Michael Monroe – Live – Slay – silverliningmusic

Review By Darren McIntyre

Matti Antero Kristian Fagerholm aka Michael Monroe is a singer / songwriter / musician from Helsinki, Finland who is best known as frontman for Hanoi Rocks. Hanoi Rocks brought us their infectious brand of glam rock / glam metal from 1979 through to 1985 when they split after the untimely passing of their drummer Nicholas ‘ Razzle ‘ Dingley, after the split Michael concentrated on his solo work which spanned from 1985 till 2001. 2002 sees the reformation of Hanoi Rocks which would see them rock out once again till 2009. 2010 sees Michael launch his solo outfit career that has given us 12 solo records to date, Michael has decided that the time is right to hit the road and bring us the very best of MM, Demolition 23 & Hanoi Rocks music that will simply blow us away, tonight he stops off with his merry bunch of scallywags and rolls into Slay in the heart of Glasgow. Now Glasgow is not your typical city as it has a real mix of everything and case in point is a mass brawl outside Homeless Project Scotland that brings a swelling of homeless people fighting each other, nothing to see here people – let’s move on as I obtain my accreditation and head into the venue it is rammed to the rafters and I am sweating my tits off already, the lights dim the intro music kicks in and the boys saunter onto the stage followed by the bullet that is Michael Monroe, the place erupts as we saunter into –

Dead, Jail Or Rock n Roll – A slick gritty guitar riff gets proceeding underway as Michael hits us with a harmonica intro that lets this thundering beast come to life. The rhythm section is hitting us hard with snare drum punches that fill the air as the boys rip through this classic number and let us feel the groove. The boys have certainly done their job tonight in bringing smiles to faces as they dug deep and worked us well with their energetic fusion punk based setlist that was on the money,the opening number was full of technical problems as Rich was swearing, cussing and having a flaky cos he couldn’t hear anything. Michael steps up and tells the boys ‘fuck it and let’s do this shit which brought a huge raor from this buzzing, crowd who were really up for it, we kicked our way into –

I Live Too Fast To Die Young – The tempo is again turned upto 10 as Michael & the boys bring us a full on rasping rock track that has a cool groove that wanders freely through this cool venue as the boys bring us a rip roaring set that is full on and packed with energy and swagger that lets us know that the band are here to give us a belting show full of hits and leg splits that just whip this crowd into a frenzy, the boys really seem to be enjoying themselves again we are still having issues with the sound as the boys can’t hear in Rich’s words Fuck All, heyho we grit our teeth and breeze through to –

TNT Diet – We get a real crunching punk based riff as this thundering beast kicks in the doors as this epic rocker track leaves it’s mark on Glasgow as the boys really give it to us with all they have. The rhythm section is providing us with solid snare drum beats that welcome the bass beats as the cymbal crashes rain down on us, a cool meaty bassline is dropping in and really punching us in the face with it’s sheer rawness. The boys are settling in nicely as Michael steps up and gives us a short, sharp hit of the saxophone and the place goes nuts for this energy zapping, bendy, rocking god that has even brought his own box of hats to top off a real epic night of glam / punk / sleaze rock that will live in my memory for a long time, up next comes –

Eighteen Angels – Coming at us is a real crunching, sleazy groove that is backed by a deep pounding rhythm section that brings the raunchy glam side of this band for sure.Michael is strutting around the stage, hanging off the rails, squeezing between the dark, sweat drenched pillars as he whips this crowd into a frenzy with a real groove laden track that just ticks all the boxes. Michael pulls a harmonica from his sky rocket at delivers a real honky tonk beat that just grabs our attention as the boys settle into their stride and really deliver a punk- esque driven groove that gets us all hot and bothered. The place is rockin and rollin as Michael asks us – are we having a good time as we bellow back hell yeah, he thanks us for coming out to support live music and what it means to him and the boys, next to grab us is –

Last Train To Tokyo – The punchy full on snare drum groove let’s this punk -esque beast rip open SLAY as the boys come at us with a real swagger as this awesome track tells it’s own story. The riffs and tempo are just letting us stamp our feet and feel the gritty groove come at us for sure, this is a real crowd pleaser as they boys have smiles on their faces as they really give us a full on rock show that is full of cool grooves, gritty riffs and thundering punchy rhythms that are just awesome, the boys grab a drink and let us catch our breathe as we hit –

Motorvatin – A pounding bass kick wanders into the track as Sami comes for us with a full on bass groove that let’s this cool rocking beast open up and bring us a fantastic groove. The vocals are bellowing through the venue as we just watch this energetic outfit do thier thing as they take us on a journey of their hits that are just incredible. The setlist is just a full on trip down memory lane as the boys rip up the stage and hand us slick cool riffs that are just telling their own story, we are hitting the middle section of this attitude filled full on punk explosion as we roll into –

