Sami Yaffa
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Sami Yaffa
I see his name mentioned a bunch. Was in Jetboy, Hanoi, and played with Johnny Thunders.
What did/does he do for a living? Seasonal construction gigs? Wash dishes in a restaurant? Or did he work for a club or some other venue?
The guy has been in bands for ages, but none of them could have paid the equivalent of minimum wage.
There are others like him out there. Asking about Yaffa because I just noticed his name popping up in the Jetboy thread.
What did/does he do for a living? Seasonal construction gigs? Wash dishes in a restaurant? Or did he work for a club or some other venue?
The guy has been in bands for ages, but none of them could have paid the equivalent of minimum wage.
There are others like him out there. Asking about Yaffa because I just noticed his name popping up in the Jetboy thread.
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Re: Sami Yaffa
He's the fucker that Vince didn't kill.
Sobriety sucks.
Sobriety sucks.
Re: Sami Yaffa
Also played with Joan Jett, New York Dolls and The Hellacopters. Is currently in Michaeln Monroe`s band and also tours and records as a solo artist. He has also had a few seasons of his own TV show Soundtracker where he explores different music cultures around the globe. Also is an author of a comic book and subject of a biography.DemonFilth2001 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 09, 2024 2:08 pm I see his name mentioned a bunch. Was in Jetboy, Hanoi, and played with Johnny Thunders.
What did/does he do for a living? Seasonal construction gigs? Wash dishes in a restaurant? Or did he work for a club or some other venue?
The guy has been in bands for ages, but none of them could have paid the equivalent of minimum wage.
There are others like him out there. Asking about Yaffa because I just noticed his name popping up in the Jetboy thread.
Guess he makes his living from little streams of income. He is also married to a famous art photographic.
Last edited by kanister on Tue Jan 09, 2024 2:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Sami Yaffa
Right. But none of the musical gigs would have paid shit. He would need to do quite a few simultaneously.kanister wrote: ↑Tue Jan 09, 2024 2:26 pmAlso played with Joan Jett, New York Dolls and The Hellacopters. Is currently in Michaeln Monroe`s band and also tours as a solo artist. He has also had a few seasons of his own TV show Soundtracker where he explores different music cultures around the globe. Also is an author of a comic book and subject of a biography.DemonFilth2001 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 09, 2024 2:08 pm I see his name mentioned a bunch. Was in Jetboy, Hanoi, and played with Johnny Thunders.
What did/does he do for a living? Seasonal construction gigs? Wash dishes in a restaurant? Or did he work for a club or some other venue?
The guy has been in bands for ages, but none of them could have paid the equivalent of minimum wage.
There are others like him out there. Asking about Yaffa because I just noticed his name popping up in the Jetboy thread.
Guess he makes his living from little streams of income. He is also married to a famous art photographic.
Guess if you tour constantly, you don't need to pay rent, utilities, for a car etc...
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Re: Sami Yaffa
He is in Monroe’s solo band, & has been for the last 15 years or so, which, given the amount that they record and tour overseas (and occasionally in the States), I’m guessing provides enough for a living.
I know that each of member of Hanoi Rocks got paid a lump sum of lower 6 figures when Uzi-Suicide/Geffen released their back catalog back in ‘89. Sam is smart, and I’m guessing he spent and/or invested his money wisely.
I know that each of member of Hanoi Rocks got paid a lump sum of lower 6 figures when Uzi-Suicide/Geffen released their back catalog back in ‘89. Sam is smart, and I’m guessing he spent and/or invested his money wisely.
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Re: Sami Yaffa
I’m not familiar with Hanoi or their catalog, but every time l see the the name Sami Yaffa, i think the dude is the coolest looking rock guy of all time. 72 Keith Richard’s cool. I can’t say that for most anyone else in the industry.
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Re: Sami Yaffa
I wouldn't say "of all time" but he's definitely up there. He has 'presence' without any need to be a showy frontman - in fact quite the opposite.ParaDime77 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 09, 2024 5:23 pm I’m not familiar with Hanoi or their catalog, but every time l see the the name Sami Yaffa, i think the dude is the coolest looking rock guy of all time. 72 Keith Richard’s cool. I can’t say that for most anyone else in the industry.
