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Hanoi Rocks

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Hanoi Rocks
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1979
FounderMichael Monroe, Andy McCoy, Nasty Suicide, Sami Yaffa, Gyp Casino
Defunct1985 (initial breakup), reformed 2001–2009
Headquarters
Helsinki
,
Finland
Area served
Scandinavia, Japan, United Kingdom, United States
Key people
Michael Monroe, Andy McCoy, Nasty Suicide, Sami Yaffa, Gyp Casino, Nicholas "Razzle" Dingley
ProductsMusic albums, singles, live performances
Number of employees
5 (typical band lineup)

Hanoi Rocks emerged as a Finnish rock ensemble in 1979, distinguished for being the first band from Finland to enter the UK charts and garner a strong following in Japan. By 1984, they were on the verge of global recognition with their inaugural major label release under CBS and an anticipated tour across the United States. Unfortunately, this tour was cut short when drummer Nicholas "Razzle" Dingley tragically passed away in a December 1984 drunk driving accident involving Vince Neil. This event led to the band's dissolution in June 1985. Subsequently, lead vocalist Michael Monroe became the first Finnish musician to appear on the American Billboard 200 chart in 1989. Monroe joined forces once again with original guitarist Andy McCoy to revive Hanoi Rocks with a fresh lineup from 2001 until 2009. Although their musical style leaned towards classic rock and punk influences, Hanoi Rocks played a pivotal role in shaping the glam metal movement, inspiring groups such as Guns N' Roses, Skid Row, and Poison.

Finnish media figure Jone Nikula, who managed their tours during the 2000s, estimates that Hanoi Rocks has sold between 780,000 and one million records globally, with the majority of sales concentrated in Scandinavia and Japan.

The founding members—Michael Monroe, Andy McCoy, Nasty Suicide, Sami Yaffa, and Gyp Casino—came together once more for Monroe's 60th birthday performance on 23 September 2022 at the Helsinki Ice Hall.

Origins and initial phase (1979–1980)

In 1979, Hanoi Rocks was established in Helsinki by Michael Monroe (born Matti Fagerholm) alongside guitarist Andy McCoy (originally Antti Hulkko). At first, McCoy remained with the Finnish punk outfit Pelle Miljoona Oy but eventually committed to Hanoi Rocks.

The earliest formation included Monroe as lead singer, guitarist Stefan Piesnack from Pelle Miljoona Oy, guitarist Nasty Suicide, bassist Nedo Soininen, and drummer Peki Sirola. They performed across Finnish venues featuring original compositions along with covers like Cheap Trick's "He's a Whore" and MC5's "Looking at You". Their manager became Seppo Vesterinen, known for promoting acts like Iggy Pop. By late 1980, McCoy departed Pelle Miljoona Oy to join Hanoi Rocks full-time, replacing Piesnack who was arrested due to drug charges. Bassist Sami Yaffa succeeded Nedo Soininen. Following drummer Peki Sirola's exit and a move to Stockholm, they recruited drummer Gyp Casino from the band Warheads.

Relocation to Stockholm, early releases and move to London (1980–1981)

Upon settling in Stockholm, most members experienced homelessness except for McCoy, who lived with a wealthy partner. In November 1980, they secured a contract with Johanna Kustannus and debuted with the single "I Want You / Kill City Kills". The track "I Want You" was an English adaptation of the Swedish hit "Vill ha dej," translated by McCoy himself; "Kill City Kills" was an earlier composition by him. Drummer Gyp Casino did not participate in this recording due to prior obligations.

In January 1981, Hanoi Rocks embarked on an extensive 102-day tour—the longest ever undertaken by a Finnish rock band—during which they honed their vigorous stage presence that initially divided audiences but eventually earned widespread praise.

Their follow-up single "Tragedy / Café Avenue", penned by McCoy during his teenage years, was released in February 1981 alongside their debut album Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, Hanoi Rocks. Monroe and McCoy produced the record under the pseudonym "The Muddy Twins." The album climbed to number five on Finland’s music charts.

