Legendary rocker MICHAEL MONROE has long been at the forefront of breaking music barriers. This spring he returns with a highly anticipated new group that was announced today, Monday, January 25th at a press conference hosted by pro-skater, video director and MTV personality Bam Margera at Swing House Rehearsal & Recording Studios in Hollywood, CA.

News about an upcoming album and US tour dates, plus details about the Michael Monroe Mobile Backstage application for mobile devices - the personal hotline between the fans and Monroe's band anywhere in the world at any given time - was unveiled as well.

The band, Michael Monroe, features bassist Sami Yaffa who has played with a remarkable variety of bands including HANOI ROCKS, NEW YORK DOLLS and JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS, and guitarist Ginger who has dazzled audiences over the world with his band THE WILDHEARTS.

Also on guitar is Todd Youth, the master fretman who has played with many top-tier hard rock ensembles including DANZIG, MOTÖRHEAD, GLEN CAMPBELL, SAMHAIN, D GENERATION and most recently CHELSEA SMILES.

Rounding out the band is drummer Jimmy Clark, whose resume includes providing rhythm for the likes of DEBORAH HARRY (who would later introduce him to Michael Monroe), Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, GLEN BURTNICH, RICK DERRINGER, WYNONNA, BLACKHAWK and THE VAN ZANT BOTHERS. Jimmy also played in Michael´s band DEMOLITION 23 which also included Sami Yaffa.

Coming off the Hanoi Rocks rebirth from 2002-2009, Michael Monroe makes his long-awaited mark on America starting with SXSW and West Coast US dates in March with his incredible team of players. In addition to a schedule of exclusive live performances, which also includes east coast dates in May, Michael Monroe and his band are set to enter the studio in the spring to record a new album for the fall.

Fans can keep up with Michael Monroe and his players via the Michael Monroe Mobile Backstage mobile application available now for free through Apple’s iPhone/iPod application store and at www.michaelmonroe.com. With this, Michael Monroe's followers everywhere can experience everything that happens on the road and backstage exclusively in real time through their mobile phone. In addition to viewing and sharing videos, pictures and messages both ways directly with the band, they can comment and rate all material and also connect with other fans. The application works in iPhone, iPod Touch, most of Nokia & Sony Ericsson phones and many of LG's & Samsung's models.

Catch the one and only Michael Monroe on tour this spring at the following dates:

March

11 San Francisco, CA Paradise Lounge

12 Hollywood, CA Viper Room

13 San Diego, CA Brick By Brick

14 Redondo Beach, CA The Brixton

15 Las Vegas, NV Wasted Space @ Hard Rock

TBD Austin, TX SXSW

More on Michael Monroe: michaelmonroe.com, myspace.com/michaelmonroeofficial.