The Henry Rollins Interview

Singer, activist, poet, spoken word artist, DJ, record label owner, and publisher. All of these can easily describe Henry Rollins, who’ll be appearing at Castaways on March 28 for one of his legendary spoken word performances.

Rollins first came to the public’s attention fronting the hardcore punk band Black Flag

Photo: Maura Lanahan

between 1981 and 1986. To say he was a dynamic performer would be from all reports a huge understatement. On stage he wore only a pair of black shorts and by the middle of his tenure with Black Flag, he had begun lifting weights and created an impressive physique.

After Black Flag broke up in 1986, Henry Rollins started the record label and book publisher 2.13.61 Publications, named for his birthday. Since this time he has also formed the Rollins Band and continued his spoken word, writing, acting, DJing, activism, and work as a TC host.

On the acting front, readers have likely seen him, even thought they aren’t aware of it. He had a small part in the amazing movie “Heat,” which notably stars Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. As a side, if you haven’t seen this film, it is really excellent. In addition, he was the host of The Henry Rollins Show on the Independent Film Channel, featuring music and political guests. This show has unfortunately not been renewed.

As an activist Mr. Rollins has taken on a great many issues including, gay rights, opposition to the gulf wars, the case of the West Memphis Three. While opposing the wars, he has however taken part in USO tours. We touch on this in the interview that follows.

This is really just a cursory overview. If you want more information about Henry Rollins, specifically his time with Black Flag, check out the great book, Our Band Could Be Your Life by Michael Azerrad. Or, check out his books, music, website, and of course go see his show at Castaways. He’s a really interesting and talented guy. Needless to say, it was great to get the opportunity to ask him some questions via email.

Dynamic Meter: Do you write differently depending on the whether the final piece will be music or spoken word?

Henry Rollins: I don’t write out speaking stuff.

DM: How did 2.13.61 press come about? Was it a conscious DIY approach?

HR: I started it because I wanted to get my stuff out. I was in Black Flag when I started publishing stuff and definitely learned a lot from working there. There was no other way than DIY.

DM: You’ve toured with the USO to visit troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. How does this fit with your views about the war?

HR: Just fine. Soldiers don’t start wars, leaders do. Armies take orders and that’s it. I don’t like war but my argument isn’t with the soldiers. It’s not even their war, they’re just dying in it. These are corporate wars for basing posture in the region and access to oil to make the Middle East submit. The Military really has little to do with it. So, I like the troops very much, it’s this fake war that is obscene to me, what happens in war, what it turns people into, it’s just pathetic and totally avoidable.

DM: More about Activism. You’re a strong supporter of gay rights and freeing the West Memphis Three as well as others. How does activism influence your work? And vice versa?

HR: I think it’s all part of being responsible and trying to be part of your country’s welfare. As far as influencing my work, I guess it informs what I say onstage to an extent and where I travel to.

DM: You’ve also acted in movies such as “Heat” and TV such as “Sons of Anarchy.” Does acting provide you with a different creative angle than music or spoken word?

HR: Not that I am aware of. It’s just work to me and I am always glad for it.

DM: Black Flag has had a lot of influence. Was there a point when the band was still together that you felt this or did it come later?

HR: Honestly, it’s Greg Ginn’s band and I never felt more than just one of the singers so it may be an influential band but not because of anything I did. It’s Greg Ginn’s songs that you remember. As far as influence, it’s really nothing I think about in a practical sense.

DM: What are you working on now?

HR: I am on tour as well as working on two books and some liner notes for someone’s album.

DM: Who are you listening to or who is inspiring you now?

HR: I am listening to a lot of music from a thing called the Nurse With Wound list. My road manager has a lot of the albums so I have been checking them out