After touring extensively throughout Sweden and Finland during that year, they relocated to London in September 1981 to record their sophomore album. Their London debut took place at the prestigious Marquee Club on 19 September. Returning home in November, they issued singles "Desperados / Devil Woman" and "Dead by X-Mas / Nothing New" in December.

Oriental Beat and Razzle's Addition (1982)

In January 1982, Hanoi Rocks filmed their initial music videos at Lepakko, a prominent spot for youth culture, featuring the tracks "Tragedy," "Oriental Beat," and "Motorvatin'." That same month, they launched their sophomore album, Oriental Beat, which garnered favorable critiques from publications such as Sounds and Kerrang!. During the spring of 1982, the band toured Sweden and experienced their first significant success in Japan with the single "Tragedy." In May, they released the single "Love's an Injection / Taxi Driver."

By June 1982, Hanoi Rocks had made London their permanent base.[1] It was there that Monroe encountered Razzle, the drummer from London punk outfit The Dark. Following Gyp Casino's dismissal due to substance abuse and personal difficulties, Razzle joined Hanoi Rocks.[1]

August 1982 saw the release of their third album, Self Destruction Blues, which included earlier singles like "Love's an Injection." Although Razzle had not participated in the recording sessions, he is credited on the album. The single was released in Finland in October and topped the Finnish charts for one week. Additionally, Hanoi Rocks secured a deal with Japanese label Nippon Phonogram.

Asian Tour, Back to Mystery City, and CBS Contract (1983)

By January 1983, Hanoi Rocks had extended their touring circuit beyond Europe into Asia, attracting substantial media attention including a cover feature in Sounds magazine. Their tour covered cities such as Bombay, Hong Kong, and Japan, where they enjoyed immense popularity—fans even broke into hotels to meet them, ticket prices matched those of stadium-level acts, and their music was heard in Tokyo's public phone booths. The tour proceeded from Tokyo to Vietnam.

In April, they returned to London to record their fourth studio album before embarking on a tour in Israel. However, reception there was unfavorable due to cultural differences and the band's image; Monroe encountered hostility because of his appearance, and Nasty Suicide sustained a broken ankle. Following this, they toured London and Norway and released the single "Malibu Beach / Rebel On The Run."

Their fourth album, Back to Mystery City, was released shortly thereafter,[1] reaching number 87 on the UK Albums Chart.[2] Subsequent tours took place throughout the UK and Finland until June 1983, when Hanoi Rocks signed a £150,000 contract with CBS.

Collaboration with Bob Ezrin and All Those Wasted Years (1983–1984)

In August 1983, Hanoi Rocks released a 7" single featuring "Until I Get You / Tragedy" along with a 12" maxi-single containing "Until I Get You / Tragedy / Oriental Beat." On August 13th, Lick Records reissued Hanoi Rocks's first three albums in the UK. The following day, the band performed at the Ruisrock festival in Turku, Finland. Prior to this event, Michael Monroe revealed in a Finnish television interview that McCoy and Suicide were struggling with alcohol abuse while he himself refrained from both drugs and alcohol. In October 1983, American producer Bob Ezrin traveled to London to witness Hanoi Rocks live and was confirmed by December as producer for their upcoming album.

The concerts held at the Marquee Club that December were recorded and subsequently released as a live album and video entitled All Those Wasted Years.

Two Steps from the Move (1984)

At the beginning of 1984, Hanoi Rocks teamed up with producer Bob Ezrin to record Two Steps from the Move in studios located in New York and Toronto. Ezrin brought in Ian Hunter from Mott the Hoople to contribute to the songwriting process; Hunter introduced Jack Bruce (formerly of Cream), who then connected them with lyricist Pete Brown. Although Brown penned numerous lyrics, only a single line was ultimately incorporated: "Smoked a lot of sky, drank a lot of rain," featured in "Million Miles Away."