Re: the original questions, he's toured a lot, like signed on for several years at a time with bigger names, so he knew he would be getting sufficient salaray. I also read somewhere that he was originally a graphic designer so if he's kept those skills up it's a relatively easy job to keep going on the road.
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Re: Sami Yaffa
Nicest guy in rock'n'roll I have ever had encounters with. Just all around cool guy.
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Re: Sami Yaffa
He also played on two New York Dolls albums if that means anything. Big name but not sure how much they sell.GoodJudge wrote: ↑Tue Jan 09, 2024 11:21 pmI wouldn't say "of all time" but he's definitely up there. He has 'presence' without any need to be a showy frontman - in fact quite the opposite.ParaDime77 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 09, 2024 5:23 pm I’m not familiar with Hanoi or their catalog, but every time l see the the name Sami Yaffa, i think the dude is the coolest looking rock guy of all time. 72 Keith Richard’s cool. I can’t say that for most anyone else in the industry.
Re: the original questions, he's toured a lot, like signed on for several years at a time with bigger names, so he knew he would be getting sufficient salaray.
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Re: Sami Yaffa
I saw Michael Monroe's band a few years ago, great show!
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Re: Sami Yaffa
He has homes in Helsinki, Finland and Mallorca, Spain. Also a summer cabin in Finland. He's been smart with his money I guess.
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Re: Sami Yaffa
To echo others, Sami has done lots of musical work basically all the time in tons of different ground and seems he is very busy constantly.
Michael Monroe band is always doing quite a lots of touring (locally those are fairly high profile shows and venues), when not doing full line up shows, then some acoustic gigs in between. I am sure he gets decent paycheck from those. Also he has lately done smaller scale solo gigs and for example just recently finished a Finnish Christmas tour with few other high profile artists.
To add, Sami is a high profile celebrity locally. He has been a co-coach with Michael Monroe on The Voice of Finland TV show, which obviously has been huge visibilty for him. Last year he was a part of the jury in other big music TV show.
And like already said Sami is an award winning music journalist who has done Soundtracker TV and radio show about different music cultures from all around the world, also has hosted other radio shows.
So one could say he is probably doing OK.
Michael Monroe band is always doing quite a lots of touring (locally those are fairly high profile shows and venues), when not doing full line up shows, then some acoustic gigs in between. I am sure he gets decent paycheck from those. Also he has lately done smaller scale solo gigs and for example just recently finished a Finnish Christmas tour with few other high profile artists.
To add, Sami is a high profile celebrity locally. He has been a co-coach with Michael Monroe on The Voice of Finland TV show, which obviously has been huge visibilty for him. Last year he was a part of the jury in other big music TV show.
And like already said Sami is an award winning music journalist who has done Soundtracker TV and radio show about different music cultures from all around the world, also has hosted other radio shows.
So one could say he is probably doing OK.
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Re: Sami Yaffa
His autobiography (The Road Bends) is available on Amazon. Very good read.
Re: Sami Yaffa
With only knowing what I've read in this thread, "married to a famous art photographic" seems the likely answer. That, and he and/or his famous art photographic spouse come from cash.
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Re: Sami Yaffa
Her name is Meeri Koutaniemi and she seems rather successful with a long career so that and investing the Geffen money wisely can explain how Sami can get by on "minimum wage music gigs".
Her parents are a psychologist and a renowned architect (designed two airports and some monuments, recently deceased) so probably not poor either.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meeri_Koutaniemi
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Re: Sami Yaffa
https://www.koutaffa-ceramics.com/
They make ceramic tits with his wife.
They make ceramic tits with his wife.
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Re: Sami Yaffa
And she's 23 years younger than him.......(the guy is truly underrated). Hanoi Rocks was "done" before she was even born!
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Re: Sami Yaffa
He was a rocker in a marginal band. Got a check from Geffen. You think he subscribed to Barron, Wall Street Journal, and Investor's Business Daily? Fuck no. I'm sure that cash got partied away QUICK.Love_Industry wrote: ↑Wed Jan 10, 2024 8:07 amHer name is Meeri Koutaniemi and she seems rather successful with a long career so that and investing the Geffen money wisely can explain how Sami can get by on "minimum wage music gigs".
