Interviewed by Brian Rademacher
Date: February 2007

Brian Rademacher: Hello Michael! It’s truly a pleasure to talk with you today!

Michael Monroe: Hello.

Brian Rademacher: When you were growing up what was the first band that really excited you as a child?

Michael Monroe: BLACK SABBATH.

Brian Rademacher: Do you remember the first record you ever received as a kid?

Michael Monroe: Yes, it was a classic record; LED ZEPPELIN 2 was the first rock record in my family, Then ALICE COOPER’s “Love It To Death”.

Brian Rademacher: How about the first concert you ever attended?

Michael Monroe: It was SLADE in Helsinki, 1972.

Brian Rademacher: As a youth, what was the worst thing you ever did and your parents found out?

Michael Monroe: I left home for good.

Brian Rademacher: When you first started singing were you in any talent shows in school?

Michael Monroe: No.

Brian Rademacher: What were some of the bands that were being played on the radio in your younger years?

Michael Monroe: NAZARETH, the ROLLING STONES, MOTT THE HOOPLE, ALICE COOPER, CCR, FACES, SLADE, QUEEN, etc.

Brian Rademacher: What band had the biggest impact on you as a kid?

Michael Monroe: ALICE COOPER.

Brian Rademacher: What kind of kid were you in school?

Michael Monroe: The one with the longest hair… I did not mess with the other kids and they didn’t mess with me.

Brian Rademacher: Did you play any sports?

Michael Monroe: A bit of ice hockey as a goalkeeper, and some ski-jumping. I’ve always loved swimming, even to this day.

Brian Rademacher: During your many years in the music industry have people asked you or tried to have you change your image?

Michael Monroe: YES, many times. I’ve usually had a good laugh about it in their face.

Brian Rademacher: Is there anyone in the music business that you would like to work with that you haven’t, and why?

Michael Monroe: LITTLE RICHARD – because he’s the best. He’s my hero and the true king of Rock ‘N’ Roll.

Brian Rademacher: If you could change anything in your music career what would that be?

Michael Monroe: NOTHING.

Brian Rademacher: What song do you have the most fun singing live?

Michael Monroe: All of them.

Brian Rademacher: Tell us a little about your relationship with Slash . How was it working with him? Do you keep in touch? Is it possible you might work with him again?

Michael Monroe: I’ve always had a great time working with Slash , and the outcome has always been great. We keep in touch mostly by phone nowadays. Sure, I’d love to work with him again.

Brian Rademacher: You are working on the new CD. How’s that coming along?

Michael Monroe: Very good and promising. This one’s gonna be a killer.

Brian Rademacher: Will there be any special guest appearances by other rockers?

Michael Monroe: Very possible, but it’s too early to say yet.

Brian Rademacher: Do you have a title yet?

Michael Monroe: Yeah, a working title, but I still gotta discuss it with the guys.

Brian Rademacher: Will HANOI ROCKS tour the USA in 2007?

Michael Monroe: If all goes well as planned, hopefully so!

Brian Rademacher: What are some of the things you ask for on your tour rider?

Michael Monroe: Bottled spring water, an assortment of fruits, Gatorade and dry clean towels.

Brian Rademacher: I don’t want to get political on you, but did you happen to see the ending of Saddam, and do you have any reaction towards his hanging?

Michael Monroe: No, I didn’t see it but it is quite shocking that someone can be executed like that in this day and age. Let alone how one person can commit a mass murder just like that. I do not support the death penalty and I do not approve of killing of any kind. Until I see the day when there’s no war of any kind on this planet, I’ll say this world’s leaders are insane.

Brian Rademacher: Last question, if you did not go into the music field. What do you think you would be doing now?

Michael Monroe: I guess some type of art form, maybe drawing cartoons or something. I am somewhat of a cartoon character myself.

Brian Rademacher: Michael, it’s been a lot of fun and I wish you and the band success with the new CD. Would you like to say anything in conclusion?

Michael Monroe: Thanx to you & all the readers. Do not miss a chance to see HANOI ROCKS LIVE and get ready for a new killer record from us. See you down the road!
LOVE, PEACE AND ROCK’N ROLL,
MICHAEL MONROE