Hanoi Rocks’ Michael Monroe recently sat down for an interview with Vintage Rock Pod and shared some of his memories with Axl Rose while noting that he disagrees with those who criticize his attitudes.
Monroe’s first meeting with Axl Rose was rather unconventional as the Guns N’ Roses icon gatecrashed Monroe’s ‘Dead, Jail or Rock ‘N’ Roll’ music video shoot in 1989 to tell the singer that he was a major fan of Hanoi Rocks. A good friendship started between them that day. They shared many good conversations and memories during their friendship that lasted for nearly 30 years.
The Guns N’ Roses frontman is known for being edgy and rather aggressive. It is even possible to find video compilations of him being pissed off on stage. However, there have been incidents proving that his attitude has softened. For example, he apologized to their fans for his voice despite doing a great job at a concert in Brazil, and Axl’s apology surprised many people, considering his previous reputation.
Although the Guns N’ Roses vocalist has a notorious reputation, Hanoi Rocks frontman Michael Monroe recently shared how polite and friendly he actually is. He recalled that one day when Rose was on stage and suddenly flew forward as if someone had pushed him from behind. They had a tape of the incident, and there was clearly no one behind him. So, Michael humorously said that the frontman had ‘serious demons‘ chasing him.
During his conversation, in which he said he loves Rose and thinks he is a brilliant man, Monroe added that he does not care about what others say because the frontman has always approached him politely and friendly. Finally, he praised his friend’s musical talent, adding that he still thinks he’s doing a great job on stage.
Michael Monroe’s opinion of Axl Rose follows:
“We had some really cool conversations. There was one where he said they had a video. He was on stage at a show once, and he felt somebody push him from behind where he’s like, they flew ahead, and I was like, ‘Whoa.’ But he didn’t see anybody there. And they watched the video, and he seems like flying forward, but there was nobody there. So, I mean, he has some serious demons chasing him. I was like, wow, that’s everything.
Really cool, smart guy and really polite and always friendly to me. I don’t care what they say. I love the guy. I think he’s great. And I think he’s doing a great job now with opening up with them in London. I heard he was singing great. I know they canceled a gig in Glasgow after it because of some voice problems. To me, it was great. Really good. I’m so glad that they’re still touring, they are a real band.”
You can check out the full interview on Youtube below.
