on the streets and had to adjust to a different type of life. I thought me and Andy produced it pretty good, at least compared to the next one.
Q: Same about "Oriental Beat".
M: The producer was wrong. It could have sounded so much better. A shame because there were a lot of good songs on it. I liked "Sweet Home Suburbia", "Fallen Star" , "Motorvatin´”
Q: "Self Destruction Blues".
M: We didn't really make this album. It was made by the Finnish record label.They just took various recordings, single B‑sides and stuff and put it together. I thought there was no continuity whatsoever but a lot of people say it's their favorite Hanoi record. Go figure…
Q: "Back to Mystery City”
M: That was a pretty fun time. Reverend Watts & Dale Griffin were fun to work with. Besides, I was painfully in love as reflected on "Until I Get You" and "Beating Gets Faster". I ended up brokenhearted of course
(what else is new')
Q: "Two Steps from the Move"
M: Working with Bob Ezrin was really great. I learned so much from that whole experience.It was hard work but fun too. I was still fragile and getting my head together after being"relationshipwrecked". It was a lonely time for me but I began to enjoy my solitude.I was suimming and exercising everyday and only drinking water and eating salads & Yogurt and stuff.Eventually I was ridiculously skinny and everyone thought I was sick or getting high or something. I thought I'd never been healthier in my life!
There's too many funny stories… like we were doing the 4 part harmony vocal
for "Boiler", all of a sudden Bob burst into the studio with a fire‑extinguish
spraying us with it. Everyone screamed and jumped out of the way, except Razzle hardly reacted. He was just standing there with his pants covered in foam,his eyes half open with a beer in his hand sayin : "Hi there Bobo! How's it going mate?" It was definitely the best record we made.
From Kendra
Q: On the Hanoi days you used to have a very femenine and shy look, were you really that way?
M: I was shy but not that feminine.
Q: Was Hanoi Rocks a “sex drugs and rock’n’ roll band as were the Rolling Stones and the New York Dolls? Did you ever destroy any hotel romm yourself?
M: No, I wouldn’t do something that stupid. Besides I could’t afford to even if I wanted to…
Q: What “rock stars” did you meet when you were in the U.S.A recording and touring with Hanoi?
M: Jack Bruce and Ian Hunter came by the Record Plant studio in New York. I don’t remember meeting that many “ Rock stars” on tour.
Q: This is a sad one, can you remember your last day with Razzle?
M: Yeah…
Q: Can you pick up 20 more of your favourites records for us?
M:
Alice Cooper: Billion Dollar Babies / Love it to death/ Killer
Johnny Thunders & Heartbreakers: L.A.M.F.
The Dead Boys: Young, Loud & Snotty
Stiv Bators: Disconnected
Nazareth: Loud’n’ Proud / Razamanaz / Rampant / or Best of.
The Heavy Metal Kids: Kitsch
The Saints: Eternally Yours
AC/DC: Let there be rock / Powerage / High Voltage / Dirty Deeds… / Highway to hell
Graham Parker & The Rumour: Squeezing Out Sparks
Thin Lizzy: Chinatown / Black Rose / Best of.
Little Feat: Sailing shoes
Roxy Music: Avalon
Cheap Trick: All Shook Up
Mott The Hoople: Mott / The Hoople / Greatest Hits
Ian Hunter: Ian Hunter (1st solo)
From Eerie
Q: Tell me the story behind the Fallen Angels record. Do you like it?
M: It’s OK. Though I don’t even remember playing on it. I like the song “Amphetamine Blue”.
Q: You did a lot of touring with Hanoi Rocks. I wanted to know your funny memories of the trips to Israel and Thailand. Did you have the chance to see the places around or did you have to stay in the hotel because of the way you looked?
M: In Thailand I chose to stay at the hotel most of the time because of the way I was hassled on the streets. Lot of strange stuff happened.
Q: Andy said that you both did a trip to Maroc for a holyday. Tell me your memories from it. You got the inspiration for "Magic Carpet Ride" there? Did you go to some other places for holydays on those days?
M: No, did we really get the idea for Magic Carpet Ride there? I thought that was before. One day all of a sudden me & Andy found ourselves in Agadir with 2 acoustic guitars with no spare strings and 1 pick. Of course I broke 2 strings the first day using a coin for a pick. I think Andy came up with the riff for "Underwater World" there. We were stuck there 2 weeks and I hated it.
