Sami Yaffa is a bass-guitarist most famous for his time with the legendary Hanoi Rocks, however, since 2004 he also plays with the legendary New York Dolls. As if it weren’t enough already, Sami also played with other rock luminaries like Joan Jett, Jetboy, as well as Alison Gordy. In addition, he has recently joined ex-Hanoi frontman Michael Monroe’s new outfit – no doubt set to become another legendary band. That’s a lot of legends to add to ones resume! So, how does Sami relax? By playing in yet another band of course, namely his own. Mad Juana offer a steamy concoction derived of Balkan beats, punk, reggae, some Mariachi and Spanish infusions plus various other world music. Just check them out!

Right now, Sami is firmly back in rock ‘n’ roll territory and getting ready for the upcoming New York Dolls gig next week in Camden.
Music-News pixie Claudia A. pinned him down for an interview to find out more about the man and the legends.

Music-News:
The New York Dolls are playing the Koko as their only UK-concert – why only this one concert?

Sami Yaffa:
We just played London and various other UK cities in December plus, we want to do some continental shows this time around.

MN:
One of the songs the Dolls will be playing is ‘Jet Boy’ as a tribute to the late Malcolm McLaren. Your thoughts on McLaren?

SY:
I did not know him personally, but no doubt he was a major shaker in the mid-70's and influenced on how punk rock music turned out.

MN:
Another number the band will be playing is ‘We’re All In Love’, which also features on the soundtrack album to the movie ‘Kick-Ass’. Seen the film yet?

SY:
No, I actually just found out the song is on it.

MN:
You’ve joined the new band of your former Hanoi Rocks comrade Michael Monroe, with NY Dolls buddy Steve (Conte) likewise having joined in. How’s it going so far?

SY:
We've been havin’ a blast with it, looking forward to the Download Festival in June and other various festival dates this summer.

MN:
You also have your own musical outfit ‘Mad Juana’ rolling. So which doll is your favorite to play with – the Juana doll, the NY doll, or the Monroe doll?

SY:
They are all like dear children, I can’t really make up my mind which is my favorite, they sure keep my skinny ass busy!

MN:
For NY Dolls and also for M. Monroe Band you play bass, whereas in Mad Juana you play acoustic guitar due to the band’s rather ‘global music’ sound… Why won’t you play both instruments in your band?

SY:
I'm actually switching to bass with Mad Juana after finally finding a guitar player I love.

MN:
You cite Gogol Bordello and Balkan Beat Box as a musical influence. What’s your fascination with gypsy punk/gypsy jazz?

SY:
Definitely Gogol Bordello, It’s my favorite live band and has been so for a looong time - energy, innovation, fearlessness. Plus, I love them as people.

MN:
Originally you are from Finland – do you keep an active interest in what’s going on in the Finnish rock scene?

SY:
Not really, I haven’t lived there in 30 years. I check out what’s going on there when I visit and usually find something cool and interesting.

MN:
You also cite Aki Kaurismäki’s rock ‘n’ roll road movie ‘Leningrad Cowboys Go America’ as an influence. In what way does the film resonate with you, other than the Finnish connection?

SY:
Its one of the funniest movies ever made!! I absolutely love it and it brings back my Finnish semi- morbid and deadpan sense of humor. One of my favorite movies ever!

MN:
Will you be writing/co-writing some of the material for the next Dolls album?

SY:
I certainly hope so. I love writing, performing, hanging with the Dolls, mi raza!!

MN:
You played in so many different bands (Jetboy, Joan Jett, Alison Gordy, Hanoi Rocks to name but a few) and obviously continue to play with different bands. How do you prioritize and also, do you get enough ‘ME-time’ with so much happening?

SY:
I need ME-time!!! I thank God that I have and continue to play with these amazing artists, it’s hard to prioritize but so far everything has been flowing pretty cool.

MN:
Cheers for the interview, Sami – and best wishes for all your projects.

SY:
Cheers to yourself! See you at Koko!!