By late April, the album was nearly complete, but both Ezrin and the record label felt it lacked a standout track. Consequently, they recorded a cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Up Around the Bend," a song already favored by Michael Monroe and Nasty Suicide.

In May 1984, Hanoi Rocks embarked on tours in Bombay and Japan, where they encountered sold-out venues and fervent fan support that even surprised Finnish observers. This momentum continued with a UK tour covering England and Scotland, generating anticipation among British media for their impending breakthrough. June saw the release of the single "Up Around The Bend / Until I Get You" as both a double single and an EP. The music video accompanying this release became Finland's most costly production at that time. The track reached number 61 on the UK singles chart and received airplay on American radio stations.

Following a July tour in the UK, the album—originally titled Silver Missiles and Nightingales but renamed Two Steps from the Move shortly before release—was launched. It emerged as their most commercially successful album in the UK, peaking at number 28. Singles "Underwater World / Shakes" and "Two Steps From the Move" were subsequently released alongside a tour supporting Johnny Thunders.

In November, the single "Don't You Ever Leave Me / Oil And Gasoline" was issued; by this point, album sales had reached 200,000 copies—primarily across the US (60,000), UK (50,000), and Finland (20,000). Notably, US sales hit 44,000 within just two weeks.

After completing a tour in Sweden, Hanoi Rocks toured the United States until Michael Monroe suffered an onstage ankle fracture at USA Sam's in Syracuse on 29 November, which forced some shows to be canceled. Despite this setback, concerts in Los Angeles sold out in less than half an hour.

Razzle's death, Rock & Roll Divorce, and break-up (1984–1985)

On 8 December, all Hanoi Rocks members except Michael Monroe—who was recuperating from his ankle injury—attended a party at Vince Neil's residence alongside members of Mötley Crüe. Under the influence of alcohol, Neil and drummer Razzle took Neil's Pantera to purchase liquor but collided with another vehicle; Razzle died instantly at the scene. The occupants of the other car sustained severe brain injuries. Andy McCoy and Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee discovered Neil handcuffed at the crash site. Upon receiving news of Razzle’s death, Hanoi Rocks returned to London. Two Helsinki concerts on 3 and 4 January 1985 were broadcast live as "Europe A Go-Go" to an audience of 200 million viewers and served as tributes to Razzle; these shows featured former Clash drummer Terry Chimes.

In 1985, bassist Sami Yaffa departed due to personal conflicts with McCoy; René Berg took over bass duties while Terry Chimes continued on drums. Although Monroe initially intended to leave the band entirely, he agreed to participate in a brief Polish tour after persuasion from their label—especially since "Don't You Ever Leave Me" was charting there. Despite Monroe’s opposition to live album releases, a semi-official live record titled Rock & Roll Divorce was issued but met with disapproval from management, band members, and critics alike. Berg asserted that Hanoi Rocks was "his band," which led to his replacement by bassist Timo Kaltio. This lineup never performed live. Monroe formally exited Hanoi Rocks on 17 June 1985, marking the band's dissolution. Meanwhile, "Don't You Ever Leave Me" climbed to number 6 on Polish charts, maintaining Hanoi Rocks’ visibility into the early 1990s.

Revival and renewed achievements (2001–2007)

In February 2001, Monroe and McCoy reunited for a concert in Turku, Finland, followed by a summer tour under the name "Hanoi Revisited." They described this as a "rebirth" rather than a full reunion, since several original members were unavailable: Razzle had passed away; Nasty Suicide had transitioned to a career in pharmacy; Sami Yaffa was involved with New York-based Mad Juana and the New York Dolls; and Gyp Casino was musically inactive. To complete the lineup, they enlisted Kari "Lacu" Lahtinen (drums) and Timpa Laine (bass) from Monroe's solo project, along with Costello Hautamäki from the Finnish rock band Popeda on guitar.

By 2002, Monroe and McCoy had composed enough songs to produce Twelve Shots on the Rocks. Although the album found success in Finland and Japan, both Monroe and McCoy were dissatisfied with its original mix, leading to a 2003 remix that included two additional tracks.