Q: Andy says on the "decadent, dangerous delicious" cd that “heroin was big in London, and all of us were soon hooked". I know heroin never was your drug of choice but I suposse that, like everybody else on this bussines, you've had your own experiences with it. Tell me about them.
M: Yeah,I hated it and everyone on it and I still hate it. The worst and stupidest thing you can do to yourself aside from drinking. Makes you a "living dead" person which is worse than dying. Turns you into a disgustingly selfish person who would sell their own mother to get more once one is hooked on it. FUCK THAT SHIT.
Q: Did you like any of the L.A. bands besides Guns and Roses?, bands like Faster Pussicat,L.A Guns or Jetboy? And what about New York bands like Circus Of Power or The Throbs? For me the best record of all those sleazy bands (apart from "Appetite For Destruction") was "Rock City Angels's "Young Man Blues". Do you know them?
M: Yeah ... They're OK. I Don't know "Rock City Angels" though.
Comment: BEWARE! Spanish fans are really HUNGRY for some good R'n'R!
M: I’M READY TO ROCK LIKE FUCK!
From Reine Ahrlin
Q: Hello Michael!!! I got some questions I hope you can answer. I'm looking for old Hanoi t‑shirts(or new), posters, magazines or books. Do you know how I can find it?
M: Sorry, but I can't help you much there. There's a Japanese Picturebook in Japan released by "Watanabe". You might be able to get a copy there. 99% of Hanoi T‑shirts are bootlegs, so ... Contact other fans and collectors I guess.
Q: I wonder if you still see Sami, Nasty, Andy and Gyp?
M: Not much.
Q: When you are playing live, which Hanoi songs do you play? It would be really fun to see you perform songs like “Dead by X-mas”, “Whispers in the dark”, “Devil woman”… songs that are not as well known as for example “Taxi driver” and “Malibu beach”.
M: I´ve played “High school” and “Up around the bend” lately.
Q: When are you coming to Stockholm again? I´ve heard some rumours saying you played here a couple of months ago.
M: No, I haven´t played in Stockholm since Demolition 23 in 1994. I hope I can play there again soon.
Q: My last question to you is about your friend and my hero Stiv Bators. I have been looking for the album “The last race” for years now, but haven´t found it. Do you know how I can get it?
I hope you are doing well, take care and say hello to Andy and the boys from me.
L.U.V./Reine
M: I don´t know how to get that record. I don´t even have it, except on tape from way back then.
From Michael Rys
Q: Good day Michael. As a guitar player one of the first things I like to do is figure out the guitar on my favorite cd´s (“Life gets you dirty” is one of them). I´d like to know more about what kind of equipment you used in the studio to get the fantastic guitar sound you got.
Thanks, and I hope to see you in the States soon.
M: Thank you. I´m glad you like my sound. I just mainly used a Gibson Les Paul through a couple of good old Marshall stacks very loud, with some occasional Gibson Firebird. Then some acoustic and 12-string Rickenbacker guitars.
Q: Just curious as to who you are listening to these days? Good punk and rock´n´roll is out there, it just seems so hard to find.
M: First 4 Warrior Soul albums, The Ruts, early Alice Cooper (+ new one´s good), AC/DC with Bon Scott, Gary Holton and The Heavy Metal Kids, Ramones, Sex Pistols, The Damned, good old Thin Lizzy, Mott The Hoople & Ian Hunter´s solo stuff, Slade (70´s & early 80´s), The Rolling Stones, the first 6 Black Sabbath records, Thunders, Bators stuff, Cheap Trick… See? Not that much “new” stuff I guess. Good music never gets old.
Comment: By the way, I love the stuff you did with Johnny Thunders and Stiv Bators. Both were truly great artists and will be missed.
M: Thank you. Yes.
From Ginger
Q: What was the best advice your parents ever gave you?
M: Not to eat the yellow snow.
Q: If your fame vanished tomorrow would you miss being recognised and being the centre of attention?
M: No. I don´t expect to be treated above anyone else.
Q: What´s the meanest thing you´ve ever done to someone and do you regret it?
M: I don´t do mean things to people… at least I don´t mean to.
Q: If you got notice that the world was going to end in 24 hours, how would you spend the time?
