Michael Monroe
A world-class rock'n'roll star
Michael Monroe really needs no introductions. The biggest rock legend in Finland earned his spurs already during the 80s as the frontman of Hanoi Rocks, but in his case relying on nostalgia is unnecessary. Michael Monroe is an international-level rock star with more energy, charisma, skill and looks than all those following him put together. Or how many Finnish artists' fanbase includes names like Guns N'Roses, Manic Street Preachers or Foo Fighters?
After Hanoi Rocks gave its long and devoted goodbyes back in the spring of 2009, Michael Monroe didn't rest on his laurels. Instead, he put together a fresh group and started writing new material. The band turned out to be a proper supergroup after Monroe was joined by his former Hanoi bandmate Sam Yaffa and the singer-guitarist Ginger of The Wildhearts. The trio wrote songs together for the upcoming album and performed a few carefully chosen shows under the awaiting gaze of the international music media. In the summer 2010 the band recorded a live album at The Tavastia Club in front of an ecstatic audience, and the album proved that Monroe had chosen his fellow musicians well. Both on stage and in studio the band shows energy and confidence that can only be gained through experience. The studio album Sensory Overdrive was released in March 2011 and went – deservedly – straight to the top of the Finnish album chart.
Everyone who's seen Michael Monroe perform live knows to expect the kind of a world-class rock'n'roll show that only the chosen few can deliver. Michael Monroe truly is one of those few, the only real Finnish rock star and a living legend. Welcome to Ilosaarirock Festival, we salute you!
