In a new conversation with Classic Rock, Michael Monroe picked the most underrated rock band.
“The Ruts,” the singer replied when asked about the most underrated band ever. “They were amazing, incredible players, and Malcolm Owen’s attitude… What a frontman.”
He added, “They didn’t get a long enough career, but were everything that a four-piece band should be in those days. One of my favourite groups of all time.”
The Ruts, later known as Ruts DC, were an English punk rock band that was formed in 1977. They are known for the 1979 UK hit ‘Babylon’s Burning.’ The band’s success ended when lead singer Malcolm Owen died from a heroin overdose in 1980. They continued as Ruts D.C. until 1983, then split up. The band reunited in 2007.
Monroe recently had to postpone two shows in Finland after breaking his ribs at the Planet Rockstock festival in South Wales. He explained the accident on Instagram, saying, “As you know, at times I get up on the railing that’s in front of the audience, separating them from the stage, and stand there singing, holding on to people’s hands.”
The vocalist continued, “I always look for a firm grip but some people don’t realize that I depend on them to stay up there. So now, just as I’m pulling myself up on the railing and before I’d managed to find my balance, the guy whose hand I relied on, suddenly slipped his hand out of mine at the worst moment.”
“I completely lost my balance and fell backwards thinking ‘Oh sh*t, this is gonna hurt!’ I hit my back full force on the edge of the stage and broke my ribs. I got back up on the railing & on the stage & finished the song,” Monroe noted.
In the rest of his message, Monroe said he managed to finish the set, even doing a jump at the end, despite knowing his ribs were broken. After a painful trip back to Finland, a doctor confirmed the injury. He’s thankful for the well wishes and assured fans he would be fully recovered in six weeks.
