Michael Monroe
When Hanoi Rocks folded, following the death of drummer Razzle in 1984, Monroe took several years off before deciding to start again and build a solo career. In 1988, NIGHTS ARE SO LONG emerged on the independent Yahoo label, featuring a mixture of originals and covers of songs by the Heavy Metal Kids, Johnny Thunders, MC5 and the Flamin' Groovies. This low-key comeback was a soul-cleansing process for Monroe, before he signed to Mercury Records, and threw himself back into the spotlight with all guns blazing. Recruiting Phil Grande (guitar), Tommy Price (drums), Kenny Aaronson (bass) and Ed Roynesdal (keyboards), he recorded NOT FAKIN’ IT, a streetwise selection of sleazy rock ‘n’ roll numbers, delivered in Monroe's inimitable, gutter-cat style. The album was well received and the tour to support it was a triumph. It also suggested that Monroe had been the lynchpin in Hanoi Rocks, as all the other Hanoi spin-offs had met with little success.