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“Ilike rock’n’roll to have alittle bit of dirt and some drunkenness and the element of surprise.” Meet Hanoi Rocks legend Sami Yaffa’s new band The Sideshows
Hanoi Rocks bassist Sami Yaffa has formed a new band, The Sideshows, with singer-guitarist Rich Ragany and drummer Simon Maxwell, and released a self-titled debut album. The project marks another chapter in Yaffa’s long rock career, following work with Hanoi Rocks, the revived New York Dolls and Michael Monroe.
Yaffa says he alternates between music and abstract painting, describing painting as a source of “peace and quiet” and a contrast to rock’n’roll. He believes the two activities feed each other creatively, returning to music when he runs out of ideas for painting and vice versa.
In short
- Sami Yaffa has launched The Sideshows with a debut album.
- The band includes Rich Ragany and Simon Maxwell.
- Yaffa balances rock music with abstract painting.
Explained simply
Sami Yaffa is a bassist best known for his work with Hanoi Rocks, an influential Finnish rock band that built a cult following during the 1980s. Over a long career, he has also played with the revived New York Dolls and collaborated with singer Michael Monroe.
The Sideshows is Yaffa's new musical project, formed with guitarist and singer Rich Ragany and drummer Simon Maxwell. The band has released their self-titled debut album.
Beyond his life in rock music, Yaffa is also an accomplished abstract painter. He views both creative pursuits as interconnected, alternating between music and painting and drawing inspiration from each discipline for the other.