Michael Monroe Conquers Vegas

Michael Monroe kicked off his 2016 US Tour in Viva Las Vegas, in support of his 2015 album Blackout States, his tenth solo MM album since 1987. Hard to believe it’s been that long since Monroe went solo after the demise of Hanoi Rocks the first time around in ’85, and Monroe shows no worse for wear over the 25 plus years, writhing and jumping and as full of power and energy as ever.

Monroe has original Hanoi bassist Sami Yaffa in tow, along with NYDolls guitarist Steve Conte, Ginger Wildheart’s guitar slinger Rich Jones and Karl Rockfist (Chelsea Smiles, Danzig) on drums. In between climbing the walls (literally) of amps and jumping off drum sets, Monroe led the line up through a set list that covered his extensive career, with title track “Blackout States” and “Rock Like Fuck” from the new album, songs from Monroe’s solo efforts Sensory Overdrive, Horns and Halos, and Not Fakin’ It, a nod to Demolition 23 with “Hammersmith Palais” and of course knocking out some classic Hanoi faves throughout the night. Monroe never slowed down, bringing out his signature sax for a few tunes, and still charmed and covorted in a rapid blur of red and blonde, a ball of energy and light across the stage far into a third decade of Deal, Jail or Rock and Roll.

Love Song