I know what you are thinking, you are thinking “Hey, this is a crime fiction site, not a place about music!”
Well, normally you would be correct. But one of the joys of being an editor is that you can write about whatever you damn well want.
Finnish Rocker Michael Monroe has announced not just the North American Release date for SENSORY OVERDRIVE (August 23rd), his latest solo album, but a tour that includes ST. PAUL (I am doing my happy dance even as I write this).
In the early 80s, Michel was the singer for Hanoi Rocks and was tearing it up around the world. But HR ascension to the top of the Rock world was cut short when Vince Neil killed their drummer, Razzle Dingby, while driving drunk. Despite this, the band’s music continued to influence bands around the world. Axl Rose of GnR idolized Monroe and insisted that their label reissue Hanoi Rocks’ catalog in the late 80s.
Since then, Michael has mixed a solo career with band projects (a Hanoi Rocks reunion as well as the stellar Demolition 23). His music is a killer blend of hooks and punk-influenced grit.
Michael’s new band features guitarists Steve Conte (NEW YORK DOLLS) and Dregen (HELLACOPTERS, BACKYARD BABIES), bassist Sami Yaffa (HANOI ROCKS, NEW YORK DOLLS), and drummer Karl Rockfist (DANZIG).
U.S./Canadian tour dates:
Sep. 30 – Philadelphia, PA – Trocadero
Oct. 01 – Baltimore, MD – Sonar
Oct. 02 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
Oct. 04 – Boston, MA – Great Scott
Oct. 05 – Montreal, QC – Les Foufounes Electriques
Oct. 06 – Toronto, ON – Mod Club Theater
Oct. 07 – Cleveland, OH – Peabody’s
Oct. 08 – Chicago, IL – Reggie’s Rock Club
Oct. 09 – St Paul, MN – Station 4
Oct. 10 – St Louis, MO – Fubar
Oct. 12 – Denver, CO – Moe’s
Oct. 15 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
Oct. 16 – Portland, OR – Dante’s
Oct. 18 – Santa Clara, CA – Avalon Theater
Oct. 19 – Santa Ana, CA – Galaxy Theatre
Oct. 20 – Hollywood, CA – Whisky A Go Go
Having Michael come to my town is a dream come true. For years, I thought I would never get a chance to see him in concert.
