Hanoi Rocks was a Finnish rock/glam band. Hanoi Rocks was formed in Helsinki in 1979 by vocalist Michael Monroe and his friend, guitarist Andy McCoy.
The original line-up of Hanoi Rocks consisted of Michael Monroe on vocals, former Pelle Miljoona Oy guitarist Stefan Piesnack, Monroe's old friend guitarist Nasty Suicide, bassist Nedo Soininen and drummer Peki Sirola. Even though McCoy was a founding member he didn't join the band immediatly as he was still the guitarist in Finnish punk band Pelle Miljoona Oy. It was agreed he would join the group a little later.
In the last few months of 1980 Andy McCoy left Pelle Miljoona Oy and joined Hanoi Rocks, and was later joined by another former Pelle Miljoona Oy member, bassist Sam Yaffa. McCoy replaced Stefan Piesnack and Yaffa replaced Nedo. By then Peki had left the band, and when the band relocated to Stockholm, they hired an old friend of Monroe and McCoy's, drummer Gyp Casino.
After 2 albums and a few single releases the band permanently moved to London in 1982 where they met drummer Razzle...
The band never reached any commercial success but in the glory days of the band existance in the 1980 the band released no less than 5 studio albums and 1 live album.
On December 8, 1984 Razzle was the victim of a car accident. This sealed the fate of Hanoi Rocks...
Shortly after the accident the band returned to London and tried to salvage their career. They recruited Terry Chimes of The Clash on drums and a little later René Berg after the departure of Sammi Yaffa. It was to no avail as the spirit of the band had died. A few demo recordings were made in 1985 shortly before the band broke up. "Fast Car" a René Berg penned number was from these demo sessions. The track later appeared on the René Berg solo album "The Leather, The Loneliness And Your Dark Eyes" released in 1992. The Hanoi Rocks demo version of the track appeared on the Hanoi Rocks compilation album "Lean On Me" which was also released in 1992. It is believed that Andy mcCoy had a dislike for the track.
Michael Monroe -- Lead Vocals, Saxophone, Harmonica
Andy McCoy -- Lead Guitar
Nasty Suicide -- Rhythm guitar
René Berg -- Bass
Terry Chimes -- Drums
All copywrite remains with Hanoi Rocks.
11 years ago