Henry Rollins

[bard]

I'm not a fan of the punk genre at all, but I'm completely obsessed with Henry Rollins' spoken word material. True, it's not all political, but I would say that about half of it is, and he's a really interesting guy.

Anyone else a fan? Of him or his views in general?

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

I'm not a big fan of Black Flag, but I love Rollins's persona. As a film nerd, he needs to pursue more character actor roles. I thought "Get In the Van" was an enjoyable read. As for his spoken word, from what I remember of what I heard, he made alot of good points.

[hello299]

Never heard of his political stances, but I can assume he is a flaming liberal.

[bandnamexmyname]

I've never really followed his political views, but he's a darn funny comedian.

[lilRIPsta]

i dont really like Black Flag, but have always been fascinated with Henry Rollins

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Never heard of his political stances, but I can assume he is a flaming liberal.


So you assume liberals are flaming?!?! That's ignorant!

[hello299]

So you assume liberals are flaming?!?! That's ignorant!

Haha not what I meant at all. Just an expression.

Also, I certainly didn't want to cause an uproar. Just stating that like most "punk rock" people he is very far left on all issues.

[caveBEAR]

Never heard of his political stances, but I can assume he is a flaming liberal.

:rolleyes:

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Haha not what I meant at all. Just an expression.

Also, I certainly didn't want to cause an uproar. Just stating that like most "punk rock" people he is very far left on all issues.

There weren't many pro-Reagan punx in the 80s, except maybe Michale Graves.

[bard]

Has anyone seen his spoken word live? He goes for three or more hours with no intermission, without missing a beat.

If I had to classify him into ANY "political" group at all, the closest thing would be liberal... I guess...

I would just say he's for human's rights, first and foremost.

[hello299]

There weren't many pro-Reagan punx in the 80s, except maybe Michale Graves.

The only conservative in punk that I know of was Johnny Ramone. Haha he shocked/angered alot of people at his rock n roll HOF speech.

[flask]

No matter what you think of his music he's a really cool guy to listen to.

[Gumbyjag]

Gotta love Rollins. His speaking is dead-on most of the time.

[zion the lion]

He always seems just so spitting mad.

[ayerock]

Fucking awesome dude. Common sense

[SomethingClever]

love this guy. read a recent interview with him that was pretty cool

http://www.officiallyayuppie.com/2009/09/exclusive-henry-rollins-intv.html

[deFobbed14yrs]

love his show on IFC

[aloneatlastnj]

been obsessed with his spoken word for a long time. his bit on seeing KISS and the eric the pilot record are phenomenal.

[bard]

It's KISS-tory!

[.invisible ink.]

i love love love him. i even named one of my dogs after him.

[jacko86]

Has anyone seen his spoken word live? He goes for three or more hours with no intermission, without missing a beat.

If I had to classify him into ANY "political" group at all, the closest thing would be liberal... I guess...

I would just say he's for human's rights, first and foremost.

I have seen him live. He is an intense man. Likewise, in Kent Ohio, he went for 3 hours without a sip of water and no intermission. Furthermore, he researches the area he is speaking in, so his topics are very relevant, fresh, and interesting. He is well read and passionate. Both of those sides show very well. One of my favorite memories.

I also agree with your statement about his politics. He is definitely a social liberal and is for human rights. However, he never really stepped so far into one side that would offend the opposing views. It seems that he tries to see both sides of the spectrum and point out what is working with both sides and what can be fixed with both sides.

Furthermore, as the OP said, not everything he talks about is political. He brings a lot of insight to music, literature, pop culture, and current events.

You don't have to be a fan of Black Flag or punk in order to relate to him. However, it does help. He did bring up a good story about him and Ian Mackaye (Fugazi, Minor Threat, The Evens) which was great to hear since I am a fan of that genre.

If you ever get a chance to see him, take it.

[jacko86]

been obsessed with his spoken word for a long time. his bit on seeing KISS and the eric the pilot record are phenomenal.


I've listened to the Eric the Pilot album so many times and it has never failed to make me laugh.

[iwasahero]

People who say they don't like Black Flag...

:squint:

[aloneatlastnj]

I have seen him live. He is an intense man. Likewise, in Kent Ohio, he went for 3 hours without a sip of water and no intermission. Furthermore, he researches the area he is speaking in, so his topics are very relevant, fresh, and interesting. He is well read and passionate. Both of those sides show very well. One of my favorite memories.

I also agree with your statement about his politics. He is definitely a social liberal and is for human rights. However, he never really stepped so far into one side that would offend the opposing views. It seems that he tries to see both sides of the spectrum and point out what is working with both sides and what can be fixed with both sides.

Furthermore, as the OP said, not everything he talks about is political. He brings a lot of insight to music, literature, pop culture, and current events.