M: I would go and stand in a doorway, put my head between my legs and kiss my ass goodbye.
Q: In a 1981 Suosikki interview you mentioned your early bands like Madness, Nymfo Maniacs, Bolin, Easy Living, Black Magic, Maukka Perusjätkä and Ralf Örn Pop. Quite a list! Please, give us some more details on when they happened and what work you did with them and your general pre-Hanoi history.
M: They were really nothing. Nymfomaniac was sort of a first form of Hanoi with me and Andy in Stockholm in 1979. But the “manager” had managed to take off with a bunch of cash after hocking Andy´s and the other guitar player´s guitars and running up a huge phone bill for them, before I even got there. The band died at birth. By the way the song “´79 not ´58” is from those days.
Comment: Thanks for being you. I hope life gives you everything you wish for and deserve J.
M: Thank you very much.
From A.J. Tonic
Q: Michael, what are the chances to see you support “Life gets you dirty” on a club tour in Germany? 30 minutes just ain´t enough!!!
M: I guess pretty good, but not for a while yet, I think. I agree 30 minutes ain´t enough.
From Damienne
Comment: I had a dream that I was with you in your apartment in San Francisco. The walls were white, there were no windows and the floors were dark harwood. One room had nothing in it, another had a single bed and the third had a double bed. At one point, you said, “I hope Kirk doesn´t come over.” “You mean Kirk Hammet?”, I asked. You nodded! That´s funny ´cause Kirk´s always trying to steal my husband´s friends´ guitar riffs! Later in the dream, you played in concert and got a music award. It was very exciting!
M: Who is “Kirk Hammet”? Very interesting I´m sure. Funny… However, what´s the question? OK. Thank you.
From Tero Vienonen
Q: What are the improvements in musical skills (if there are any), that you would like to have as a musician?
M: I´m working on it all the time, man.
Q: What is the latest cd you bought?
M: Nazareth “Loud´n´proud” to a friend who did not know Nazareth, the band, fantastic as they are.
Q: Have you been asked to produce any albums lately?
M: Not much but I´ve promised to produce Crystal Extasy´s new demos soon.
Q: If you would have a chance to work with any producer (co-producing with yourself of course) in the music world, who would it be and why?
M: Bob Ezrin. Because he´s fun and a genius.
Q: What is Susi´s (Michael´s cat) favourite song?
M: Susi likes Jim Morrison and Pink Floyd.
Comment: Keep doing what you do… you´re pretty much the best at it!
M: Well hey, thanx a lot.
From Hanna
Q: Mitkä ovat mahdollisuudet tavata sinut henkilökohtaisesti?
M: The chances to meet me personally? Depends on where you are whenever I´m there.
Q: Onko tulossa keikkoja Turussa?
M: Gigs in Turku? Not anytime soon but maybe before X-mas.
Comment: Olet paras!
M: Thank you. Kiitos!
From Juliet
Q: What is your cat´s name and how old is he?
M: Susi is ageless.
Q: What´s your favourite food?
M: Vegetables with pasta or rice, no garlic, no extra salt.
Q: Besides music, do you have any artistic hobbies like painting etc.?
M: I draw sometimes. Nowadays I answer these questions.
Q: How long did you live in London with Stiv, when?
M: Pretty much throughout the year 1985 at the end of which I (and Stiv sort of) moved to New York.
Q: Have you visited Razzle´s grave since the funeral?
M: No.
Comment: I love your music more than anything and you are definitely my greatest inspiration!Thank you for staying in the music business, you are probably the only one left who´s been able to stay real and true to yourself and to your music. I love you!!
M: Thank you. Lots of love to you too.
From Pablo
Q: My name is Pablo soy Argentino, you show fue the best. Gracias, thank you por ir a la Argentina.
M: Gracias!?!
Q: The people. Que te parecio la reaccion de la gente?
M: The people? Yeah, great.
Q: Volveras…?
M: YesNoMaybe, no doubt, but I do not understand…
Q: Soy tecladista y conosco a los chicos que tocaron con vos, si hay proxima vuelta me encantaria tocar contigo.
M: I don´t know what it means, but I was there (I think?)…
Comment: Buena suerte MASTER OF ROCK´n´ROLL.
M: Hey, thanxx. Sorry about my poor Spanish.
