Whilst Hanoi were still together, Andy recorded two tracks with the Urban Dogs (Charlie Harper and Alvin Gibbs from UK Subs & Knox from the Vibrators), and also contributed to two albums released by the Fallen Angels (Knox from the Vibrators again, alongside Razzle, Nasty & Sam from Hanoi).
Being the major songwriter and guitarist in Hanoi Rocks, it was no surprise following their disintegration in 1985 that Andy McCoy was quick to re-group. His new band, Cherry Bombz, featured Nasty Suicide (also ex-Hanoi Rocks), Terry Chimes (ex-Clash/Lords of the New Church), Anita Chellemah (ex-Toto Coelo vocalist) and Dave Tregunna (ex-Sham 69 and The Lords Of The New Church). Although the presence of a female singer seemed to give free reign to his more suggestively sexual lyrics, McCoy's songs were still a fine mix of New York Dolls trash, UK style punk, with a touch of bluesy rock 'n' roll. Cherry Bombz toured Europe, released a few singles and a live album, but Chellemah didn't get along with the band and was eventually fired. Andy and Nasty already had a separate acoustic project, The Suicide Twins, and they toured in Finland, releasing an album 'Silver Missiles And Nightingales'.
Both bands broke up, and Andy moved to Finland to make a new start. He recorded a solo album called 'Too Much Ain't Enough' in 1988, then moved on to the United States.
Andy joined Iggy Pop's band in 1988 for a world tour (playing alongside Alvin Gibbs once again), and added guitars to the UK Subs 1989 album 'Killing Time'. Following his fairly low-key solo album he was offered a deal by a major record company, relocated to Los Angeles, and formed Shooting Gallery with Dave Tregunna and Billy G Bang (having both just finished in Kill City Dragons) and Jo from Dogs D'Amour. They released one album in 1992 and then toured the US with KISS, but serious drug problems eventually signalled the end of the end of the band. Also in 1992, Andy played on the album 'Bent With Prey' by Snatches of Pink.
Andy continued to write songs whilst keeping a low profile, and in May 1995 he released a new album 'Building On Tradition' with the Live Ammo band, featuring his wife Angela Nicoletti (an ex-girl friend of Izzy Stradlin from Guns n' Roses), Gyp Casino (ex-Hanoi Rocks) on drums and Dan Lagerstedt (Rolene, Easy Action) on bass. The same year he contributed (and played on) an unreleased song to the album 'Savage Garden' by 69 Eyes, and also hooked up again with Pelle Miljoona, adding vocals and guitar to at least two tracks.
In 1996, Andy helped 69 Eyes record a cover of 'Vietnamese Baby' (by the New York Dolls) for the Johnny Thunders/Jerry Nolan tribute album 'Stranded In the Dolls House' (released in Japan). He then recorded and released an album with his old friend Pete Malmi, revisiting his early, pre-Hanoi days with Briard. Following this, he embarked on a small acoustic tour of Finland with Pelle Miljoona and Dave Lindholm.
In 1998 he fell from a 3rd floor balcony in Helsinki. One leg was broken and he wounded his face, causing him to spend some time in hospital, and requiring a wheelchair and crutches whilst recovering. At the same time Finnish movie director Pekka Lehto was making a documentary movie of Andy's life, which was eventually completed in January 1999. 'The Real McCoy' included a guest appearance from Michael Monroe and was released on video in February 2000. A movie soundtrack album was also released, featuring both old and new songs.
There are rumours that Andy is writing a autobiography, but no release dates have been announced. He is currently involved in a reformed version of Hanoi Rocks, with Michael Monroe and three other musicians.
IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU'LL LIKE ANDY McCOY: Hanoi Rocks, New York Dolls, Keith Richards, The Faces, Guns N' Roses, The Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Iggy & the Stooges, Johnny Thunders, Stiv Bators, UK Subs.
http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=182