Although Cheetah Chrome, who passed away on Sunday September 14, is best remembered – and rightfully so!!! – for his peerless performances with the Dead Boys, truly one of New York (and, therefore, the United States)’s most unique and powerful punk bands, his career subsequently saw his razorsharp guitar unleashed alongside a plethora of other artists, from New York DollSylvain Sylvain to Jeff Dahl; from 69 Eyes to the UK Subs.
Most recently, however, his focus was on a new album, set to be released next year by Cleopatra Records – a label with which he has been associated for several years, and for whom he opened his archive to reveal some of the most electrifying of all unreleased Dead Boys recordings.
In that time, he also became one of the label’s dearest and most valued friends, both musically and socially.
For all who knew and loved him, however, his final project might well be his most meaningful, a celebration of the Dead Boys that he summed up just a few months ago, with typical Cheetah economy and humor, by saying, “The whole thing is PFG… Pretty Fucking Good.”.
The album is fronted by a variety of guest singers, including Cheetah as well as Hanoi Rocks frontman Michael Monroe, who gave us thoughts on the legend that was Cheetah, and the music they made together.
“So sad to hear that the legendary Cheetah Chrome is gone.
“He was a dear friend and one of the last true Punk Rock’n’Roll icons.
“The past couple of years I’ve been working with him on a “Dead Boys Celebration”- Album (with Cheetah Chrome & Friends) which is going to be great. It features some cool guest singers as well as Cheetah and myself on vocals, doing some old Dead Boys & Cheetah stuff and some of Cheetah’s favourite cover songs.
“The band featured Clem Burke on drums, Glen Matlock on bass and Cheetah on guitar, with James Williamson guesting on one track on guitar. I guess now that record will be even more significant when it comes out.
Michael Monroe unleash the unapologetic and electrifying third single ‘Shinola’, taken from the forthcoming studio album Outerstellar, due for release this Friday, February 20th via Silver Lining Music.
‘Shinola’ takes aim at a morally corrupt emotional leech who exploits everyone in their orbit, only to reap the isolation they’ve sown. It’s a razor- sharp, crowd-rallying anthem that transforms collective exasperation into raw, liberating release.
“‘Shinola’ was obviously originally written about a certain jerk but unfortunately most of us can relate as we know a lot of them” comments Michael Monroe. “There’s a lot of negative, ignorant idiots in the world and sometimes it’s good to vent frustrations by singing about it. And Karma always gets us in the end anyway!”
Watch/Listen to ‘Shinola’ below – video by Paul M Green.
The new album Outerstellar is an experience as much as a collection of great songs, a sweet smelling, leathery, glitter-shimmered, sweat-soaked raunch and punch wrapped in one of the great voices in rock ‘n’ roll. From loud crashing guitars to harmonicas, to gorgeous acoustic moments, you’ll sing, you’ll dance, you’ll shiver, you’ll shake, and you’ll smell this wonderful exhilarating record in all its weathered biker jacket incense-coated glory and you’ll also realize that whatever the hell is going on in the world right now, when you put this album on, it’s an instant escape to carefree days and an emancipation from worries, fears and woes.
Listen to the first and second video and singles from Outerstellar – ‘Rockin’ Horse’ and ‘Disconnected’ – and watch the videos here – videos by Leigh Brooks.
Outerstellar will see a whole burst of life when
Michael Monroe and band bring it to stages internationally over the course of the year. The first glimpse will happen on the Buckcherry UK co-headline tour, kicking off in Southampton on February 24, where fans will get to experience some of these new tracks live for the very first time. For a full list of upcoming shows and tickets visit: michaelmonroe.com
2026:
24 Feb The 1865, Southampton (UK) 25 Feb O2 Ritz, Manchester (UK) 27 Feb KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton (UK) 28 Feb Northumbria Institute, Newcastle (UK) 1 Mar SWG3, Glagsgow (UK) 3 Mar Tramshed, Cardiff (UK) 4 Mar The Foundry, Torquay (UK) 6 Mar Rock City, Nottingham (UK) 7 Mar O2 Forum, London (UK) 8 Mar Chalk, Brighton (UK) 3-7 Apr Underground Garage Cruise, Miami (US) to Cozumel (MX) 17 Apr Tavastia Club, Helsinki (FI) 18 Apr Logomo Teatro, Turku (FI) 25 Apr Viking Grace, Turku (FI) 30 Apr Ikaalinen Spa & Resort, Ikaalinen (FI) 1 May House Of Rock Bar, Kouvola (FI) 2 May Finlandia-Klubi, Lahti (FI) 7 May Hyvinkääsali, Hyvinkää (FI) 8 May Espoo Cultural Centre, Espoo (FI) 9 May Mikaeli, Mikkeli (FI) 15 May Lutakko, Jyväskylä (FI) 3-6 June Sweden Rock Festival, Sölvesborg (SE) 3 Jul Kipinä Festival, Helsinki (FI) 10 Jul Hiidenkirnu Festival, Nummela (FI) 17 Jul Vauhtiajot, Seinäjoki (FI) 1 Aug Loisto Festarit, Pudasjärvi (FI) 19 Sep Rock The Sun Festival, Barcelona (ES)
Outerstellar is out this Friday, February 20. To celebrate its release Michael Monroe and band will host a series of exclusive HMV in-store signing sessions across the UK, giving fans the opportunity to meet the band up close, have their albums signed and capture the moment with photos.
