Michael Monroe and Hanoi Rocks have often been called the founding fathers of Hollywood’s glam-rock scene. When you think about the bands that were influenced by the Hanoi Rocks look and sound, it reads as a “who’s who” of rock and roll. The short list includes Guns N’ Roses, Poison, L.A. Guns, Ratt, Murderdolls, Skid Row and the Foo Fighters, just to name a few.

And when you talk about “rockstars,” Michael Monroe most definitely deserves to be included in the conversation. The 61-year-old, Finnish-born rocker formed Hanoi Rocks with his friend and guitarist Andy McCoy in 1979. Despite numerous tragedies, breakups and reunions, Monroe continues to set the pace today.

The band’s landmark 1982 sophomore effort, Oriental Beat was released against their wishes as they were unhappy with how it sounded and considered it to be a “disaster.” (Fun fact: the original album features backing vocals by Katrina Leskanich, the lead singer of Katrina and the Waves).

The boys in Hanoi Rocks get their shot at redemption on Friday, March 17 as a reissue of Oriental Beat is set to drop. Remixed from the recently unearthed masters, the album was finally produced as they feel it should have been done 40 years ago.

Monroe calls this release “the longest and slowest album recording project ever,” stating that “40 years in the making, it’s not just a remix, but the REAL MIX, supervised and approved by Hanoi Rocks.”

Tracks like “Motorvatin'” and “Devil Woman” were ahead of their time and easily could have dominated the DIAL MTV phone lines in 1987. Monroe’s glammed-out image could have been plastered on bedroom walls, alongside iconic front men of the day, Bret Michaels, Vince Neil and Jon Bon Jovi.

The title track, along with songs like “Sweet Home Suburbia,” and “Visitor,” showcase primary songwriter Andy McCoy’s talent at what some regard to be the peak of his creativity. Punk angst at its finest.

Not to be overlooked is Monroe’s stellar saxophone work, his instrument of choice before he committed to becoming a vocalist, on tracks like “Teenangels Outsiders,” and “Don’t Follow Me.” 

The album’s closer, “Fallen Star,” resembles a classical composition with an extraordinary piano backdrop. A questionable choice to end a pure punk/glam/rock record, indeed. 

It’s hard not to wonder “what if” when it comes to the original release of Oriental Beat. Would Hanoi Rocks have taken off and become the juggernaut that many thought they would be? Would they have been able to stand the test of time (and grunge) as some of the bands they so heavily influenced have done today?

Second chances are hard to come by. Michael, Andy and Hanoi Rocks get theirs on St. Patrick’s Day this year. Despite their Finnish heritage, let’s hope the luck of the Irish is with them as their songs are finally released as they want them to be heard – 40 years later!

I’m Music Magazine Writer Steve Pawlowski