Former Hanoi Rocks frontman Michael Monroe is set to release a new studio album, Outerstellar, on February 20 through Silver Lining Music. The record continues his run of straight-ahead rock with bite, and its third single, “Shinola,” already has an official video directed by Paul M Green.
“Shinola” goes after the kind of person most people have run into at some point — someone morally hollow who drains everyone around them until there’s nobody left. The track comes across as sharp and direct, built to turn frustration into something loud and cathartic.
Monroe explained the song’s roots in his usual blunt way: “”Shinola” was obviously originally written about a certain jerk but unfortunately most of us can relate as we know a lot of them. 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!”
To support Outerstellar, Michael Monroe and his band will hit the road for a U.K. co-headline tour with Buckcherry, starting in Southampton on February 24, 2026.
The touring lineup is stacked with familiar names. Bass comes from Sami Yaffa, known for his time in Hanoi Rocks and New York Dolls, and a longtime collaborator with Monroe since the ’80s. Guitar work is handled by Rich Jones, formerly of the Ginger Wildheart band, alongside Steve Conte, who stepped in after Johnny Thunders in New York Dolls and has also played with artists like Suzi Quatro and Eric Burden. Drums come from Karl Rockfist, whose resume includes work with Danzig.
With Outerstellar landing in February and the tour following soon after, Michael Monroe keeps proving that his brand of hard rock still has plenty of fuel left.
