Demolition 23

This New York, USA-based rock band whose rise to prominence was initially sponsored by three of the band members’ former occupation - as part of legendary sleaze rockers Hanoi Rocks. That band sundered with the death of drummer Razzle in 1984, since which time Michael Monroe, Nasty Suicide and Sam Yaffa had involved themselves in a variety of solo and group projects. However, none of these proved satisfactory, and in the summer of 1993 Demolition 23 was born. Guitarist Jay Hening (d. April 1997) joined them for a 10-week residency at the downtown Manhattan club, the Grand. An unusual tenure for a new band, their popularity was confirmed by a set that mixed Hanoi Rocks standards with US punk rock anthems drawn from the Dead Boys, New York Dolls, Heartbreakers, MC5 and the Stooges. Guest performers included Joey Ramone (Ramones), Ian Hunter, Kory Clarke (Warrior Soul) and Sebastian Bach (Skid Row). With the band now established as Monroe (vocals, harmonica), Suicide (guitar), Yaffa (bass) and Jimmy Clark (drums), they recorded their debut album in five days at the Power Station in New York. An important collaborator was Steven Van Zandt, who produced and also co-wrote much of the material. Released in Japan in June 1994, where the Hanoi legacy still burns strong, it was eventually welcomed as a return to form when released in mainland Europe and the USA.