You don't have to be a fan of Black Flag or punk in order to relate to him. However, it does help. He did bring up a good story about him and Ian Mackaye (Fugazi, Minor Threat, The Evens) which was great to hear since I am a fan of that genre.

If you ever get a chance to see him, take it.

that ian mackaye one -- is that the one about the various jobs he and ian had (baskin robbins, etc)? that one is great as well. like you said - you don't need to be into black flag/rollins band or sway to a particular side politically to enjoy what he has to say about all those things you mentioned, unlike wanting to see bill maher or the daily show/jon stewart or something.

he is a realist who gives a shit about the things going on in his life and tells shit like it is. hell, just hearing him tell life stories is fascinating. he's an INCREDIBLE story teller. i could listen to him talk about 2 girls 1 cup and i'd be completely enthralled.

[aloneatlastnj]

People who say they don't like Black Flag...

:squint:

just put on damaged. i could listen to tv party every day - love that bass line.

[jacko86]

that ian mackaye one -- is that the one about the various jobs he and ian had (baskin robbins, etc)? that one is great as well. like you said - you don't need to be into black flag/rollins band or sway to a particular side politically to enjoy what he has to say about all those things you mentioned, unlike wanting to see bill maher or the daily show/jon stewart or something.

he is a realist who gives a shit about the things going on in his life and tells shit like it is. hell, just hearing him tell life stories is fascinating. he's an INCREDIBLE story teller. i could listen to him talk about 2 girls 1 cup and i'd be completely enthralled.


The Ian Mackaye story you mentioned is an older one from one of his albums, which is hilarious. I love the idea of Ian putting rat poison capsules into the line of ice cream topping choices.

However, the one he told was a new one about him and Ian going to see a Bad Brains show that was in D.C. on either election day or the day that Obama was inaugurated. It was good to hear a new story because it seems Rollins is always updating his show.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

He was born Henry Garfield

[aloneatlastnj]

The Ian Mackaye story you mentioned is an older one from one of his albums, which is hilarious. I love the idea of Ian putting rat poison capsules into the line of ice cream topping choices.

However, the one he told was a new one about him and Ian going to see a Bad Brains show that was in D.C. on either election day or the day that Obama was inaugurated. It was good to hear a new story because it seems Rollins is always updating his show.

is that from his newest album? i haven't heard that one yet but it's the night before the election or something. seems like a real cool talking record.

[jacko86]

is that from his newest album? i haven't heard that one yet but it's the night before the election or something. seems like a real cool talking record.


Not sure. It was a story that I heard live. I hope it appears on his new album.

[aloneatlastnj]

Not sure. It was a story that I heard live. I hope it appears on his new album.

awesome. can't wait until he comes around the area again. i'm gonna jump on going to see him ASAP.

[jacko86]

awesome. can't wait until he comes around the area again. i'm gonna jump on going to see him ASAP.


It's worth it. I think I only paid $20 to see him speak for 3 straight hours. I've paid more to see comedians and spoken word (such as Lewis Black) and got an entertaining, but scripted show that wasn't nearly as long.

[open mind]

i'm sure i'd like him more if he didn't remind me so much of my brother-in-law.

[samsara]

I think it would be really cool to listen to him and his stance on things.

[aloneatlastnj]

listening to his newest record now - the production is a little different on this one. it sounds like a true "live" album where the recording mic is in the crowd somewhere. you can hear the crowd's reactions more and they overpower henry's voice often, so you're fighting with their random and loud laughs trying to hear what he has to say post-punchline for the entire thing. there's also an echo in the room rather than a soundboard recording that creates a pristine sound like his talk is cheap records. the best i can describe it is that someone had a recorder in their hand during the show and made a recording out of it.

it's also the night before the 08 election so it's a bit more politically charged than some of his other stuff.

[aloneatlastnj]

I think it would be really cool to listen to him and his stance on things.

oh it is. if you were to nitpick, his more political stuff leans on the liberal side of things but i think that's almost to be expected from an old punk rock guy from the 80's. really though, he just tells shit like it is regardless of affiliation. the way he tells stories is freakin' incredible and from all the spoken word/stand up guys i've seen and/or listened to he's, hands down, the best i've heard.

[alice-ayres]

He's been in and around here with his spoken word shows a few times. I've just never got my butt to one yet. I will make damn sure I do next time. He is definitely an hero of mine.

[sealion]

he did some spoken word at a club near me about 6 years ago....i had to work.....he has not come back since then. depressing. i occasionally throw on my shock and awe dvd he did which has a lot of commentary about Iraq (i believe it was filmed in 03') but has other great stories about hanging out with William Shatner and cool stuff like that.


and I love black flag. though my fav singer is Keith Morris

[Star Slight]

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