Former HANOI ROCKS frontman Michael Monroe has been invited to Finland’s annual President’s Independence Day reception, set to take place on December 6. The event — one of the main features on the country’s social calendar — is broadcast on television and many of Finland’s best known politicians, executives, academics, artists and others who have had significant achievements during the year can be seen formally greeting the president before taking a twirl on the dance floor.

Commented Monroe: “[This is] a great honor and very exciting!” He added, “Like I’ve said before, I think our President is the coolest — she likes rock ‘n’ roll! Last time I met her was at the John Fogerty concert at the Pori Jazz Festival in Finland (see photo).”

The first reception at the president’s palace was held in 1919.

Michael‘s latest album, “Sensory Overdrive”, was released in the U.S. and Canada on August 23 via Spinefarm/Universal. The CD, which was released in Europe on March 14 via Universal Music subsidiary Spinefarm Records, features guest appearances by MOTÖRHEAD‘s Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister and three-time Grammy-winning country/folk singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams.

“Sensory Overdrive” was recorded in Los Angeles with legendary producer Jack Douglas, who has previously worked with AEROSMITH, JOHN LENNON, CLUTCH, SLASH’S SNAKEPIT and NEW YORK DOLLS, among many others.

Monroe in June recruited Dregen (real name: Andreas Tyrone Svensson) of Swedish sleaze rockers BACKYARD BABIES to be the guitarist of Monroe‘s solo band following the departure of Ginger (THE WILDHEARTS).

Source: Blabbermouth.net