Outerstellar is available on Limited Edition 12” White Vinyl, 12” Turquoise Vinyl, 12” Black Vinyl, CD Digipak, Digital Download, Streaming and special D2C bundles.
Band Line-Up: Michael Monroe – Lead vocals, Harmonica Steve Conte – Guitars, Vocals Rich Jones – Guitars, Vocals Karl Rockfist – Drums Sami Yaffa – Bass, Vocals
Michael Monroe releases the irresistibly anthemic second single ‘Disconnected’ from forthcoming new studio album Outerstellar, set for release on February 20th via Silver Lining Music. For pre-orders go to this location.
‘Disconnected’ speaks of something that Michael Monroe feels passionately about: that live music is a rare and vital space for people to find each other in the moment.
“Technology was supposed to bring people closer together, when, in fact, people are more disconnected than ever. They’re looking at their phones and their computers and downloading stuff” comments Michael Monroe. “And, you know, the Internet can’t take away the experience of being at a live show. You’re on stage, and you communicate with the audience who are there, in that moment. That‘s where the magic really happens, and absolutely no program or device or computer can reproduce that!”
Watch/Listen to ‘Disconnected’here– video by Leigh Brooks.
The new album Outerstellar, is an experience as much as a collection of great songs, a sweet smelling, leathery, glitter-shimmered, sweat-soaked raunch and punch wrapped in one of the great voices in rock ‘n’ roll. The harmonies and vibes roll effortlessly in silk scarves, lounging in leather pants with liquor and a smile on a beat-up sofa in those small AM hours. And the sheer attitude, which screams carefree (not careless!) confidence (not arrogance!), a cocksure sense of self-bathed in the sheer joy of playing real rock ‘n’ roll the right way.
The recently released first video and single, ‘Rockin’ Horse’, is a defiant blast against critics and judges and comes with one of the craziest Michael Monroe videos you’ve ever seen. “I am who I am and I’m not going to edit myself for your benefit,” Michael says unequivocally for anyone who might doubt that fact.
Watch/Listen to ‘Rockin’ Horse’ here– video by Leigh Brooks.
Outerstellar Track Listing:
Rockin’ Horse
Shinola
Black Cadillac
When the Apocalypse Comes
Painless
Newtro Bombs
Disconnected
Precious
Pushin’ Me Back
Glitter & Dust
Rode To Ruin
One More Sunrise
From loud crashing guitars to harmonicas, to gorgeous acoustic moments, you’ll sing, you’ll dance, you’ll shiver, you’ll shake, and you’ll smell this wonderful exhilarating record in all its weathered biker jacket incense-coated glory and you’ll also realize that whatever the hell is going on in the world right now, when you put this album on, it’s an instant escape to carefree days and an emancipation from worries, fears and woes.
Outerstellar will see a whole burst of life onstage when Michael Monroe and the band bring it to stages internationally over the next year. It is EXACTLY what rock ‘n’ roll in its truest sense is meant to be, in fact, just stop reading this, get off your ‘Rockin’ Horse’ and go see Michael Monroe on tour at your first opportunity! In support of the release of Outerstellar, Michael Monroe and band will embark on a UK co-headline tour with Buckcherry, kicking off in Southampton on February 24th. For a full list of upcoming shows and tickets visit: michaelmonroe.com – more dates to be announced.
