finnbands: Not long ago your CD "Street Poetry" was released. Why do you think people should listen to it?
Michael Monroe: BECAUSE IT REPRESENTS THE BAND PERFECTLY IN ITS CURRENT STATE AND IS PROBABLY THE BEST HANOI ALBUM SINCE OUR REBIRTH.
finnbands: It's named after a guy from London. Is this a true figure and have you ever met him?
Michael Monroe: THE "STREET POET" - YES, ME AND ANDY USED TO SEE HIM IN THE 80'S.
finnbands: Are there any funny stories from your time at Seawolf Studios to tell?
Michael Monroe: WELL, I USED TO PRACTICALLY LIVE THERE WHILE RECORDING THE "ANOTHER HOSTILE TAKEOVER" ALBUM. I WAS ALWAYS RUNNING LATE FOR THE LAST FERRY TO GET OFF THE ISLAND.
finnbands: What's your favorite track on the CD?
Michael Monroe: I LIKE THEM ALL.
finnbands: Why did you choose "Fashion" as first single since it's so different to the rest of the album?
Michael Monroe: THAT ONE WAS THE MOST FINISHED ONE, IN TERMS OF THE ARRANGEMENT AND STUFF.
finnbands: As one of the first known bands from Finland, what do you think about the current Finnish music scene?
Michael Monroe: THERE ARE MANY GOOD BANDS, NOW ALSO VERY SUCCESSFUL ABROAD AS WELL. I'M HAPPY FOR THEM FOR THAT.
finnbands: Are there any changes in the music industry since the early 80s till now?
Michael Monroe: SURE - THE INTERNET IS PROBABLY THE BIGGEST CHANGE.
finnbands: We think that you and Negative are quite similar in your appereances. Do you know NGT and what do you think about them?
Michael Monroe: YEAH, I KNOW THEM AND I CAN SEE THE HANOI INFLUENCE IN THEIR LOOKS. THEY'RE OK. I WISH THEM LUCK.
finnbands: There are some young glamrock bands in Germany. Do you know about your influence to those glamrock bands? Do you maybe know any bands?
Michael Monroe: NOT REALLY.
finnbands: We saw a lot of younger people on gigs in Finland. Is there still some older audience that followed you over the years?
Michael Monroe: YES, THERE ARE BOTH - OLD AND YOUNG .
finnbands: Where do you buy your clothes? Do you have a stylist or is this your own style?
Michael Monroe: IN VARIOUS CLOTHING STORES, SECOND HAND STORES ETC. AROUND THE WORLD AND SOME I HAVE MADE. I HAVE NO STYLIST. THIS IS MY OWN STYLE AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN.
finnbands: In our opinion it's great when somebody has a style and keeps it over the years. Have you ever been told to behave a little more what's expected in your age? And what do you think about people expecting you this?
Michael Monroe: THERE HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTS BUT I'VE NEVER CONFORMED TO ANYONE ELSE'S EXPECTATIONS.
finnbands: Why didnīt Sam Yaffa take part at your bands reunion? Are you still in contact with him?
(This is a fan question)
Michael Monroe: SAMI LIVES IN THE STATES AND THAT'S A BIT FAR. BESIDES HE'S A MEMBER OF THE NEW YORK DOLLS NOWADAYS.
finnbands: Are you still in touch to Axl Rose and what do you think about todays GnR?
(This is a fan question)
Michael Monroe: NOT THAT CLOSELY, MAINLY VIA THE PRESS. I THINK HE'S A VERY GOOD FRONT MAN AND I WISH THEM LUCK.
finnbands: How was Berlin? Did you enjoy your trip, your stay and the gig?
Michael Monroe: BERLIN'S COOL. IT WAS GOOD TO VISIT THERE AND THE GIG WAS GOOD, I THOUGHT.
finnbands: Are there already any results of the showcase to talk about?
Michael Monroe: YEAH, GOOD THINGS HAVE COME OUT OF IT , WHICH I'M NOT AT LIBERTY TO DISCUSS AT THIS TIME.
finnbands: Seen through the eyes of the audience your stage show must be very exhausting. How do you prepare for a show and how often do you do sports every week to stay as fit as you are?
Michael Monroe: I EXERCISE REGULARLY, ABOUT 5 DAYS A WEEK IN THE MORNINGS.
finnbands: You know you have a lot of fans in Germany, so what about a tour here?
Michael Monroe: A GERMAN TOUR IS IN THE WORKS RIGHT NOW FOR THE EARLY PART OF NEXT YEAR.
THANK YOU,
MICHAEL MONROE
hanoirocks.info
Interview by Niina and Anna © finnbands.com