From Jeffrey
Q: If an independent filmmaker wanted to make a film about Hanoi Rocks and all that happened to them, would you want to be involved?
M: It depends…
Q: What do you think of Taime Downe´s new band, The Newlydeads?
M: I didn´t even hear his old band…
Q: If you could do a duet with Jim Morrison, what would you want to sing?
M: “Hyacinth House”.
Q: Are you (or were you) friends with the band Tigertailz?
M: I´ve just about heard the name. I know nothing about them.
Q: What do you think of filmmaker Tim Burton?
M: He´s good at what he does, I think.
Comment: I wish you the best of luck and many blessings. I hope all your hard friggin´ work pays off with your hearts desires.
M: Thank you very much, I hope so too.
From David Barg
Q: Did you like the drummer who played with you at the Roxy in BS. AS. (my interrogative sign is broken.)
M: Yeah he is great.
Q: Come again to bs.as., but the ticket please more cheaper.
M: Ticket price was not up to me.
Q: Do you like the dicks or infact the dog´s dicks?
M: Are you serious?…
Q: Are there goods bands in Finland because I didn´t now anyone, give me some names.
M: I don´t know if I should.
Q: You have to put more percusion´s instruments in your music, ok?
M: Really?
Comment: Onestly your music makes me crazy oll of your music, the old things to. I supous your life was and is very exiting that´s cool. Sory for me poor english.
M: I´m sorry too.
From Andy Fudge
Q: Would Michael consider reforming Hanoi Rocks with Andy McCoy, Sam Yaffa, Nasty Suicide & original drummer Gyp Casino?
M: No.
Q: Will Michael ever tour the UK & play some dates in Stoke-On-Trent?
M: For sure. Possibly.
Q: Would he consider bringing a DVD out of his own material & Hanoi Rocks material?
M: Haven´t thought about it.
Q: Any signs of a new Michael Monroe album?
M: Yeah next year for sure. Thank you.
From Timo Pääkkö
Q: Where does the name “Secret Chiefs” come from?
M: It´s a secret. Thank you.
From Alex
Q: What do you think now about the production of the “Not Fakin´ It” album? (I ask because it´s very different from the others.) What do you think of the band that did the tour? Why did you split up?
M: It still sounds good. It reflects the sound of the time a bit. The band was mostly OK but got a bit carried away. I answered this earlier in more detail.
Q: “Dead, Jail or Rock´n´roll” is one of your best songs ever. We know everything about you and rock and roll, but have you ever been in jail? And have you ever been near to death yourself? Please explain.
M: I have the right to remain silent on the grounds that it may incriminate me. No, but have been “out of body” so to speak.
Q: Guns´N´Roses wanted to do some Hanoi songs for the punk covers album, do you know what songs?
M: Yeah, “Beer And A Cigarette” but they thought Andy McCoy was too much of a prick to deserve the publishing money.
Q: Sylvayn Sylvayn and Arthur Kane wanted to do a New York Dolls tour in Japan few years ago with Gilby Clarke (ex G´N´R guitar) and Clemente Burke (Blondie drummer), it´s true they asked you to be the singer, after David Johansen said no?
M: Yeah, they asked me and I said NO. What´s the “Dolls” without Johnny and Jerry anyway? Or without Johansen? Forget it. Thank you anyway…
Q: Nasty said that on Hanoi Rocks days he could be like 5 days in a row awake with no sleep. How long could you?
M: About a month was my record (he says “proudly”).
Comment: You´re the king of rock and roll! Be good, Alex.
M: Hey, thanxx. You too, be good. All the best.
From Sabel
Q: Is there any chance of your appearing in an episode of the US Cable TV show, “The Sopranos” (in which Little Steven stars)? Any possibility of music inclusion? (They ended one episode with Razzle´s favorite, “You Can´t Wrap Your Arms Around A Memory”.)
M: I doubt it. Who knows? Really? That´s interesting…
Q: Did you ever find that video of you and Johnny Thunders performing together at Irving Plaza on Valentine´s Day? If so, can I get a copy if I pay for freight, cost of videotape, etc.?
M: I do have it somewhere but I´m sorry, I can´t spread it around.
Q: Any plans to visit San Francisco?
M: Hopefully soon to play. At least in the area.
