Opening Night For The Michael Monroe Sweatfest

★★★★☆ (4/5)

**MICHAEL MONROE PERFORMING AT NEWCASTLE’S UNIVERSITY**
**PHOTOCREDIT: JOHN HAYHURST**

On a balmy Thursday evening, Newcastle University’s Students’ Union transformed into a haven for rock enthusiasts, as Michael Monroe, the Finnish glam-punk icon and former Hanoi Rocks frontman, delivered an electrifying performance.

Michael Monroe's illustrious career spans decades, from his early days with Hanoi Rocks to his ventures with Demolition 23 and a prolific solo journey. His music, a blend of glam rock and punk energy, has influenced countless artists.

The band enter to a western soundtrack and look like a pack of bad guys from a movie, weather beaten and dressed in all black they will soon regret wearing long sleeved shirts and hats as it’s already boiling in here.

There are no changes to his band from recent years, ex New York Dolls – Steve Conte on guitar and ever present Sam Yaffa on Bass, and Rich Jones (Ex Ginger Wildhearts) on Guitar and Karl Rockfist on drums. Both Conte and Jones shared production duties on the last album so now they are both well engrained into the band but tonight, as always, is all about Michael Monroe.

The opening has already hit 100mph and it just doesn’t stop, the sweat starts pouring and that perfectly pimped blonde hair on Monroe’s head soon looks like a wet dog as he struts, kicks and punches the air on this small stage. He is constantly standing on the monitors to get closer to the crowd, slapping hands and waiving his mic stand around complete with black polka dot and red scarves tied around – Steven Tyler style.

There is no time for pleasantries tonight, a packed setlist of over 20 songs from his entire career ‘Last Train to Tokyo’ is delivered like a classic, even though it’s actually only a few years old. He’s hardly taken a breath before the next few songs are released to this eager toon audience.

Highlights included "Ballad of the Lower East Side," and Hanoi Rocks classics like "Motorvatin’" and "Don't You Ever Leave Me" and when ‘Malibu Beach Nightmare’ truly kicks in, the surfing and moshing can really start. Then there’s an expected punked up version of CCR’s ‘Up Around the Bend’, probably the best cover version of that song. The performance has been relentless, a powered-up punk and roll sweatfest. Monroe using his mic stand as a rest around his shoulders in a James Dean stance, although he’s currently looking more like Diamond Dave Lee Roth in the flesh.

Monroe showcased his multi-instrumental talents, switching between vocals, saxophone, and harmonica. His high-energy antics, including climbing stage structures and engaging directly with fans, added spontaneity to the show. The concert was more than just a musical performance; it was a celebration of Monroe's enduring legacy and the timeless appeal of proper rock’n’roll music.

For those unaware, the likes of Motley Crue, Poison and even Guns’n’Roses owe a massive debt to Monroe, because once Hanoi Rocks had played in Hollywood CA. all those bands started to copy the style and panache of this frontman. He’s a 100% rock’n’roll icon and it’s a shame that his bands didn’t make the move to the arenas in the same way that those that were influenced have.

For those that know though, he’s our favourite outsider, and it means we can see him in action at so many smaller concert halls for years to come – check out the back catalogue, get to a show soon but prepare to sweat!