Demolition 23 was a New York-based punk rock band that emerged in the early 1990s, carrying the torch of raucous, raw energy reminiscent of the earlier punk scene. The band was formed by Michael Monroe, who is best known as the lead singer of the influential Finnish glam-punk band Hanoi Rocks, following the disbandment of his previous act. Alongside Monroe, the original line-up included bassist Sami Yaffa, also a former member of Hanoi Rocks, guitarist Jay Hening, and drummer Jimmy Clark. Demolition 23's sound was a nod to the punk roots with a blend of gritty rock 'n' roll, which was evident in their eponymous release, "Demolition 23.", which is often regarded as a high point in the post-Hanoi era of Monroe's career.

Although Demolition 23's existence was brief, the band's impact on the punk and rock scene was undeniable. Their main release, "Demolition 23." served as a singular, potent statement of the band's ethos, delivering unapologetic punk anthems with a streetwise edge. They engaged audiences with their electrifying performances; notably, their live shows at the Hammersmith Palais were memorable events, encapsulating the raw live experience of their powerful and gritty sound. Despite being short-lived, the band's fervor and the subsequent posthumous release of "Hammersmith Palais" and "Hammersmith Palais (Demo)" have helped their legacy endure, marking them as an important footnote in the history of punk rock music and serving as inspiration for those who crave the pure, undiluted spirit of rock rebellion.