Young Drunks & Old Alkies – A deep oozing bassline drops in and gets this bruiser off the ground as a thundering snare drum beat fills the air as Michael & the boys drop the hammer on this punk, glam beast. Michael’s vocals are on point as we soar through the venue and really feel the groove grab a hold of us as we bop along and just settle into the whole atmosphere of tonight’s shenanigans, the tempo changes pace for a second as the boys step forward and deliver a face melting solo that has us punching the air and really getting into this timeless rocker as he just defies gravity as he leg splits all over the stage as the place goes nuts as we roll into –

Man With No Eyes – Michael changes his head gear once more and dons his shades as this foot tapping groover brings us a deep, meaty bassline that really punches us straight in the face. Michael’s vocals are just on point as he works the crowd and hits the barrier and gets the crowd to join in which really brings the heat to this already full, sweating venue, the rhythm section is commanding the room as Karl keeps the boys in check. The guitar licks are filling every corner of the venue as we sing, bop and feel the magic wrapping itself all over this swelling crowd tonight, the place is rocking as we are served another slice of glam / punk melodies that just put a smile on your face, coming our way next –

Soul Surrender – Steve & Rich step up and just melt our faces as this foot stomping beast kicks in the doors and lets us know that the boys mean business tonight. A cool thundering rhythm section erupts with a hail of snare drum punches that get this crowd on their feet as the a cool mellow bassline drops in and just wraps itself all over this punk monster as Micheal leans in with his soaring vocals that are just letting Glasgow know that he is here and he means business as the boys just rip SLAY a new one with theirfast, furious shredding licks that are just awesome, we are tearing through the set list as we come to –

Stained Glass Heart – A killer bass kicks oozes from the stage as the soaring vocals grab our attention as Michael lets the boys drop the hammer on this crowd favourite as we feel the energy rise. Shredding guitar licks are hitting us as the rhythm section brings us a real monster beat that gets the juices flowing as Michael stands on the stage and commands the room as he just lets us know that tonight he means business. There is a real dirty groove attached to this track as we relive the old classics and just dance around and really let the Flying Finn do his thing and boy does he do it well, the place is fixed on the stage as Michael pulls us in and really delivers a no nonsense set that just tells us that he is still at the top of his game, we lean into –

Old Kings Road – The track erupts into life with a thundering bass kicks as the cymbal crashes rain down on us as a delicious bassline drops a sweet, dark groove that lets this track flow with ease. Michael lets his vocals do the talking as this punchy punk driven number really pops as the place gets into the groove with ease as the boys rip through the set with precision and ease as we feel the energy oozing from the stage. A slick no nonsense solo pours from the stage as the place just sings along and feels every note coming from the boys tonight, we rattle through the set and roll into –

Trick Of The Wrist – A real heavy ended guitar riff erupts as this fist pumping punk bruiser makes itself known to us as the place goes nuts as Michael brings his soaring meaty vocals to the party. A full on bassline is dropping dark, delicious tones all through this epic beast as the place goes mental, the boys join in on backing vocals as Michael claps on his saxophone and gives us a real sharp full on brass section that is awesome, the track although short, sharp and to the point it really packs a punch as we stroll into a barrage of favourites in the form of –

78 – A pounding rhythm section explodes with a killer snare drum beat as the cymbal snaps let the groove roll on as the twin guitar salvo tears SLAY a new one tonight. The place is singing at the top of their voices as the party slips into overdrive as we get all down and dirty with this awesome outfit that just gives it to us straight. The place is in fine voice as we just groove to this anthem track that just gets us all sweaty and feeling the love from Michael & the boys, Michael is swinging from the air con and singing at the same time and the place is loving it as we cheer and really don’t want tonight to end, we roll into –

Ballad Of The Lower Eastside – Michael sits on the front of the stage with Steve as they sing for the Glasgow crowd and wait till this rocking beast explodes into life. Michael is wearing one of his many hats as he parades around the stage and waves to his adoring fans as we feel the funk / punk groove rip through the venue tonight. The band are really enjoying themselves as they strut around the stage and give us a real gritty rocking show tonight, we slip into classic –

Don’t You Ever Leave Me – A clean cool guitar riff enters the frey as Michael brings his cool vocals to the party. A pounding bass kick is running freely through the track as the boys drive their juggernaut through the heart of Glasgow tonight as we feel the energy rise with this thought provoking piece that has the crowd transfixed on Michael as he jumps on the barrier and balances enough to sing and chat to the crowd as we are just smiling from ear to ear to see this fantastic showman do his thing, we roll into –