Comment: Thanks for being true to yourself. I believe in you (as do many others).
M: Thank you. I do my best not to let you down.
From Esper Linask
Q: Tietäätkö sä mitään Viron musikiista? Ootko sä kuullut sitä?
M: No, I don´t know much about music from Viro.
Q: Tuleetko sä koskaan Tallinnaan? Me odotamme sua todella.
M: No plans to come to Tallinn yet. Sorry, for now.
Q: Millaineen on sun mielipiteesi Hurriganesein?
M: I love The Hurriganes with Albert on guitar and Cisse on bass. “Roadrunner” is one of my favorite records of all time. I also like the one with “Made In Sweden” on it.
Q: Aiotkoo sä esintyä Andyn kanssa enää? (En mä tarkoittaa jonkinlaista Hanoin kamaa, FUCK NO).
M: Am I gonna ever perform with Andy again? Looks like you answered it already (“FUCK NO”). But never say: never say never…(?)
Q: Tietäätkö sä Smilersia? Se on puolittain Suomen bändi!
M: No I don´t know “Smilers”.
comment: Aitäh vastuste eest! Ootan sind Eestisse! Kohtumiseni! (Thank u for answers. Waiting for you. See ya: in estonian.) J
M: Thank you. Same to you.
From Missi
Q: Who are your main musical influences?
M: Little Richard, Rolling Stones, Alice Cooper (-70´s), Stiv Bators & Johnny Thunders (and all their bands & records), The Undisputed Truth, AC/DC with Bon Scott, The Ramones, The Damned, Sex Pistols, Cheap Trick, Nazareth, Mott The Hoople & Ian Hunter, Iggy Pop, Black Sabbath, The Heavy Metal Kids & Gary Holton, Tom Petty, Slade, Sweet, Queen, Sparks, The Ruts, Kate Bush, Marianne Faithful, John Lennon, John Fogerty, Dave Edmunds, Esquerita, Dr. Feelgood, Pink Floyd, Graham Parker, The Doors (only with Jim Morrison), Eagles & Don Henley, Roxy Music, The Faces & Ronnie Wood, Bob Marley, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, The Police, Thin Lizzy & Phil Lynott, Moon Martin, UK Subs, Peter Tosh, The Records, Uriah Heep (with Gary Thain on bass), Wigwam (from Finland), Hurriganes (from Finland as well), Bobby Blue Bland, The Who, Sly & Family Stone, Little Walter, Suzi Quatro, Chuck Berry, Jean Sibelius etc.
Q: If you come to the U.S. would you please come to mpls? If not I will travel!
M: I´ll try my best.
Q: What is your favorite place in the world?
M: Home.
Q: What advice would you give to a losy, confused 23 year old woman?
M: Do you mean “lousy”? First of all, stop thinking of yourself as lousy. Learn to love & respect yourself now. Otherwise nobody else can or will… The world´s a confusing place. Start with things you do understand… and the rest… don´t worry about it…
Q: Will you come to the U.S. if I give you 2,000.00 dollars?!? Just wondering!
M: I´ll probably come there anyway, but thank you.
Comment: I must see Michael Monroe live. Please never go away! You rock!!
M: Thank you.
From Charly
Q: The Damned is one of your favourites bands. Did you tour with them on the Hanoi days? Any memories? Why didn´t work out the band you tried with Rat Scabies? Still in touch with him?
M: Yeah, we did some gigs together with Hanoi, like “The Tube” live on TV on our own stages in the studio. At the end of the Damned´s set Hanoi got up on our stage and we played Iggy´s “Feel Alright”, together with me and Dave Vanian singing in the audience. Wish I had that on video.
Had great fun with Rat, always. We mutually decided it wasn´t the right thing for D 23. Haven´t heard from him for a while.
Q: When you moved to New York, you had to sleep on some friends floors. Tell me more about those days, who were those friends?
M: Mostly Marty Abraham´s floor (friend of Stiv´s and mine, who did the “Russian Roulette” video for example) and Jude Wilder´s office floor after 9am in the CBS building, “the Black Rock”. Stayed up mostly all night at the “Limelight” or wherever with whatever and hung out. Worked on music with Stiv, when we had a guitar and a moment to ourselves…
Q: In my opinion Warrior Soul records, “Chill Pill” and “Space Age Cowboys” are two of the best of last decade. You also love that band. How did you know about them and how did you meet Kory?