Extensive touring characterized 2003–2004. During this period, Costello left to concentrate on Popeda; guitarist Stevie Klasson briefly took his place but was dismissed late in 2004 due to internal disagreements. Bassist Timpa departed for family commitments.

With only Monroe, McCoy, and Lacu remaining active in 2004, the band recorded Another Hostile Takeover. Monroe filled in on bass and guitar parts until guitarist Conny Bloom joined early in 2005. Bloom brought along bassist Andy "A.C." Christell from the Electric Boys.

The reception to Another Hostile Takeover was mixed: it was lauded for its variety but faced criticism from some fans who felt it diverged from the band's classic 1980s style.

Between 2005 and 2006, Hanoi Rocks toured extensively across Europe and Asia.

On 18 August 2007, they showcased their new single "Fashion" on the Swedish TV program Sommarkrysset. For their 2007 release Street Poetry, they revisited unfinished songs from the 1980s such as "Teenage Revolution," originally developed during the Two Steps from the Move sessions. This album featured expanded songwriting contributions beyond just Monroe and McCoy. Released on 5 September 2007, it included a music video for the lead track "Fashion."

The ultimate disbandment (2008–2009)

On 25 January 2008, Lacu announced his departure from Hanoi Rocks to rejoin Popeda. On 20 March, the band embarked on their first acoustic tour titled “Hanoi Rocks Steppin’ Out Acoustically,” with their drum technician stepping in as drummer. By 25 May, Swedish drummer George Atlagic was recruited as the new drummer. Monroe and McCoy decided to dissolve Hanoi Rocks, citing diminished collaboration since 2007 and creative stagnation. The breakup was officially declared.

Late in 2008 saw the publication of the autobiography All Those Wasted Years, detailing Hanoi Rocks's career during the 1980s with rare photographs and interviews featuring key members and associates.

In spring 2009, Hanoi Rocks completed a farewell tour in Japan, playing six shows across major cities. A commemorative book chronicling this tour included historical photos of the band along with album information.

Additionally, they performed eight sold-out farewell concerts over six days at Helsinki's Tavastia Club, with original guitarist Nasty Suicide appearing as a special guest for three performances; Lacu also made an appearance during the final show. The concluding concert was released on DVD later that year as Buried Alive.

Second reunion (2022)

On 23 September 2022, an early formation of Michael Monroe, Andy McCoy, Nasty Suicide, Sami Yaffa, and Gyp Casino came together again to celebrate Monroe's 60th birthday at Helsinki Ice Hall.

Legacy

Although Hanoi Rocks did not achieve widespread commercial success, they cultivated a devoted cult audience and received critical praise for their distinctive sound and energetic live shows. In a 1985 Sounds poll, the band earned notable placements: 5th for Best Album, 2nd for Best Band, and 3rd for Best Live Act.

Their legacy influenced numerous groups such as Guns N' Roses, with their glam style inspiring bands like Poison, L.A. Guns, and Ratt. Musicians including Manic Street Preachers, Murderdolls, Skid Row, and Foo Fighters have recognized Hanoi Rocks’s impact on their music. Finnish bands like The 69 Eyes, with whom McCoy has worked, and Negative also acknowledge their influence. In Finland, Hanoi Rocks is celebrated as a trailblazing rock band that nearly attained international stardom before acts like HIM and Nightwish emerged.

They revived the glam rock fashion of the 1970s by combining punk leather attire with an unusual "transvestite vibe," as described by Nasty Suicide.

While numerous glam bands from the 1980s drew inspiration from Hanoi Rocks, some critics suggest these groups only superficially copied them. Joe Elliott of Def Leppard commended Hanoi Rocks as genuine pioneers of the glam genre, contrasting them favorably with peers such as Mötley Crüe and Poison.

