Formed by theatre director Hannu Raatikainen [fi], theatre actor Esko Varonen, and film actor Markku Peltola (best known for his frequent appearances in the films of Aki Kaurismäki, including a starring role in the Oscar-nominated Man Without a Past), the band was strongly influenced by performance art and incorporated European theatrical traditions alongside aesthetics influenced by Australian Aboriginal music and Japanese Noh theatre.
Following the three original members, Peter Rajanti joined the band in 1987, followed by Jakke Kivelä in 1990.
Writer Saku Heinonen summed the band up with the description, "Theatre, music, performance, blasphemy," but mused that 20 years on the band had become in Finland "a cultural institution [despite being created for the very] purpose [of] resisting cultural institutions and all kinds of structures.
"[1] The band released three full-length albums on the Finnish label Seal on Velvet, followed by a retrospective anthology in 2000.
[2][3][4] Following Peltola's death in December 2007, Motelli Skronkle has continued to exist for reunion concerts, consisting of Hannu Raatikainen, Esko Varonen and Peter Rajanti.