2026:
24 Feb The 1865, Southampton (UK) 25 Feb O2 Ritz, Manchester (UK) 27 Feb KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton (UK) 28 Feb Northumbria Institute, Newcastle (UK) 1 Mar SWG3, Glagsgow (UK) 3 Mar Tramshed, Cardiff (UK) 4 Mar The Foundry, Torquay (UK) 6 Mar Rock City, Nottingham (UK) 7 Mar O2 Forum, London (UK) 8 Mar Chalk, Brighton (UK) 3-7 Apr Underground Garage Cruise, Miami (US) to Cozumel (MX)
Band Line-Up: Michael Monroe – Lead vocals, Harmonica Steve Conte – Guitars, Vocals Rich Jones – Guitars, Vocals Karl Rockfist – Drums Sami Yaffa – Bass, Vocals
Surprises are rare and wonderful. When music decides to just show up and strut and rock and roll and stomp with swagger, swing and raw energy all over you, that’s the rarest surprise and Michael Monroe does not disappoint with his brand new studio album, Outerstellar, set for release via Silver Lining Music on February 20th 2026.
The first video and single taken from Outerstellar, ‘Rockin’ Horse’ is out now and can be watched/streamed at this location – video by Leigh Brooks.
“Rockin’ Horse is a cool, rockin’ song that we made a great fun video for with the fantastic director Leigh Brooks,” comments Michael Monroe. “We got into different characters on the so called ‘Waking Up With Michael Monroe’ TV morning show with me as the host. And it’s the first time ever you can see me without make up(!). Great fun and good times. Hope you enjoy it!”
‘What ‘genre’ is Michael Monroe?’ Oh, go and throw yourself back into the shoebox you restrict yourself to if you need a genre… How about ‘sweet smelling leathery sweat wrapped in one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll voices?’ How about ‘harmonies and vibes swimming in silk scarves and lounging on a beaten sofa in leather pants, with the AM hours alive and the melodies so, so intoxicating?’ And how about ‘attitude! Which screams carefree not carelessness, confidence not arrogance, a cocksure sense of self-bathed in the sheer joy of playing the religious experience of real rock ‘n’ roll.’
From loud crashing guitars to harmonicas, to gorgeous acoustic moments, you’ll sing, you’ll dance, you’ll shiver, you’ll shake, and you’ll smell this wonderful exhilarating record in all its weathered biker jacket incense-coated glory and you’ll also realize that whatever the hell is going on in the world right now, when you put this album on, it’s an instant escape to carefree days and an emancipation from worries, fears and woes.
It is EXACTLY what rock ‘n’ roll in its truest sense is meant to be, and Michael Monroe is handing you permission to get lost in the love of it. In fact, just stop reading this, get off your ‘Rockin’ Horse’ and go see Michael Monroe on tour at your first opportunity! In support of the release of Outerstellar, Michael Monroe and band will embark on a UK co-headline tour with Buckcherry, kicking off in Southampton on February 24th. For a full list of upcoming shows and tickets visit: michaelmonroe.com – more dates to be announced.
2025: 24 Nov Rock Beyond Rock Vol. 2, Osaka (JP) 25 Nov EX THEATER ROPPONGI, Minato City (JP)
2026: 24 Feb The 1865, Southampton (UK) 25 Feb O2 Ritz, Manchester (UK) 27 Feb KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton (UK) 28 Feb Northumbria Institute, Newcastle (UK) 1 Mar SWG3, Glagsgow (UK) 3 Mar Tramshed, Cardiff (UK) 4 Mar The Foundry, Torquay (UK) 6 Mar Rock City, Nottingham (UK) 7 Mar O2 Forum, London (UK) 8 Mar Chalk, Brighton (UK) 3-7 Apr Underground Garage Cruise, Miami (US) to Cozumel (MX)
Outerstellar will be available on Limited Edition 12” White Viny, 12” Turquoise Vinyl, 12” Black Vinyl, CD Digipak, Digital Download, Streaming and special D2C bundles. Available to pre-order now at this location
Outerstellar Track Listing:
Rockin’ Horse
Shinola
Black Cadillac
When the Apocalypse Comes
Painless
Newtro Bombs
Disconnected
Precious
Pushin’ Me Back
Glitter & Dust
Rode To Ruin
One More Sunrise
ROCKIN’ HORSE Lyrics:
All of your imitation soaking me like inundation You never swallow pride it’s all rotten on your insides It’s only rock and roll and I don’t like it, no I love it Haters say what you will and you best believe I’ll rise above it
Yeah, I look this way when I wake up, wake up Shut the fuck up about the makeup, makeup Too many people rockin’ the mic who should be in the wings I never gave up on myself I knew I’d always have to sing
Ain’t gonna give you what you want I’m gonna give you what you need You need a shockin’, a head-knockin’ Get offa your rockin’ horse Get off!
