Michael Monroe Rocked NYC to the core
by itsme1 on 3/1/16Gramercy Theatre - New YorkRating: 5 out of 5Tonight the answer to the question "is Rock dead?" was answered with a resounding NO !!! Co-headliner (Swedish rockers) Hardcore Superstar helped to get the crowd ready for the return of Finland's own MICHAEL MONROE. The glam/punk legend did NOT disappoint. The near sold out crowd was on their feet getting their collective arses kicked and begging for more. The Michael Monroe band is filled with legends, journeymen and all out stars in their own right. Sami Yaffa (Michael Monroe's long time co-conspirator and fellow member of Hanoi Rocks) on bass, Karl Rockfist (Danzig / Chelsea Smiles) drums, Rich Jones (Black Halos / Ginger Wildheart Band) guitar and local NY rocker Steve Conte (NY Dolls, Steve Conte NYC) guitar. This is a very dangerous band! This is not merely a touring band it is a full on group. They have recorded 3 records with the basic nucleus of four with Rich Jones being the newest member. They blew through new tracks such as "This Aint No Love Song" and the Dee Dee Ramone penned "Under The Northern Lights". The crowd sang along to the new single from the BLACKOUT STATES cd "Going Down with The Ship" (a song about standing side by side against all odds and never wavering). The set was also heavy with tried and true classics from the Hanoi Rocks Era and Michael Monroe's deep solo catalog. "Man with No Eyes" from The NOT FAKIN' IT cd, "Ballad of the LES" (Monroe's homage to the time he lived in NYC) from the HORNS AND HALOS cd. "Trick of the Wrist", "78" from the SENSORY OVERDRIVE cd as well as some tracks from the underground classic, long lost, punk revival cd DEMOLITION 23. The band was high energy and fierce in it's delivery and the captain of the ship (Michael Monroe) proved once again why he is one of the best front men to ever wield a microphone. He jumped, pranced, ran and climbed all over the stage, guardrails, side bars and tables. The was NO obstacle that he couldn't overcome. He was like a panther stalking it's prey. He was fast and sharp and his vocal performance is astonishing. The show was run on pure adrenaline and dripped with sweat from everyone. As his lyrics suggest "Got Blood if you want it, I'll bleed it for you every night..." It was a sight to behold. I am still shaking from the rush. I can only hope you get to see this band while they are still very much at the top of their game. And get the new cd BLACKOUT STATES.