The other issue with the book is the weak English translation, which is laden with typos, misspellings, incorrect grammar and punctuation, and the like. The info in said epilogues is nice, but it would have been nice if we could get more info on it, especially considering someone like Michael Monroe has a pretty substantial non-Hanoi career, not to mention he still tours and does solo shows with ex-Hanoi bandmate Sam Yaffa. So the narrative of the book skips from the mid 80s to the early 2000s without warning.
The large size of the book means it’s not really practical to read if you’re traveling or on the go, as many other band’s biographies are.Īnother issue is that the book doesn’t cover the band members’ non-Hanoi material, aside from some brief worded epilogues. There’s a wealth of information and some great photographs to be experienced here, but one can’t help but wonder if it would be better as two separate volumes, one covering the photos and the visual aspect, and one which is exclusively the band’s biography. Clearly, the author wasn’t sure if he wanted to make a Hanoi Rocks autobiography or a coffee table book. However, as much as I like the book, it’s not perfect. It’s also worth noting that the book includes a 7” single of previously unreleased sessions, giving fans another incentives to get it. In addition to photos being featured on several of the pages of text, there are a handful of sections devoted exclusively to photos. From band photo shoots and concerts to more casual shots of the group members, it’s an impressive array which shows the band from angles not often captured in musician biographies. The photos deserve plenty of praise as well, as the author has compiled an impressive collection from various sources, including the former band members’ own vaults. There are also lengthy discography sections at the back, chronicling pretty much every album/reissue/etc. You’ll see the band’s story not only from the point of view of an omnipotent author/narrator, but also the individuals involved themselves, which helps to paint a picture from various perspectives, which is something this story requires. The stories in here must be heard to be believed the band certainly had their share of debauchery! It’s impressive how many interviews with former band members and other associates and fellow musicians were compiled for the book. You’ll see rare photographs of the band, including many of the lesser-known members and lineups. That said, I’m sure fans will love it.Īs far as the positives go, there’s a ton of info to be had here. The book is a wealth of information anyone who’s a fan of the group, though it does suffer from a poor English transaction and editing, and an uneven approach between an autobiography and a coffee table book.
While not the first book covering the band (I unfortunately haven’t read any of the others), it’s one which attempts to be truly comprehensive. The group was a massive influence on many bands in the 80s, many of whom eventually and ironically eclipsed them in popularity.
Hanoi Rocks is one of my favorite bands ever, and if you’re reading this review, odds are they’re one of your favorites too.
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