Nothin’s Alright – Steve steps up front and centre as he shreds like a maniac and brings this rocking punk beast to life as we jump around and really let the groove wrap itself around us. Micheal’s vocals are just on the money as he again changes headgear and jumps on the barrier and really lets us have it tonight, he is going walkabout and is dragging his mic lead all over the venue and at one point he was 2 ft away from me as we get the best of this incredible frontman as he just delivers a faultless set that as my colleague says is gig of the year so far. The place is jumping as the boys show no signs of slowing down as we don’t want the night to end as Michael bellows out are we having a good time the answer was obviously yes, next up –

Hammersmith Palais – A pounding rhythm section brings this rock track to life as Michael sizzles with strong powering vocals that are bringing this melodic piece to life. The boys are hitting the groove as we rock along to this punchy punk enfused beast that is just building and building for sure as we catch Steve ripping it up with cool guitar licks that let this fantastic track do it’s thing, we are buzzing for this guy as he brings a certain swagger to the proceeding tonight. As I said you will not in my opinion find a better frontman that brings energy, swagger, fun to a show that was well worth attending tonight lrt me tell you. The place hasn’t recovered from Michael straddling both bars – one with a broken light that just made the night for me, we are nearing the end of this terrific show and will hear a couple of covers to take us home tonight so let me take you to –

Boulevard Of Broken Dreams – The rhythm section drops in with a cool punchy snare drum beat that lets the guitar riffs wash over us as this classic number comes to life. The vocals are a fitting way to bring this track to life as we bop along and really get into the groove. The boys are smiling and just enjoying themselves as we go mental for this ragtag bunch of scallywags as they show us the way home, the bassline is handing us a nice funky, dark tone that is fitting into the track well as we roll into –

Malibu Beach – Michael pulls on his saxophone once again as this thundering monster erupts into life as the snare drum punches fill the room as this cymbal crashing beast comes to life. The dark, brooding bassline is really delivering epic tomes as this awesome track tells it’s own story. Michael steps forward and blows on his trusty saxophone and the place goes mental as this fast, rocking number really gets the juices flowing. We are clapping furiously as Michael again changes his headgear as this rasping killer track gets a run out that is really taking us to the final few tracks of the evening as we rock into –

Up Around The Bend – Sailor Michael gets the track off the ground as his soaring vocals lead the way as the crowd joins him in singing the chorus as the boys bring the guitar licks to life as we rock out to this absolute classic. The rhythm section is bringing the groove with snare drum punches, cymbal snaps and a pounding bass beat that is wrapped in a deep, sultry bassline that just drops the mic end off. Michael gets the crowd to join in with him singing as he brings out the harmonica and blows off the cobwebs that brings the curtain down on an unforgettable night in Glasgow, or so we thought, we get –

Taxi Driver – Another hat change as this punk laden number comes at us as the rhythm section leads the way with a pounding beat that lets the track unfold as we feel the energy come at us. There is a real grungy, gritty feel to this track as it shows a darker side to this flambouyant frontman as he brings Glasgow to it’s feet with this classy number, Steve steps up and shreds like a maniac as the boys are really driving this track onwards. The place is rocking as Mixhael once again pulls out the harmonica and brings a real bluesy groove to this awesome piece of music, we come to the end of the night and the boys finish with a double hitter in the form of –

Feel Alright / Radar Love – The boys rip the roof off with this roaring intro as Michael brings his soaring vocals to this killer track as the audience join the party and get this rifftastic monster off the ground. The rhythm section is driving the juggernaut onwards as the boys duly oblige with a real rocking shred that just lifts the arrangement as the boys give us all they have as Michael joins in with his trusty harmonica as the place goes nuts. The dark, moody bassline is hitting us with killer grooves that let the track roll on and lead into the last offering of the night as Radar Love eases gently into the frey. We get a sweet crunching guitar lick that allows Michael to let his fantastic vocals take the track skywards, the place is rocking as everyone is just bopping around with huge smiles on their faces as we ease ourselves towards the exit door as Michael sprints off the stage and disappears into the night.

Michael Monroe –

Michael Monroe – Vocals / Saxophone / Harmonica / Multi Hat Wearer

Steve Conte – Guitar / Backing Vocals

Rich Jones – Guitar / Backing Vocals

Sami Yaffa – Bass / Backing Vocals

Karl Rockfist – Drums

Setlist –

Dead, Jail Or Rock n Roll

I Live Too Fast To Die Young

TNT Diet

Eighteen Angels

Last Train To Tokyo