Her parents are a psychologist and a renowned architect (designed two airports and some monuments, recently deceased) so probably not poor either.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meeri_Koutaniemi
SO...his wife comes from an upper middle class family. That's the answer.
Thanks!
I may read his book now...
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Re: Sami Yaffa
Just got done reading his book. Before getting back with Monroe he did have to work different jobs in between gigs, especially while living in the US. He talks about money struggles throughout his book, but seems to always get by. Also, he never lived beyond his means which has helped. He is a bit of a minimalist who likes to move around a lot. Was a decent enough read that hardcore fans would love.
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Re: Sami Yaffa
""""""""""""""""What did/does he do for a living? Wash dishes in a restaurant?""""""""""""""""""DemonFilth2001 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 09, 2024 2:08 pm I see his name mentioned a bunch. Was in Jetboy, Hanoi, and played with Johnny Thunders.
What did/does he do for a living? Seasonal construction gigs? Wash dishes in a restaurant? Or did he work for a club or some other venue?
The guy has been in bands for ages, but none of them could have paid the equivalent of minimum wage.
There are others like him out there. Asking about Yaffa because I just noticed his name popping up in the Jetboy thread.
Very ignorant to say...
""""""""""""""""""""The guy has been in bands for ages, but none of them could have paid the equivalent of minimum wage."""""""""""""""""""""""""
How would you know what Hanoi Rocks makes, made or pays him, last week or 30 years ago? You don't.
What do you know about his life? His family? Finland? His history beyond some random stuff you read on the internet?
In truth... nothing... which is why you are asking this question. Fair?
But thinking he washes dishes for a living or makes minimum wage is lame.
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Re: Sami Yaffa
DemonFilth2001 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 09, 2024 2:30 pmRight. But none of the musical gigs would have paid shit. He would need to do quite a few simultaneously.kanister wrote: ↑Tue Jan 09, 2024 2:26 pmAlso played with Joan Jett, New York Dolls and The Hellacopters. Is currently in Michaeln Monroe`s band and also tours as a solo artist. He has also had a few seasons of his own TV show Soundtracker where he explores different music cultures around the globe. Also is an author of a comic book and subject of a biography.DemonFilth2001 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 09, 2024 2:08 pm I see his name mentioned a bunch. Was in Jetboy, Hanoi, and played with Johnny Thunders.
What did/does he do for a living? Seasonal construction gigs? Wash dishes in a restaurant? Or did he work for a club or some other venue?
The guy has been in bands for ages, but none of them could have paid the equivalent of minimum wage.
There are others like him out there. Asking about Yaffa because I just noticed his name popping up in the Jetboy thread.
Guess he makes his living from little streams of income. He is also married to a famous art photographic.
Guess if you tour constantly, you don't need to pay rent, utilities, for a car etc...
"""""""""""""""""""Right. But none of the musical gigs would have paid shit.""""""""""""""""""
How would you know this?
Did you ever tour with Joan Jett? Or any of the other artists?
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Below are links for my music & merch!
RLS Website = http://www.tuffcds.com
eBay = http://www.ebay.com/usr/tuffcds
iTunes = https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/tuff/id76844864
Amazon = http://www.amazon.com/Tuff/e/B000AP8QZ6 ... mus_dp_pel
RLS Website = http://www.tuffcds.com
eBay = http://www.ebay.com/usr/tuffcds
iTunes = https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/tuff/id76844864
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Re: Sami Yaffa
This!Hellsinkey wrote: ↑Wed Jan 10, 2024 1:37 am He has homes in Helsinki, Finland and Mallorca, Spain. Also a summer cabin in Finland. He's been smart with his money I guess.
$tEvil
Below are links for my music & merch!
RLS Website = http://www.tuffcds.com
eBay = http://www.ebay.com/usr/tuffcds
iTunes = https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/tuff/id76844864
Amazon = http://www.amazon.com/Tuff/e/B000AP8QZ6 ... mus_dp_pel
RLS Website = http://www.tuffcds.com
eBay = http://www.ebay.com/usr/tuffcds
iTunes = https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/tuff/id76844864
Amazon = http://www.amazon.com/Tuff/e/B000AP8QZ6 ... mus_dp_pel
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Re: Sami Yaffa
All of this!endstand wrote: ↑Wed Jan 10, 2024 2:34 am To echo others, Sami has done lots of musical work basically all the time in tons of different ground and seems he is very busy constantly.