Michael Monroe and Hanoi Rocks have left a mark on many artists: Slash and Duff McKagan attended their sold-out Los Angeles concerts prior to cancellations following Razzle's passing. In All Those Wasted Years, Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett credits Hanoi Rocks with shaping Hollywood’s glam-rock scene that influenced many later bands.

The band is frequently cited among the most influential glam metal groups in the documentary Metal: A Headbanger's Journey. VH1 placed Hanoi Rocks at number 40 on its list of top "hair bands"; bassist Sami Yaffa famously rejected this label, referring to them instead as a "hat band."

In 2013, LA Weekly honored Hanoi Rocks as the greatest hair metal band of all time.

Andy McCoy disclosed that Guns N' Roses’ track "Paradise City" incorporates riffs from Hanoi Rocks’ "Lost in the City," with Nasty Suicide appearing in the video. Additionally, former Hanoi bassist Timo Kaltio co-wrote Guns N' Roses’ "Right Next Door to Hell."

Songs by Bret Michaels ("Human Zoo"), NOFX ("We Got Two Jealous Agains"), and Red House Painters ("Cruiser") mention Hanoi Rocks.

The band’s music featured prominently in the 2022 television series Peacemaker, where characters hailed Hanoi Rocks as "only the greatest band of all time" and adopted their song titles as nicknames.

Band members

Last confirmed roster
  • Michael Monroe – lead vocalist, saxophone, harmonica, occasional drums and keyboards
  • Nasty Suicide – rhythm and lead guitarist, backing vocals and occasional lead vocals
  • Andy McCoy – lead and rhythm guitarist, backing vocals, occasional keyboards and piano
  • Sami Yaffa – bassist, backing vocals
  • Gyp Casino – drummer
Previous members
  • Peki Sirola – drummer
  • Nedo Soininen – bassist
  • Stefan Piesnack – lead and rhythm guitarist
  • Tumppi Varonen – drummer
  • Razzle – drummer, backing and occasional lead vocals
  • Terry Chimes – drummer
  • René Berg – bassist
  • Timo Kaltio – bassist
  • Lacu – drummer
  • Timppa Laine – bassist
  • Costello Hautamäki – rhythm and lead guitarist, backing vocals
  • Stevie Klasson – rhythm and lead guitarist, backing vocals
  • Conny Bloom – rhythm and lead guitarist, backing vocals
  • Andy "A.C." Christell – bassist, backing vocals
  • George Atlagic – drummer

Timeline {{#tag:timeline| ImageSize = width:900 height:auto barincrement:20 PlotArea = left:110 bottom:100 top:0 right:10 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy Period = from:01/01/1979 till:31/12/2022 TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:3 ScaleMajor = increment:4 start:1979 ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1979

Colors = 

 id:lvocals  value:red    legend:Lead_vocals
 id:bvocals  value:pink legend:Backing_vocals
 id:lguitar  value:teal    legend:Lead_and_rhythm_guitar
 id:rguitar  value:brightgreen   legend:Rhythm_and_lead_guitar
 id:keys     value:purple legend:Keyboards
 id:bass     value:blue legend:Bass
 id:drums    value:orange legend:Drums
 id:wind     value:tan2 legend:Harmonica,_saxophone
 id:studio   value:black  legend:Studio_albums
 id:bars     value:gray(0.92)

BackgroundColors = bars:bars

BarData = 

 bar:Michael   text:Michael Monroe

 bar:Stefan     text:Stefan Piesnack
 bar:Andy       text:Andy McCoy

 bar:Nasty     text:Nasty Suicide
 bar:Costello  text:Costello Hautamäki
 bar:Stevie    text:Stevie Klasson
 bar:Conny     text:Conny Bloom

 bar:Nedo       text:Nedo Soininen
 bar:Sami       text:Sami Yaffa
 bar:René       text:Rene Berg
 bar:Timo       text:Timo Kaltio
 bar:Timpa      text:Timppa Laine 
 bar:A.C.       text:A.C. Christell

 bar:Peki       text:Peki Sirola
 bar:Tumppi     text:Tumppi Varonen
 bar:Gyp        text:Gyp Casino
 bar:Razzle     text:Razzle
 bar:Terry      text:Terry Chimes
 bar:Lacu       text:Lacu
 bar:George     text:George Atlagic