M: Kory lived one block away from me downtown in New York. We also shared the same lawyer; Michael Guido.
Q: Besides Hanoi guys, Stiv and J. Thunders, who were your best friends in London? Besides Jude, Sami and Little Steven, who were your best friends in NY?
M: That was about it. In New York Kory Clarke as well. Also Sonda Weber who made me a lot of the coolest clothes I´ve had. And our dear friend Marilyn Agrelo and Robbie Tucker. Alison Gordy & her man, a guy called Steve I., and a girl called Susan plus the staff at “Telephone Bar&Grill” on 2nd Ave. Especially Clodagh. Love and blessings to all of them. Oh, Jude´s supercool Aunt C.Y apart from Jude´s Mom, - she was not in N.Y. though except in spirit to support us.
Q: Did you know that L.A. Guns wanted to contact with you 2-3 years ago when they were looking for a singer? Do you like them?
M: I heard something about it but no one ever made contact with me about it. Yeah they´re alright.
Comment: Dear Michael. Looking forward to see you again. Never forget the good time we had with you in Barcelona. We love you.
Charlie (with a little help of Marta)
M: Me too. Thanxxx!
From Marta
Q: Nasty and you did a tour with “Hanoi Rocks” (before Sami/Andy/Gyp) all over Finland in 1980. Please tell me your memories of that tour and what kind of stuff did you play?
M: We did only about 10 dates here and there. Nothing special. We played some of my songs, some Andy´s I think “Don´t Ever Leave Me” and some covers.
Q: What kind of things did you for survive in Stockholm streets? Did you have to steal sometimes? Buskin?
M: Me, Nasty & Sam begged for change, stole food if possible, I ended up having a shit job cleaning toilets at 6am-10am, Sami and Nasty were too lazy to work. I would often get a girl interested and then somehow get Nasty and Sami invited along. Once inside a flat we emptied up the fridge. No sex, just food. But mostly they didn´t mind ´cos we were cool. Had to survive somehow.
Q: You did a lot of ferry trips from Stockholm to Helsinki to play. Any funny memory of those trips?
M: Not really funny. We had no cabins and were usually not too well, coming down from some cheap high, hurting or just otherwise fucked up. We often saw the ship´s crew beat the shit out of some drunken passengers.
Q: What do you think of Rene Berg and Terry Chimes? I guess you were not happy with them at all, why?
M: I don´t think of them.
Q: You were good friends with Stiv Bators and Johnny Thunders in your London times, but did you keep in touch with them a lot in your New York days? Do you know if they liked Hanoi and your solo albums?
M: Yes, I saw them often in New York and yes they liked Hanoi and my solo stuff.
Comment: Hello Michael! We had a good time with you last May in Badalona and we are ready for more next october!! Love and light
Marta (with a little help of Charlie)
M: Thanxxx Marta! See you soon!
From Pete
Q: Ketä sun bändissä täl hetkel soittaa? Onko totta, että Crystal Ecstasyn basisti soittaisi sun bändissä?
M: No, Crystal Extasy´s bass player doesn´t play in my band. He´s good thou! Come to a show and see who´s playing what…
Q: Minkätyylistä kamaa on uudet, vielä julkaisemattomat biisit?
M: What are my new songs like? Good, better, brilliant… well let´s just say, I´m evolving still.
Comment: Todella hyvät webbisivut! Päivityksetkin toimii, toisin kuin monessa muussa paikassa…
M: Thanxx.
From Zap*
Q: Fanit antavat paljon lahjoja ym. Mikä on erikoisin/mieleisin lahja minkä sait esim. tänä kesänä?
M: Best gift I got this summer from fans or such? The Alice Cooper “Life & Crimes Of Alice Cooper” 4-CD Box set at a record store in Buenos Aires, from the owner of the store.
From Anders
Q: MOI MICHAEL! I´m glad that u r back n kickin´ ass… When will u be gigin´ in the south of Sweden?? It´s been a long time.
Take care/Anders
M: Thanx. Soon I hope… when there´s enough demand out there…
Comment: I´ll be a rocker as long as Mike Monroe is alive…
M: Alright! So will I. Which is forever! Thank you.
To be continued...
