Henry Rollins
Vocalist Henry Rollins (b. Henry Garfield, 13 February 1961, Washington DC, USA) quickly returned to action following the break-up of Black Flag, releasing HOT ANIMAL MACHINE, followed by the DRIVE-BY SHOOTING EP (under the pseudonym Henrietta Collins and the Wifebeating Childhaters). The Rollins Band was eventually formed in 1987 with Chris Haskett (guitar), Andrew Weiss (bass) and Sim Cain (drums). The group developed their own brand of hard rock, with blues and jazz influences, over several studio and live albums, building a considerable following with their heavy touring schedule. Rollins’ lyrics dealt with social and political themes, often unashamedly exorcising personal demons from a troubled childhood. The sight of the heavily-muscled and tattooed frontman on stage, dripping sweat and roaring out his rage, is one of the most astonishing, memorable sights in hard rock music, topping off an enthralling live act. Their commercial rise began with the opening slot on the first Lollapalooza tour, exposing the band to huge audiences for the first time. THE END OF SILENCE was a deserved success, and contained some of Rollins’ most strikingly introspective lyrics. Just Like You narrated his difficulty in dealing with his similarities to an abusive father: ‘You should see the pain I go through, When I see myself I see you’. Rollins’ spoken word and publishing activities (his regime is one which allows for little more than a few hours sleep each night) also drew major media interest. An accomplished and experienced spoken word performer with several albums to his credit, Rollins’ often hilarious style is in distinct contrast to his musical persona, and has drawn comparisons to Lenny Bruce and Denis Leary (though, in contrast, he implores his audiences not to destroy themselves with ‘poisons’ like alcohol and tobacco). Despite the humour, there is a serious edge to his words, best animated in the harrowing story of the murder of his best friend, Joe Cole, within feet of him. Rollins’ workaholic frame also levers his own publishing company, 2.13.61 (after his birthdate), which has grown from very small beginnings in 1984 to publish a wide range of authors, including Rollins’ own prolific output. He also has a music publishing enterprise, Human Pitbull, and co-owns a record label with Rick Rubin, dedicated to classic punk reissues—Rollins himself having graduated from the infamous late '70s Washington DC ‘straight edge’ scene and bands like SOA. He has additionally broken into film acting, appearing in THE CHASE and JOHNNY MNEMONIC. Back with the Rollins Band, WEIGHT, produced by long-time soundman Theo Van Rock, saw the first personnel change since the band's inception, with Melvin Gibbs replacing Weiss, and adding a funkier spine to the band's still intense core.