PlotData = 

 width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(11,-4)
 color:lvocals
 bar:Michael    from:start till:17/06/1985
 bar:Nasty      from:start till:17/06/1985 width:3
 bar:Razzle     from:01/12/1982 till:08/12/1984 width:3
 bar:Michael    from:01/03/2002 till:12/04/2009
 bar:Michael    from:01/07/2022 till:end

 color:rguitar
 bar:Nasty      from:start till:17/06/1985
 bar:Costello   from:01/03/2002 till:31/01/2004
 bar:Stevie     from:21/02/2004 till:30/09/2004
 bar:Conny      from:17/01/2005 till:12/04/2009
 bar:Michael    from:01/03/2002 till:30/03/2005 width:5
 bar:Nasty      from:01/07/2022 till:end

 color:lguitar
 bar:Stefan     from:start till:11/10/1980
 bar:Andy       from:11/10/1980 till:17/06/1985
 bar:Andy       from:01/03/2002 till:12/04/2009
 bar:Andy       from:01/07/2022 till:end

 color:bass
 bar:Nedo       from:start till:11/10/1980
 bar:Sami       from:11/10/1980 till:end

...

Discography

Videography

Tours

  • Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes Tour (1981)
  • Oriental Beat Tour (1982)
  • Self Destruction Blues Tour (1982)
  • Back To Mystery City Tour (1983)
  • Two Steps From The Move Tour (1984); included a cancelled United States leg
  • Twelve Shots On The Rocks Tour (2002)
  • Another Hostile Takeover Tour (2005)
  • Street Poetry Tour (2007)

Significant Performances

  • December 31, 1980 @ Virrat – The band's earliest documented live show.
  • August 26, 1983 @ Reading Festival – Shared the stage with headliners Black Sabbath and Thin Lizzy.
  • December 1983 @ The Marquee, London – Venue for filming the live album and video All Those Wasted Years.
  • April 23, 1984 @ Rock City, Nottingham – Location where the video The Nottingham Tapes was recorded, just eight months before drummer Razzle's passing.
  • December 4, 1984 @ Trax Club, Detroit – The last appearance featuring drummer Razzle; subsequent tour dates were cancelled following his death on December 8.
  • January 4, 1985 @ Kulttuuritalo, Helsinki – Tribute concert honoring Razzle, with former Clash drummer Terry Chimes stepping in.
  • May 19, 1985 @ Rockerina Festival, Poland – Final show prior to disbandment; performance recorded as Rock & Roll Divorce, showcasing René Berg on bass and Terry Chimes on drums.
  • April 12, 2009 @ Tavastia Club, Helsinki – The closing concert at Tavastia, filmed for the video Buried Alive. Featured original Hanoi members Monroe and McCoy alongside Electric Boys musicians; special appearances by Nasty Suicide and Lacu.
  • September 23, 2022 @ Helsinki Ice Hall – Michael Monroe’s 60th birthday celebration featuring performances from lineups spanning 2001-2004 and 1980-1982 eras. Special guests included Ginger Wildheart, Karl Rockfist, Lenne-Kalle Taipale, Costello Hautamäki, Dave Lindholm, Dregen, Rich Jones, and Steve Conte. Contrary to rumors, A.C. Christell and Conny Bloom did not participate. The event opened with Demolition 23 and was intended as Hanoi Rocks’ farewell concert.

Further reading

  • Ian Christe (2003). Sound of the Beast: The Complete Headbanging History of Heavy Metal. HarperCollins.
  • Bruno Macdonald and Jim Harrington in Robert Dimery (ed.) (2006). 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. Quintet Publishing Limited.

External links

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named LarkinHR
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Official
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