Hey! You don’t get it! When I’m talking it goes in one ear and out the other Brother, sister listen mister you can hear whatcha want Not fakin’ it, life gets you dirty But ya take it on the chin ‘cause you live in the city
We only come out for the nighttime vampires Sucking all the goodness from the moon eternal youth fire Overflowing passion and compassion, not just ninja fashion Come along people ‘cause I got a lot I will be smashin’
Ain’t gonna give you what you want I’m gonna give you what you need You need a clockin’, a good mockin’ Get offa your rockin’ horse
Some punks feel nothing so what is this I’m seeing blood red after your Judas kiss Life’s tough and all is fair in peace and hate So don’t give me that love ‘n light You never take a breath to meditate
Ain’t gonna give you what you want I’m gonna give you what you need Ya big talkin’, keep walkin’ Get offa your rockin’ horse Sucka!
Band Line-Up: Michael Monroe – Lead vocals, Harmonica Steve Conte – Guitars, Vocals Rich Jones – Guitars, Vocals Karl Rockfist – Drums Sami Yaffa – Bass, Vocals
MICHAEL MONROE releases the video for the high-octane title track taken from the album, “I Live Too Fast To Die Young”, out now via Silver Lining Music.
“This one started life as just a song title – a tongue-in-cheek nod to Vivienne Westwood’s ‘Too Fast To Live, Too Young To Die’ t-shirts after I had been gifted one by a fan in Japan” guitarist Rich Jones explains. “It’s a reference to Michael’s seemingly boundless energy and the fact that he’s still kicking ass after all these years.”
“I love reinventing old clichés,” Monroe laughs. “The whole ‘live fast, die young’ cliché is so boring, so I live too fast to die young! It takes more to survive and be here today than to self-destruct and die young!” Monroe affirms.
A close friend of Monroe, Slash from Guns N’ Roses, throws down some lead guitar on the track. “Slash is one of the nicest guys that I know and one of Rock’s greatest guitarists as he’s maintained the spontaneity, the human touch and the heartfelt kick-ass attitude in his playing” Monroe enthuses. “I figured this would be a good one for him to play a solo on, he said he loved the song and that it’s super catchy!”
“Having Slash play an absolutely ripping guitar solo on it was a real honour and it’s since become a fan favourite in our live shows” adds Jones.
I Live Too Fast To Die Young is available now on CD Digipak, 12” Red Vinyl, Digital Download, Streaming and special D2C bundles at this location.
Michael Monroe and gang are getting ready to join Black Star Riders on their 2023 UK tour along with Motörhead’s Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons. The tour will kick-off on February 13th at Nottingham’s Rock City and conclude at London’s 02 Shepherds Bush Empire on February 26th. For tickets and more information please visit: www.michaelmonroe.com/web/
2023 UK Tour Dates (with Black Star Riders and Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons):
13 Feb – Nottingham, Rock City
15 Feb – Norwich, UEA
16 Feb – Ipswich, Corn Exchange
17 Feb – Manchester, O2 Ritz
18 Feb – Wolverhampton, KK’s Steel Mill
19 Feb – Leeds, O2 Academy
21 Feb – Cardiff, Tramshed
22 Feb – Bristol, O2 Academy
23 Feb – Glasgow, SWG3
24 Feb – Newcastle, O2 City Hall
26 Feb – London, O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
I Live Too Fast To Die Young encompasses eleven lean, mean, raw slices of rock ‘n’ roll joy and it is clear that Michael Monroe continues to stride with a triumphant -and perhaps most importantly, defiant- roar to offer you a chance to let your hair down (or up!) and to enjoy the freedom of joyous celebration and expression. The album is available now on CD Digipak, 12” Red Vinyl, Digital Download, Streaming and special D2C bundles at this location.
Listen to the recently released ‘Murder The Summer Of Love’, ‘Can’t Stop Falling Apart’, ‘Everybody’s Nobody’ and ‘Derelict Palace’ here.
