Hanoi Rocks

Formed in the Finnish capital of Helsinki in 1979, Hanoi Rocks were led by two charismatic figures. Singer Michael Monroe (real name Matti Fagerholm) was the most glamorous rock star of his generation, looking like the bastard son of Mick Jagger and Brigitte Bardot.
Guitarist and chief songwriter Andy McCoy (born Antti Hulkko) had a darker presence, styled on Keith Richards. The band’s name was inspired by the heroin song Chinese Rocks, recorded by Johnny Thunders and The Heartbreakers, and in Hanoi’s decadent sound and image were echoes of Thunders’ other legendary group, the New York Dolls.
After relocating to London in 1981, Hanoi Rocks’ raw early records and electrifying live shows saw them hyped as the next big thing by Sounds and Kerrang! By 1984 they were riding high, signed to major label Columbia for the album Two Steps From The Move. But on December 8, 1984, disaster struck.
In Los Angeles during a US tour, several band members attended a party at the home of Mötley Crüe singer Vince Neil. When they ran out of beer, a heavily intoxicated Neil drove to a liquor store, with Hanoi drummer Razzle – Nicholas Dingley, an Englishman – as passenger. On the way back, Neil crashed into another car. Razzle was killed instantly. Both occupants of the other car were seriously injured. Neil escaped unharmed.