Michael Monroe band is always doing quite a lots of touring (locally those are fairly high profile shows and venues), when not doing full line up shows, then some acoustic gigs in between. I am sure he gets decent paycheck from those. Also he has lately done smaller scale solo gigs and for example just recently finished a Finnish Christmas tour with few other high profile artists.
To add, Sami is a high profile celebrity locally. He has been a co-coach with Michael Monroe on The Voice of Finland TV show, which obviously has been huge visibilty for him. Last year he was a part of the jury in other big music TV show.
And like already said Sami is an award winning music journalist who has done Soundtracker TV and radio show about different music cultures from all around the world, also has hosted other radio shows.
So one could say he is probably doing OK.
$tEvil
Below are links for my music & merch!
RLS Website = http://www.tuffcds.com
eBay = http://www.ebay.com/usr/tuffcds
iTunes = https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/tuff/id76844864
Amazon = http://www.amazon.com/Tuff/e/B000AP8QZ6 ... mus_dp_pel
RLS Website = http://www.tuffcds.com
eBay = http://www.ebay.com/usr/tuffcds
iTunes = https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/tuff/id76844864
Amazon = http://www.amazon.com/Tuff/e/B000AP8QZ6 ... mus_dp_pel
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Re: Sami Yaffa
His bandmate mr. Suicide was in the same situation, got a masters degree and worked as university lecturer and medical researcher / advisor so why not?DemonFilth2001 wrote: ↑Wed Jan 10, 2024 5:09 pmö
He was a rocker in a marginal band. Got a check from Geffen. You think he subscribed to Barron, Wall Street Journal, and Investor's Business Daily?
All Sami needed to do was keep the Geffen money in an index fund until peak Nokia
Re: Sami Yaffa
The words "DemonFilth" and "critical thinking ability" have NEVER been seen in the same sentence. Except that one.Love_Industry wrote: ↑Thu Jan 11, 2024 12:56 amHis bandmate mr. Suicide was in the same situation, got a masters degree and worked as university lecturer and medical researcher / advisor so why not?DemonFilth2001 wrote: ↑Wed Jan 10, 2024 5:09 pmö
He was a rocker in a marginal band. Got a check from Geffen. You think he subscribed to Barron, Wall Street Journal, and Investor's Business Daily?
All Sami needed to do was keep the Geffen money in an index fund until peak Nokia
Re: Sami Yaffa
This.MetalSludgeCEO wrote: ↑Wed Jan 10, 2024 5:55 pm""""""""""""""""What did/does he do for a living? Wash dishes in a restaurant?""""""""""""""""""DemonFilth2001 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 09, 2024 2:08 pm I see his name mentioned a bunch. Was in Jetboy, Hanoi, and played with Johnny Thunders.
What did/does he do for a living? Seasonal construction gigs? Wash dishes in a restaurant? Or did he work for a club or some other venue?
The guy has been in bands for ages, but none of them could have paid the equivalent of minimum wage.
There are others like him out there. Asking about Yaffa because I just noticed his name popping up in the Jetboy thread.
Very ignorant to say...
""""""""""""""""""""The guy has been in bands for ages, but none of them could have paid the equivalent of minimum wage."""""""""""""""""""""""""
How would you know what Hanoi Rocks makes, made or pays him, last week or 30 years ago? You don't.
What do you know about his life? His family? Finland? His history beyond some random stuff you read on the internet?
In truth... nothing... which is why you are asking this question. Fair?
But thinking he washes dishes for a living or makes minimum wage is lame.
$tEvil
The way people try to pidgeonhole people's level of wealth based on tiny bits of info is hilarious.
You never know how much someone is worth. People everyone assumes must be rich are broke as a joke, people who people think "must wash dishes to make ends meet" might've been a millionaire since they were 20, yada yada.
It's the silliest shit.