BAND LINE-UP:
Michael Monroe – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone
On All Hallows’ Eve MICHAEL MONROE released the video for the majestically dark single, “Derelict Palace”, taken from the album, I Live Too Fast To Die Young, out now via Silver Lining Music.
“Derelict Palace” is about watching someone that you care about disappear into drug addiction’ guitarist Rich Jones explains. Musically, the track takes on a melodic sombre tone. “I had been listening to a lot of post-punk when I wrote it – Echo & The Bunnymen, Psychedelic Furs, The Church – and I wanted to see if we could push the band in that kind of musical direction” adds Jones.
The single is aptly accompanied with an eerie yet mesmerising video showing the band performing in a desolate, gothic, manor house, including scenes of Monroe flicking a switchblade knife gifted to him recently in Milan by none other than Alice Cooper himself.
Michael Monroe adds, “the song was written about people who get a little too into drugs and before you know it, they kind of disappear from all of the people and things that they used to love. Of course that’s sad but that said, there’s something cool about being an outcast and not fitting in… This is one of my favorite songs off the I Live Too Fast To Die Young album and it adds a nice new dimension to my band’s sound and style. Plus, we found the perfect place to film the video for it!”
At a time when it seems increasingly hard to remain positive, I Live Too Fast To Die Young encompasses eleven lean, mean, raw slices of rock ‘n’ roll joy. Even when the key goes minor, Monroe’s music always seems to retain at the very least a hopeful edge, something he ascribes to a specific Finnish quality.
“Finnish people are experts in melancholia,” Monroe affirms, “and a lot of that melancholia – certain chords and sounds, even though they’re minor keys – is not necessarily sad. It’s just kind of a melancholic feeling that feels good in the end.”
Michael Monroe and gang will be joining Black Star Riders on their 2023 UK tour along with Motörhead’s Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons. The tour will kick-off on February 13th at Nottingham’s Rock City and conclude at London’s 02 Shepherds Bush Empire on February 26th. For tickets and more information please visit: www.michaelmonroe.com/web/
2023 UK Tour Dates (with Black Star Riders and Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons):
13 Feb – Nottingham, Rock City
15 Feb – Norwich, UEA
16 Feb – Ipswich, Corn Exchange
17 Feb – Manchester, O2 Ritz
18 Feb – Wolverhampton, KK’s Steel Mill
19 Feb – Leeds, O2 Academy
21 Feb – Cardiff, Tramshed
22 Feb – Bristol, O2 Academy
23 Feb – Glasgow, SWG3
24 Feb – Newcastle, O2 City Hall
26 Feb – London, O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
I Live Too Fast To Die Young is available now on CD Digipak, 12” Red Vinyl, Digital Download, Streaming and special D2C bundles at this location.
Listen to the recently released ‘Murder The Summer Of Love’, ‘Can’t Stop Falling Apart’ and ‘Everybody’s Nobody’ here.
I LIVE TOO FAST TO DIE YOUNG TRACK LISTING:
01 – Murder the Summer of Love
02 – Young Drunks & Old Alcoholics
03 – Derelict Palace
04 – All Fighter
05 – Everybody’s Nobody
06 – Antisocialite
07 – Can’t Stop Falling Apart
08 – Pagan Prayer
09 – No Guilt
10 – I Live Too Fast to Die Young
11 – Dearly Departed
BAND LINE-UP:
Michael Monroe – lead vocals, harmonica
Steve Conte – guitars, vocals
Rich Jones – guitars, vocals
Karl Rockfist – drums
Sami Yaffa – bass, vocals
Recorded and mixed by Erno “Error” Laitinen at Inkfish Studios, Helsinki, Finland
Produced by Erno “Error” Laitinen, Michael Monroe, Rich Jones, Sami Yafa, Steve Conte & Karl Rockfist
Mastered by Svante Forsbäck at Chartmakers
ADDITIONAL MUSICIANS:
Slash – guitar solo & additional guitars on “I Live Too Fast To Die Young”
Lenni-Kalle Taipale – Piano on “Antisocialite” & “Can’t Stop Falling Apart”
Suvi Aalto & Astrid Nicole – Additional backing vocals on “Can’t Stop Falling Apart” & “Murder The Summer Of Love”
Neil Leyton – Additional backing vocals on “Everybody’s Nobody”, “Murder The Summer Of Love” & “All Fighter”
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
